The Stonewall Honor-winning author of Beyond Magenta shares the
intimate, eye-opening stories of nine undocumented young adults living
in America.
"Maybe next time they hear someone railing about how terrible
immigrants are, they'll think about me. I'm a real person."
Meet nine courageous young adults who have lived in the United States
with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They
came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They
came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have
heartbreaking and hopeful stories about leaving their homelands and
starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the
shadows. We Are Here to Stay is a very different book than it was
intended to be when originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated
with Susan Kuklin's gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last
presidential election and the repeal of DACA, it is no longer safe for
these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. Their
photographs have been replaced with empty frames, and their names are
represented by first initials. We are honored to publish these
enlightening, honest, and brave accounts that encourage open, thoughtful
conversation about the complexities of immigration -- and the uncertain
future of immigrants in America.