Image
Source
Ortiz Uribe, Monica. (2021). "'My life could've been completely different': Revisiting Impacts of 1986 IRCA Amnesty." El Paso Times. Retrieved from: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/2021/02/17/joe-biden-immigration-reform-2021-control-act-irca-amnesty/4438817001/
Language
English
English
July, 20, 1987 - "El Pasoan, Victoria Anderson, a U.S. citizen, waited for a friend to complete paper work at the Immigration and Naturalization Service amnesty center on Alameda Street in El Paso's Lower Valley" (Ortiz Uribe, 2021). Photo credit: Victor Calzada/ El Paso Times
This photograph reflects the politics of waiting migrants often experience when applying for legal status and waiting via the U.S. immigration system. It is important to note the sign on the far left that says, “You must have a number to be served.” This language emphasizes the way legalization programs can be selective and exclusionary in who has access to apply for legal status.