In everyday terms, the statement reflects a common sentiment among immigrants who believe that they personally know someone within their community or social network who is undocumented. This suggests that the issue of undocumented status touches many people's lives indirectly through friends, family members, or acquaintances rather than being isolated to a small segment of society.
At a deeper level, this quote highlights how interconnected communities are and how widespread the undocumented immigrant experience can be within diverse groups. It underscores the reality that immigration issues do not affect just individuals but have broader implications for families, neighborhoods, and entire social networks. This perspective also implies that discussions about immigration policies should consider their impact on these wider circles of influence rather than focusing narrowly on individual cases.
The quote is attributed to Nico Santos, an American actor known for his comedic roles. Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada before moving to the United States as a young adult, Santos has firsthand experience with the immigrant journey. His statement draws from his own understanding of community ties and the shared experiences within immigrant communities.
