UNDOCUMENTAL

Role: Editor at Large

As a member of national undocu-scholar-activist collective, we have developed the term undocumental, which we argue is closest to the lived realities experienced by immigrant populations in the U.S. and across multiple borders. The collective defines undocumental as a term highlighting the process by which immigrant individuals are rendered illegal, not the act or state of not carrying documents as the popular undocumented term refers to, but rather for not carrying the proper documents that provide the right types of privileges and protection. As part of the undocumental term our collective derives the term illegalized as an identifier that aims to highlight the process by which immigrant bodies are made illegal. Part of our efforts in working in a collective manner derives from a tradition created by women of color feminism such as Gloria Anzaldua and Cherrie Moraga who used collective writing circles and discussion groups as a tool of resistance in combating institutional pressures.

Visit the Undocumental website here.