Immigration Ain't Easy
Immigration Ain't Easy provides a variety of perspectives and stories on modern-day U.S. immigration. The show will bring some levity to an often somber subject. Shows include:
- Interviews with people who have attempted, both successfully and unsuccessfully, to navigate a draconian and antiquated system.
- Interviews with immigration lawyers and other experts.
- A weekly review of the wild and ridiculous actions taken by the U.S. government.
Immigration Ain't Easy
Immigration Ain't Easy Ep. 35- Human Rights Organizer Aly Wane
Originally hailing from Senegal, Aly Wane came to the United States with a diplomatic visa at the tender age of 9-years-old. His mother hoped that the United States would provide him with an excellent education and future opportunities. Eventually on a student visa, Aly received two educations:
1) An education through academia and
2) An education on how difficult, rigid and cruel the U.S. immigration system is.
After following all the rules, he found himself in a terrible predicament after his mother tragically died overseas: without lawful status and trapped in a country that he considered his "home". He could not even go abroad to pay his respects to his mother. Had he left, he would likely never be able to return to the U.S. He chose to remain in the U.S., his adopted homeland.
While many would remain disillusioned by this situation and go underground, Aly regrouped and found a new purpose. Living in Syracuse, New York, he came out publicly in 2012 as undocumented and became a community and human rights organizer. Aly has focused his advocacy on antiwar, economic justice, racial and immigrant justice. He has become an active voice for peace and humanity. His organizing has been connected with numerous organizations including the American Friends Service Committee, the Workers' Center of Central NY, Syracuse Peace Council, the Black Immigration Network, the UndocuBlack Network and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. He has also served on the Board of the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse, a politically progressive interfaith organization.
While Aly has been placed in a difficult position, he has always been about helping others and the community. We should all strive to be like Aly.