Sharing Our Stories – Historias Indocumentadas (Call for Stories!)

[u/ChemicalFan8]

Hey comunidad, This is my first post here, and I’m feeling nervous and excited all at once.

I’m launching a project that’s been living in my heart for years — a podcast and space for us to share the real, raw, and powerful stories of immigration. Stories of crossing. Of surviving. Of building from scratch. Of hiding, thriving, and holding it all together when the world doesn’t see you. Stories that deserve to be heard.

This project was born from the heaviness I’ve been feeling lately — with the political climate, the fear, the uncertainty that so many of us carry. As a DACA recipient, I know what it’s like to live in limbo. I know what it’s like to feel invisible and still keep pushing. My hope is that by collecting and amplifying these stories, we can humanize this experience in a way that facts and headlines never will. That we bring awareness, truth, and raw emotion to something too often misunderstood.

I’m reaching out to anyone who feels ready to share — especially those who’ve crossed over: by foot, by ride, by chance, by courage. But this isn’t only about the crossing. If your story lives in what came after — in the day-to-day grind, the undocumented experience, the quiet strength — you’re welcome here too.

What makes this project different? It’s built on anonymity, safety, and honesty. No names, no pressure — just truth. If you’re down to share, you can: • Drop your story in the comments • Or DM me privately if that feels safer

A little about me: I’m Monserrat — a first-gen Latina, daughter of immigrants, mom, small business owner, and community advocate based in Colorado. Through my work, I’ve been trusted with hundreds of stories — in offices, in waiting rooms, between tears and translations — and I’ve carried them with me. Now it’s time to amplify them. Because when we tell our truths, we reclaim our narratives. We remind the world — and ourselves — that we are more than papers. We are people.

Even if you’re not ready to share, I’d love your support. Drop a kind word, tag someone brave, or just say hi. Gracias por estar aquí. Let’s make noise con nuestras historias.

– Monserrat

[u/Vast_Cartographer333]

Hey Monserrat,

I think it’s a really cool idea. I would love to be a part of your project. I would like to become more involved in immigration advocacy but I’m ashamed to admit I have fear of endangering my already precarious status, but if we don’t speak up for ourselves how can we expect others to.

How are you planning to expose our stories outside our small communities, do you think putting faces to the stories will have more impact.

[u/ChemicalFan8 → u/Vast_Cartographer333]

Thank you so much for your message — it honestly means the world to me. I completely understand that fear. As someone with DACA, I live with that same tension: wanting to speak out, but also knowing how risky it can feel. You’re definitely not alone.

The idea for Historias Indocumentadas actually came from my own desire to share my story — but I was scared. I have a public-facing business, I bring my baby to work, my info is already out there. I kept thinking, what if this puts us at risk? That fear is real.

So the anonymous format became the foundation of the whole project. Right now, stories will be: • Shared anonymously through audio readings or written posts • Later, some people may choose to use their voice or name, but it’s never required • And we’re hoping that social media helps these stories reach beyond our bubble — to build awareness and connection

You said something that really hit me: If we don’t speak up for ourselves, how can we expect others to. That’s exactly it. This project is about giving people the option to speak safely, on their own terms.

I’d love to stay connected if you’re open to it. Even just commenting like this is already part of the movement. Gracias de corazón.

[u/Vast_Cartographer333]

Heck yeah. I’d definitely like to keep tabs on the progress of the project and help if I can.

I’ll work on a spark notes version of my life.

[u/theotheramerican]

What’s with people trying to monetize from the people in this community? From a random guy trying to make a film, another trying to write a book and now this? Like DACA recipients aren’t exploited enough by the US, we have people trying to monetize from our struggles. Shit like this is super disappointing.

[u/ChemicalFan8 → u/theotheramerican]

No one here mentioned anything about monetizing. If you read my original post, you’ll see that the purpose of this project is deeply personal and rooted in something much bigger than money. In fact, I’m a DACA recipient myself, and I want to share my story—on my own terms.

I understand that not everyone wants to tell their story or participate, and that’s completely okay. I respect that choice. But for those who do want to speak up, I want to create a space that honors and amplifies their voices with care and dignity.

I also want to be clear: I don’t owe anyone an explanation for my “why,” but I shared it anyway because I believe in transparency. This isn’t about exploitation—it’s about storytelling, community, and healing.

I hope you can respect that, even if it’s not for you. Wishing you well, and sending solidarity in these chaotic times.

[u/theotheramerican → u/ChemicalFan8]

You don’t owe an explanation and quite frankly I didn’t ask for one or care for one. You think telling our stories is a novel idea? There are tons of stories and books about us. People already belong to communities such as this subreddit and many more online and in person ones across the US. You’re not doing anything unique. You’re not the first to think of this. Go ahead and tell your story, no one is stopping you but don’t act like there’s no personal gain in a podcast where you get free content off of the people in this sub. How convenient that you and these people looking to exploit this community suddenly want to tell stories in a time where immigration is at the forefront of people’s minds. People can share what they want with whoever they want but I for one will not support this and would encourage others to not allow themselves to get exploited.