The Struggle of Belonging

Belonging is a strange and complex thing. For first-generation immigrants, it’s often elusive, a feeling we reach for but can never quite grasp. Whether you’re documented, undocumented, or somewhere in between, this sense of being "out of place" is a reality many of us live with daily. For those of us who grew up here but don’t have the “right” papers, the rhetoric and policies of this administration make it even harder to feel like we belong.

Take a breath if you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you’re a DACA recipient or someone without status, it’s okay to step back this week. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your peace.

 
Our Humanity Is Enough

The truth is, we are worthy simply because we exist. Being human is enough. A piece of paper or a government’s stance on immigration doesn’t make us any less deserving of dignity, safety, or love. Yet, this administration, and the broken immigration system, tries to convince us otherwise. It’s exhausting and heartbreaking to see new executive orders threatening to deport people we love or to label us as "less than" simply because we were born elsewhere.

As a U.S. citizen who once held DACA status, I’ve lived through this. Even after obtaining residency and, later, citizenship, that deep-seated feeling of not belonging never fully left me. I thought the documents would finally provide a sense of security, but they didn’t. I’ve come to realize that belonging doesn’t come from a green card or passport. It comes from within. And without the privilege of legal security, that internal process of feeling worthy is nearly impossible to start.

 
We Belong Because We’re Human

Still, we belong. You belong. I belong. Because people are people. We are humans with stories, struggles, and dreams. There’s no system or ideology that can strip us of our humanity.

The narratives around us, words like “illegal” or “alien,” try to make us feel small, unworthy of being here. But those labels don’t define us. They aren’t who we are. Our worth isn’t up for debate.

 
The Weight of Broken Systems

It’s painful to hear the Hispanic community, my community, spoken about as if we are a problem to solve instead of people who love deeply, value family, and contribute so much to this country. And the worst part? For many, there isn’t even a pathway to citizenship in this broken immigration system. Many of us would take it if it existed, but it doesn’t. And that’s not our fault.

The threats and policies from this administration are a reminder of the uphill battle we’re fighting. But we are not alone in this fight. Our worth isn’t tied to policies, politicians, or papers. It’s rooted in our humanity.

 
You Are Worthy and Enough

So if you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or undeserving—pause. Remind yourself that nothing you do or don’t do makes you more or less worthy of belonging. You belong because you’re here. Because you’re human. Because you’re enough.

And for those who aren’t immigrants, I hope you can see us for who we are—not as labels or statistics, but as people who dream of belonging, just like anyone else.