Let's See Your Papers

Last week, I purchased three copies of my birth certificate. I am a Puerto Rican woman born in Chicago with a Real ID. But that doesn't matter to this regime. To this regime, I am the enemy. I am Spanish (and look it), and therefore don't belong. I purchased my birth certificate solely to prove that I am a citizen. I want to make sure that when I am inevitably stopped (or more likely taken) by ICE, I can prove citizenship. It's Certificates of Freedom all over again.

A couple of months ago, I was having dinner with a friend. In two of my 4 circles of friends, I am the only person of color. My 3rd circle has another Spanish woman. My 4th circle has more diversity, encompassing not only people of color but also individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. This particular friend (and the friends within this circle) is white. Her husband, stepchild, and family are white. Therefore, she doesn't truly understand what I go through as a POC, and the conversation we had over dinner was further proof of that.

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Our Conversation

Me: I got pepper spray to help fight against snatchings.

Her: Don't pepper-spray ICE, you can get into trouble for that.

Me: That is making the assumption that they are ICE. They're not showing ID, wearing plain clothes, driving unmarked cars, and wearing masks. It could be a kidnapper for all I know. I need to protect myself.

Her: Don't pepper-spray. You have a Real ID. Show them that.

Me: Most of the time, they're not even asking for ID. Even when you say you're a citizen, they either don't check or think you are lying (RE: this article).

Her: But you have a Real ID. That should be enough. 

Me: It's not. I am a target, and I need to be prepared for that.

Her: Then carry your birth certificate.

Me: First, I shouldn't have to. Second, most of the time, they're not even asking for ID. Citizens have been detained for weeks or deported cause they don't verify or care. I'm at risk.

Her: But you have a Real ID. You should be fine.

​And that was the end. I didn't want to go around in another circle. The fact is, she doesn't get it and she never will. 

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It'll only get worse

Just last week, Miller and Noem told ICE to supercharge immigrant arrests (RE: this article). ICE is now required to arrest 3,000 people a day. They won't be able to meet those numbers if they're checking IDs. They won't be able to meet those numbers if they're checking if someone has a birth certificate on them.

​They are going to snatch, arrest, and MAYBE see that someone is a citizen after the fact. And I say maybe, cause there is no due process happening. It's not like I can prove citizenship in court. I just have to pray that someone decides to go through my purse to find my proof. That is all I can do, is prepare and protect myself as best I can. I can also ensure that my husband knows what to do if the situation arises.

​And my white friends will never understand.