Immigrants make America great

In the 80s the Chanani family immigrated to Los Angeles. My dad, my mom, grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins. We made our home here. We are immigrants, residents, Indians, Americans, doctors, engineers, business owners, lawyers, and one artist (heh).

The draw to the United States for my family was one of opportunity. Hope. Peace. I believe this is true for many immigrants. It takes immense courage and strength to leave everything you know to begin again.

Hate and rage are cheap. Toxic. Love and acceptance is lush. Beautiful. Our world is not fixed. Borders are an illusion. Hope is one of the most endearing qualities of the human spirit. It’s being crushed in this bold and disgusting era of fascism. The beauty of this country is the hope it extends across borders.

I feel upended, demoralized and powerless as the mass deportations unfold. I met with writer friends recently and remembered - my power is here. In the work that I do, the art that I create. I updated protest posters from the first fake king election. They’re available for free, always.

We must resist the death of hope.

Together.