Message to my Fellow Immigrants

We Are Here. We Claim our Space. A Love Letter to our community.
Dear Kapwa,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you as we witness the inauguration of a new president whose leadership—or rather, disleadership—stands to sow seeds of hate, discrimination, and racism. For many of us, the decision to immigrate was motivated by the socio-political challenges of our homelands. To now face similar threats here, the very place we sought refuge and hope, feels deeply unjust.
Let me start by telling you this: You are seen. You are heard. You are valued. Our community has carried generations of strength, resilience, and ingenuity. We have weathered storms before, and we will continue to do so.

What this world needs—what our community needs—is integrity. Integrity is something this incoming leadership lacks, but it is something we must uphold. Colonialism has left scars not only on our lands but also on our minds. It is painful to acknowledge, but the "white-washing" of our own community—the internalized oppression and classism that manifests even among us—is real. Oppression, for some, has become a tool of social status. But for those of you who see through this façade, I urge you to stand firm.
Despite the challenges, our spirit persists. Filipino diasporic small businesses that remain true to their mission are still here. Support them.

Stay connected with your roots. Now, more than ever, is the time to be unapologetically ourselves. To live out loud, to embrace our culture, and to let our deep-rooted heartbeats resonate beyond survival. We do this not just for ourselves but for our children, our elders, and our women.
To my kapatids who feel hopeless in this moment: may this letter remind you of your strength. Our ancestors endured, and we are the fruits of their resilience and light. Together, we will continue to stand against racism, protect our women, children, elders, and LGBTQ+ community, and educate the world on our indigeneity.
This is our time to hold hands, to push forward, and to be the embodiment of our ancestors' dreams. Let us rise, not just for survival but for the flourishing of our culture and humanity.
Isang bagsak sa inyong lahat!
With love and solidarity,
Lydia Querian
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