Special Report: Illegal by Decree, Part 2

Hello, friends!

We have a couple of special reports focusing on current issues facing the borderlands: migration.

Migration is a contentious and polarizing topic that pundits often use to score political points against their opponents, overlooking the real stories of people caught in the middle. These stories of hope and resilience remind us of the importance of seeing others as human beings — human beings with dreams and aspirations, just like anyone else.

In the second part of this final installment of our special reports, we sit down with a Venezuelan exile whom we are referring to as Chama. Chama entered the United States legally in 2022, following policies set by President Joe Biden's administration.

Chama is not her real name. She agreed to be interviewed on the condition that Port of Entry not reveal her identity because she lacks legal status and fears deportation from the U.S.

The first chapter of Chama's migrant journey covers her odyssey out of Venezuela and her determination to reunite with her family via Tijuana.

In this second part, we explore her path into the United States, her herculean effort to do it legally, and how, despite all her efforts, the system ultimately failed her.

Chama became one of hundreds of thousands of migrants who lost their legal status due to an executive order by President Donald Trump. As a result, she now lives in the shadows, undocumented — illegal by decree.

You won't want to miss this incredible story of persistence and resoluteness.

Social media and contact

From KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.org

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Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at [e-mail].

Credits

Hosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie González

Writer/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz - Franco

Technical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian Villalobos

Editor: Chrissy Nguyen

Episodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Director of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette-Zapp