Global Nation First Person

A black and white image of a newspaper titled "La Amérika"

I'm an American. But my family came to the US fraudulently.

The Trump administration's immigration policies harken back to the origins of immigration restriction a century ago that sought to keep “undesirables” — like my family — out. 

I'm an American. But my family came to the US fraudulently.
Two students walk on a college campus

With all eyes on elite university admissions, community college stories go unheard

With all eyes on elite university admissions, community college stories go unheard
A comic book panel: one of two men, one of a hand holding a compass.

El Peso Hero protects both sides of the border — from a comic book panel

El Peso Hero protects both sides of the border — from a comic book panel
An Indian woman in a sari and glasses and an Indian man in a suit and glasses sit for a portrait.

Love conquers caste for this couple, but Indian marriage traditions continue in US

Love conquers caste for this couple, but Indian marriage traditions continue in US
Four black and white photos of a Korean baby in a row, with a file folder above.

30 years later, this Korean adoptee finds ‘home’ again

30 years later, this Korean adoptee finds ‘home’ again
A black and white photo of a large family

For many, international adoption isn't just a new family. It's the loss of another life.

Here is what I know: I am culturally American. I am racially Asian. I came to the US when I was just over six months old, and a couple years later I was naturalized as an American citizen. But when I traveled back to South Korea for the first time, I realized how much of my heritage had been left behind.

For many, international adoption isn't just a new family. It's the loss of another life.
A room full of mostly elderly Asian residents of San Francisco's sit in a large room as they attend a talk on protecting themselves from immigration enforcement.

What it's like being a lawyer for Cambodian deportees

Immigration attorney Kevin Chun Hoi Lo, who grew up in San Francisco's Chinatown, helped stop 30 Cambodians from being deported from the US last year. Months later, many were deported anyway.

What it's like being a lawyer for Cambodian deportees
sepia toned image of young boy, with some damage to photo around edges

For a child migrant, days feel like a lifetime when you’re imprisoned and alone

Beth Lew-Williams’ grandfather was 9 when he was separated from family and placed in immigration detention. And he held the pain of the experience for 72 years.

For a child migrant, days feel like a lifetime when you’re imprisoned and alone
Smoke in front of a man, with remnants of firecrackers on the ground

Why a medical interpreter was surprised to see Vietnamese immigrant patients at California hospitals around Lunar New Year

In Vietnam, seeing a doctor around the new year is unthinkable. But cultures can change. Here's why Sonny Lê had a busy holiday week.

Why a medical interpreter was surprised to see Vietnamese immigrant patients at California hospitals around Lunar New Year
Sepia-tone image of man in jacket, profile photo, in front of 1980s computers

A news organization that insisted on inclusive journalism is closing its doors

But its mission will live on, writes Andrew Lam.

A news organization that insisted on inclusive journalism is closing its doors
Solid-looking building with US flag in front, fences, and many people waiting outside

With papers, my brother-in-law could be worth more than a dollar a day to the world

David Lindes and Antonio Ramirez crossed the US border to Mexico, not knowing whether they would both be allowed to come back home.

With papers, my brother-in-law could be worth more than a dollar a day to the world
Boy on horse in carousel, looking at camera. Old, scanned photo

On being Korean in America in the time of the ‘Axis of Evil’ and ‘Rocket Man’

This is how Ju-Hyun Park learned to distance himself from being Korean in America.

On being Korean in America in the time of the ‘Axis of Evil’ and ‘Rocket Man’
toy Pokemon on carpet, close-up shot

How do you explain immigration law to a fifth-grader?

Immigration law professor Elizabeth Keyes had just that challenge. And what she did in the classroom could help us all better understand this very complex system.

How do you explain immigration law to a fifth-grader?
Hana, as a young girl in Prague, is surrounded by her mother, grandmother and great grandmother

Why telling my grandmother’s story helped me better understand today’s refugees

Nearly a decade ago, Rachael Cerrotti began a search for a family story that is most often relegated to history books — the journey of a World War II refugee. But with today's political climate, her grandmother's story no longer feels so remote.

Why telling my grandmother’s story helped me better understand today’s refugees
Man posing for camera, wearing suit

I know you voted for Trump for a better future. But please don’t forget my future.

Luis Mancheno disagrees with Trump’s positions on almost everything, and he hopes his fellow Americans won’t leave him behind.

I know you voted for Trump for a better future. But please don’t forget my future.