"I Put Your Documents in Your Backpack"

A first generation American reflects on racial profiling

As a first-generation American citizen (yay, birthright citizenship!), I am aware of my privilege. My parents are immigrants who are now American citizens. I recognize the struggle they endured to cross rivers for their children and their future.

We have lived in AZ for most of our lives. Sheriff Joe Arpaio began his hunt for brown people decades ago and we saw firsthand what it did to our community and job force. We saw the racial profiling daily but the one thing we could rely on was due process. This admin seems to be so flippant and careless in that regard.

When my very obviously brown children are being asked by their peers if they are “wetbacks,” I have to keep them aware. Aware in ways that I am sure white parents do not have to. I have to explain to them that they are equals with the peers that try to make them feel like they are not. I have to show up to school to file reports and talk to the teachers. I have to hold my kids’ hands and say, “I have put a copy of your documents in your backpack in case someone approaches you asking about your legal status.” The district, which is slowly being overrun by MAGA loyalists, has said they will allow for the police and ICE to do their jobs “in a discreet manner” (eye roll).

On TV and social media I have seen mothers being racially profiled for speaking Spanish. The fear is unlocked in me and even though I highly doubt we will be stopped. I offer rides to my family members who are immigrants — to doctor appointments, to the grocery store, to work. I speak loudly and firmly in English so that I can assimilate in crowds with my migrant family.

I wonder: If a white family had to do this, what would they feel like? How demeaning would it feel? Would it make them want to change things? Maybe if they understood then they could empathize.

—Vivian Perez Lee