Selena Gomez Opens Up About Her Family's Undocumented Immigration Experience
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Selena Gomez's Latest Project
Pop star and actress Selena Gomez is tackling a serious subject with her new project, executively producing the documentary series Living Undocumented for Netflix. The series will "shine a light on eight immigrant families in the US from different countries and backgrounds, all facing possible deportation."
In a new op-ed that she wrote for Time, Gomez opens up about her own family's history with immigration and why she is so passionate about this hot button issue.
Her Family's History
Gomez opens her op-ed by explaining her own family history with undocumented immigration.
"In the 1970s, my aunt crossed the border from Mexico to the United States hidden in the back of a truck. My grandparents followed, and my father was born in Texas soon after. In 1992, I was born a U.S. citizen thanks to their bravery and sacrifice. Over the past four decades, members of my family have worked hard to gain United States citizenship. Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance. "
She's 'Afraid For Her Country'
Gomez acknowledges that this is a hot button issue, but it's not one that should be ignored.
"When I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country."
Politics aside, Gomez urges readers to remember that this is at its core a human issue.
"It is a human issue, affecting real people, dismantling real lives. How we deal with it speaks to our humanity, our empathy, our compassion. How we treat our fellow human beings defines who we are... I understand [the system's] flawed and that we need rules and regulations, but we also have to remember that our country was formed by people who came here from other countries."
She's Not Worried About Backlash
Gomez knows that speaking out on this issue could draw backlash from her fanbase, but she feels responsible to speak up since she is in a position to use her power for the cause.
"...The worst criticism I can imagine is still nothing compared to what undocumented immigrants face every day. Fear shouldn’t stop us from getting involved and educating ourselves on an issue that affects millions of people in our country. Fear didn’t stop my aunt from getting into the back of that truck. And for that, I will always be grateful."
