"I am an undocumented American. I was brought here at age twelve."
This quote by Jose Antonio Vargas expresses his identity as an individual who was born in the Philippines but migrated to America illegally when he was twelve years old, growing up without legal documentation in the United States. He self-identifies as an "undocumented American," highlighting the complexities of nationality and immigration status, demonstrating that citizenship is not solely defined by one's birthplace or the laws of a particular country but can also be shaped by experiences, cultural connections, and personal identity.
"We have to tell our stories honestly if we want this country to understand who we are and what we've been through."
This quote emphasizes the importance of truth and transparency in sharing personal experiences, particularly for those belonging to marginalized groups, like immigrants, in order to foster understanding and empathy within society. By honestly narrating one's story, it is possible to help others grasp their struggles, hopes, and identities, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and compassionate nation.
"This is not just a story about me, but also about the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America."
This quote underscores the shared experience and collective struggle of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Jose Antonio Vargas, who himself is an undocumented immigrant, emphasizes that his personal story is representative of a larger group of people, not just an individual case. The quote suggests solidarity, empathy, and a call to action for understanding and addressing the complex issues faced by these immigrants as a community.
"I am not a criminal or a rapist or any of the stereotypes that so many Americans believe define us."
This quote by Jose Antonio Vargas emphasizes the misconception and negative stereotype often associated with immigrants, particularly undocumented ones, in the United States. Vargas asserts his identity as an individual who is not a criminal or rapist, challenging the widespread belief that all immigrants fit into these damaging categories. He seeks to dismantle the false perception that defines immigrants in a negative light, highlighting their diversity and humanity beyond the labels society has imposed on them.
"We are all in the same boat, and we all have to row."
This quote emphasizes unity and shared responsibility in the human experience. It suggests that despite our individual backgrounds, nationalities, or circumstances, we all face common challenges and must contribute to overcoming them collectively. The idea is that everyone has a part to play, just as rowers in the same boat work together to navigate their journey. In essence, it encourages empathy, collaboration, and the understanding that our fates are intertwined.
After I arrived in Mountain View, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area, I entered sixth grade and quickly grew to love my new home, family and culture. I discovered a passion for language, though it was hard to learn the difference between formal English and American slang.
- Jose Antonio Vargas
Of all the questions I get asked as an undocumented immigrant in the United States, there are two - asked in various permutations via email, social media or in person - that chill me to the bone: 'Why don't you just make yourself legal?' And: 'Why don't you get in the back of the line?'
- Jose Antonio Vargas
The film 'Documented,' a project of the nonprofit and nonpartisan Define American campaign, is about my families: the family I was blessed to be born into, and the family of friends, mentors and allies that I found when I moved to the United States at 12, a Filipino kid trying to make sense of my new home in America.
- Jose Antonio Vargas
One day when I was 16, I rode my bike to the nearby DMV office to get my driver's permit. Some of my friends already had their licenses, so I figured it was time. But when I handed the clerk my green card as proof of U.S. residency, she flipped it around, examining it. 'This is fake,' she whispered. 'Don't come back here again.'
- Jose Antonio Vargas
When I'm writing, I can always play around with tense. I can always make past present. I can always kind of manipulate, and I can always be delusional in a way that's completely self-serving. With film, it's like, the camera can't really lie. It can manipulate to a certain extent.
- Jose Antonio Vargas
Facebook's headquarters is a two-story building at the end of a quiet, tree-lined street. Zuckerberg nicknamed it the Bunker. Facebook has grown so fast that this is the company's fifth home in six years - the third in Palo Alto. There is virtually no indication outside of the Bunker's tenant.
- Jose Antonio Vargas
Laws are getting passed in states like Alabama that basically would punish American citizens who are 'harboring' people. Since the federal government hasn't been able to muster or to get comprehensive immigration reform passed, states are taking it upon themselves to police and enforce laws.
- Jose Antonio Vargas
The more successful I got, the more scared I got. My name was all over Google. I had a Wikipedia page I was terrified to look at. And so I just snapped. I thought, 'If I'm going to come out with this, I'm going to do it in a big way. And not just for myself. This can't just be my story.'
- Jose Antonio Vargas
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