Dishing on Immigration

Today I am interviewing immigration activist Wes Watkins. During Covid-19 it became very apparent to Wes that immigrants are not getting the aid they needed. He found inspiration in his friends and neighbors, and teamed up with several organizations in Orange County, California and started a fundraising campaign. Listen to this episode to learn more about Wes and his campaign, Immigrant Relief. Visit his website, https://www.immigrantreliefoc.com and check out his instagram account here. 

Today I am interviewing Naomi, an immigrant and DACA recipient from Mexico. Naomi was brought to the US at the age of 6 and grew up in California. Naomi covers many topics including how immigrating has impacted her life, her culture, and the difficulties of the US immigration system. Learn more about Naomi and her experiences by listening further.

Today I am interviewing attorney, Alicia Morgan. Alicia is originally from Kentucky and now has her own firm, Immigration Lawyers USA in Miami. She found her passion for law and is now working to help many immigrants. Alicia speaks about many important topics like “machismo”, her faith, and laws passed by the administration during Covid-19. Listen to hear more about Alicia and visit her website, www.immigrationlawyersusa.com. 

Today I am interviewing rising freshman, Joanna. She is a first generation American of Mexican heritage currently living in California. Joanna speaks about the struggles many immigrants face today, whether it be deportations or dealing with biases and stereotypes. Furthermore, she reflects on her experience as the daughter of an immigrant and how this shapes her identity. Listen here to learn more about Joanna’s experience.

Listen to my interview with Isadora Velazquez. Isadora was born in Puerto Rico and came to Miami for schooling. She found her passion for immigration law and is now an attorney working to help many people in difficult situations. Listen to hear about her job, inspirations, and check out her instagram page for more information @isalawfirm

Today I am interviewing Toneille, an immigrant from Jamaica. Toneille came to the US as a very young girl and settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She speaks about racial equality, her work as an educator, Jamaican culture, and much more! Learn more about Toneille’s experience and identity by listening further.

Today I am interviewing Desa, an immigrant from Kosovo. Desa came to the US at the age of eight as a refugee fleeing from war in Kosovo. The Kosovo war was a cause of tensions and land disputes between ethnic Albanians, like Desa, and Serbians. Desa speaks of the opportunities the US has brought her and the sad reality of immigration today- that the number of refugees and those in need that are actually granted asylum continues to decrease due to new immigration policies. Learn more about what Desa has to say by listening to this episode.

Today I am interviewing Elda, an immigrant from Albania. Elda came to the US aspiring for a better life and economic situation for herself. Elda speaks about what being an immigrant means to her and the inefficiencies of immigration system. Her young daughter, Esther, also chimes in to the conversation asking, “what is an immigrant?” Learn more about Elda’s experience by listening further.

Today I am interviewing Gressa. She was born in Prishtina, Kosovo. Gressa lived a typical life in Kosovo, with no ambitions to move to America. Her younger brother Gentian, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Gentian and his father moved to Alaska in hopes for a better treatment. Their they were hosted by another Kosovar Albanian family. They were then relocated to Boston where the Make a Wish Foundation helped Gentians wish of reuniting with his family come true. Listen to hear about Gressa’s experience moving to Boston and adapting to life at her high school.