Immigrants bless and greatly contribute to our community and country. However, when conversations about welcoming refugees or the need for immigration reform arise, they are too often met with the myth that immigrants are a burden.
'Documented' highlights the story and struggle of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas. In 2011, Vargas wrote a New York Times article revealing publicly that he is undocumented. While this film focuses on his experience and life, he represents the 11 million people in the United States without legal status. The film gives insight into the struggles of undocumented immigrants, puts a face on our broken immigration system, and challenges us to reconsider what "American" means.
The Immigrants Are a Blessing Not a Burden campaign, initiated by the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice and World Renew, welcomes the Grand Rapids community to gather to change the conversation about immigrants. As a community we need a unified voice on this issue. Let's come together to learn how we can advocate for a more just immigration system.
Event is free and there will be opportunities to support the ongoing work of the Blessing Not Burden campaign.