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"A Human Being Is Not Illegal:" Journalist Jose Antonio Vargas on the Immigration Debate

Jose Antonio Vargas talks with students at the Women's Center during his campus visit Monday.  Photo: Amanda Peralta
Jose Antonio Vargas talks with students at the Women's Center during his campus visit Monday. Photo: Amanda Peralta

Journalist and undocumented immigrant Jose Antonio Vargas told his story Monday at Page Auditorium, leading many audience members to consider their stake in the immigration debate.

Vargas immigrated to the United States to live with his grandparents when he was 12; he found out he was undocumented at the DMV when he was 16; he worked his way into the journalism field for over a decade before finally "coming out" as undocumented in a New York Times article.

At the event he said that as a journalist, he wants to change the narrative around immigration. One central idea, for example, is that actions are illegal but "human beings are not illegal."

               

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When the event opened for audience questions and comments, three undocumented immigrants came forward to express their gratitude for Vargas' work and their own stories of struggle. Their stories had a visible impact on him and other audience members.

                

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One student expressed concern that he would leave the event with a better understanding of the immigration issue, but would return to his dorm and do nothing about it. Vargas responded with recommendations on how to take action, including supporting existing campaigns such as UNC's "One State One Rate" or starting a movement toward policy change at Duke.

               

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Duke University Center Activities & Events sponsored the talk, which occurred concurrently with another talk featuring a prominent undocumented immigrant, the artist Inocente. For the Chronicle story on his talk, click here.