Through the eyes of a child immigrant | Erik Gomez | TEDxPSU

Erik, who crossed the border from Mexico with his family when he was five, walks us through his life as an illegal immigrant chasing the American dream. Through his story we are able to look at the contentious debate surrounding immigration through a different lens. Morales leaves us with several questions that could change the way we think and talk about immigrants.

My work has allowed me to become more of a global citizen and to expand my knowledge of world cultures. I am currently the Program Manager and I oversee all of our communication with students and professors—over 7,000 students per year. As part of the Center and as one of the coordinators of the Soc 119 course, I have also traveled to Haiti to volunteer my time in community development and I was interviewed by MTV last year as one of their “Game Changers,” which they define as young professionals doing work for the greater good of the community. I am currently applying to graduate school with the intention of starting next fall and to be able to continue to pursue my passion for humanity, education, and higher learning.

[saltefelipe]

I was told that Mexico (my country) was nothing. This was back in a history class by a Texan teacher. When I mentioned it class. Ignorance is all around us. That's when I learned that being educated is a privilege that nobody can take away from me I also learned I cannot let someone define my beliefs.

[dafnemoraless]

I came to the United States when I had just turned 7.. my dad who was already in the United States thought that it would be the best for me. They brought me here so that I could have a good education, and simply because there are so many opportunities here.. hearing all these things about how immigrants are worthless, and criminals breaks my heart. We are not what people say we are.. I cry myself to sleep every night, even at school sometimes.. I go to a school that is really diverse.. so I grew up with different kinds of people and cultures. I just want to become someone in life, have a good career & make my parents proud!

[DominiqueDaniels-zp]

Your cousin (E.L.) recommended I watch your TEDTalk and IT IS STELLAR!!!! Thank you for sharing your story.

[bektinphail]

Ha-ha. It's a pleasure to see how different descendants of immigrants are arguing trying to identify who have more rights to live in US. You are all somehow were stemmed from immigration irrespective of how many years ago your ancestors made a decision to set up here. America is a nation of immigrants and those immigrants have made it and still keep making it great. I'm determined that every nation in this melting pot plays its special role to help America to become such a great!

[meigandiaz]

I loved it, he was so brave for telling his story and speaking his mind about such a delicate topic... Wow!

[Jasmine-kmbz]

on a eu ça au e3c ce matin🥰
0:17 - 1:47

[mikell.]

Truth is immigrants made this country. Truth is borders are needed. Striking a balance is the toughest aspect facing politics.

[ІраКоцовська]

Thank you for being so brave and so honest ! And also sharing your story ! Your parents raised a great son👏👏👏👏👏
I’m fascinated by your talk 😍😍😍

[troyknows]

I AM A AMERICAN AND I WAS BORN HERE AND MY ANCESTORS CAME FROM ALOT OF PARTS IN THE WORLD INCLUDING MEXICO, SPAIN, IRELAND AND GERMANY. WE ALL CAME FROM IMMIGRANTS AND ALL IMMIGRANTS HAVE HAD THEIR ETHNICITY QUESTIONED AS TO WETHER OR NOT THEY ARE AMERICAN. THE TRUTH IS AMERICA IS A FREE COUNTRY AND BELONGS TO WHOEVER WANTS TO MAKE THIS YOUR HOME.

[ginajacobson]

I’m in the middle. This was a strong argument. Well spoken.

[CesarAlvarezB]

I applaud this! Very eloquent and well said! Congrats!

[RVHatcher]

Is his thesis that we should have open borders? Most people make the distinction between legal and illegal immigration. The fact he doesn’t is disingenuous. He also lied about trump’s comment. Trump was referring to illegal immigrants not legal and did not say “all”. I wish he would have discussed why his parents felt they could break the law. I wonder if he ever had that discussion.

[benjaminsanchez]

wow. yore the greatest speaker I've ever heard ❤

[woodswoman]

Thank you, Erik, for sharing this, your personal experience, and insight, with the world.

[rayjansons]

Nice  to have  passion and  ambitious and   making a difference in his own way !

[raudaihzavala]

Eso es todo hijo Saludos y pues la verdad tiene toda la pinche razon

[luisespinoza]

Con el rosario en la Mano ❤️ que dios lo bendiga. God bless this man.

[jrobe]

"Truly, truly, I tell you, one who does not enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

[Susanjohnson]

What about. !!!! Our Vets being deported to that Fought for this country that’s not right bring them Back. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[djodyloutorres]

Je suis tomber sur l’extrait réviser de 0 minute à environ 1m 48