A Declaration of Immigration: Chicago Exhibit

Declaration of Immigration

Human progress having been compromised by the lack of humanity and respect towards immigrant children, women, & men by anti-immigrant legislature & rhetoric, is reason for the National Museum of Mexican Art to re-affirmthe following:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator, certain unalienable Rights, that among these areLife, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. 

Immigrants have endured patient sufferance; and as such, it behooves our government to redeem itself from repeated injuries and usurpations, in recognizing:

• That we are a nation of immigrants
• That no human being is illegal
• That inhumane treatment, detention, deportation, and family separation by government agencies denies immigrants of their unalienable rights
• That historically, immigration laws began as a method of racial exclusion and currently exist to dehumanize immigrants, (i.e. immigration raids, internment camps) under the guise of national security, thus creating inter-ethnic tension and hostilities.
• That the construction of The Wall along the United Sates-Mexico border would stand as a symbol of persecution, much like the 20^th century Berlin Wall.

The Declaration of Immigration is dedicated to all whom have marched and petitioned against anti-immigrant legislature & rhetoric.  As well, the Declaration of Immigration is a reminder, to all those whom have persecuted immigrants, of the circumstances of emigration and settlement in the United States of America.

With the Declaration of Immigration, we appeal to the U.S sense of justice and magnanimity, and hope to conjure all by the ties of our common kindred to disavow anti-immigrant sentiments and support just laws that treat persons with dignity & respect. 

Therefore, we solemnly resolve, and invite everyone to join in Solidarity:

• To stand by a government and elected officials that uphold laws that treat immigrants with dignity and respect.
• To reflect on the immigrant experience, as the experience of the United States of America, one that honors the history of the native nations, and the cultural contributions of all who live in this country.

• To engage in civic dialogue that is thoughtful, inclusive, and that speaks to the realities of immigration, rather than the exclusion of.

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the fellowship ofall those that hold us good will, we mutually pledge to uphold the fight for equality and defend the unalienable rights of all.

National Museum of Mexican Art