Citizens of the World

Dear citizens of the world:

I believe that all people strive for stability in their lives, migrant or not. People endeavor earnestly to escape displacement be it social discrimination, political persecution, environmental destruction or economic exclusion. Surrender your view of the selfish individual seeking self-advancement. In many cases the stories of migrants are the stories of community— sending remittances home, reuniting families, searching for acceptance. 

When they are here or anywhere, migrants contribute to society. They are not free riders, beneficiaries of the welfare state or parasites. They work in our schools, service industries, and some even own businesses. No matter the scope of work, cumulatively all work is significant. Migrants built whole communities, towns and cities throughout the span of history while they faced the social monsters of racism and xenophobia. 

In nearly every thread of a migrant's experience there exists the shadows of discrimination. Why is that? Why after all these years in the modern era do nearly all migrants find commonality in rejection. As our world moves towards global connectivity, we must think about what it means to be a citizen, not of the state but of the world. We need a model for transnational citizenship, global citizenship, a citizenship that is not as mutually exclusive as it is inclusive to its members. It is not one that absolves the sovereignty of the state, but one that recognizes the rights and dignity of all people, and offers a path to belonging. 

We never know. The day may arrive where we find ourselves in search of stability outside the comfort of our home. 

Sincerely, Juan San Nicolas 

Citizen of the World

TONGA

MOROCCO

CHINA

NOGALES

ILOILO