Stitched Apart The struggle for family unity in the US

Created by: Alejandro Gutierrez-Ochoa

Introduction

Within the intricate fibers of this scene lies a story of resilience and struggle, crafted from personal recollections and supporting data. As you explore, you'll encounter two majestic eagles, not only symbols of national pride but also guardians of familial unity. Yet, they find themselves confined within cages, unable to protect their nest from impending threats. The Eagles, representing the national emblem of the United States, stand as silent witnesses to the vulnerability of their offspring. It's a dual symbolism—both a tribute to national identity and a reflection of the systemic challenges faced by families torn apart by immigration policies.

Central to this interactive piece is the user's ability to engage with the artwork, symbolizing a call to action for unity and solidarity. By moving the pieces around, participants can metaphorically strive to bring together the fragmented eggs, echoing the imperative of collective action in safeguarding vulnerable families.

I recall back to 2018 when my own family faced the harrowing specter of separation, mere months before my senior year of high school. This deeply personal journey fuels my commitment to shedding light on a marginalized aspect of the immigration discourse—one often overshadowed by broader narratives. Through the fusion of crochet craftsmanship and laser-cut acrylic, this artwork transcends its material form, becoming a vessel for storytelling and advocacy.

It stands not only as a testament to personal resilience but also as a beacon of hope, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths and champion the voices silenced by systemic neglect. As we embark on this journey of exploration and introspection, let us heed the call to action woven into the fabric of this crochet scene—a call for empathy, understanding, and meaningful change.

Crochet Medium

In crafting this piece, I chose to combine the forces of crochet and laser cutting, each medium offering its own unique qualities and dimensions. Crochet, with its additive nature, allows for the gradual buildup of form and texture, while laser cutting operates as a subtractive force, precision-cutting through materials with the intensity of a focused beam.

This dichotomy between crochet and laser cutting serves to mirror the complexities inherent in the theme of family separation. The soft, plushy texture of crochet stands in stark contrast to the sharp, intense heat of the laser beam slicing through the materials. It's a visual metaphor for the multifaceted nature of the experience—where innocence meets harsh reality.

My decision to create the crochet piece with a fluffy, plush quality aims to introduce an element of irony, portraying the subject matter as something deceptively cute and cuddly. Conversely, the laser cutter elements reinstate the harshness of the experience, reminding viewers of the underlying pain and struggle.

The crochet piece itself is a testament to simplicity and accessibility, employing basic stitches such as single crochet and a few half double crochet stitches. This approach not only reflects my journey as a novice crocheter, but also serves to demystify the craft for others who may be inspired to try their hand at it.

To further enhance my skills, I sought guidance from various sources, including attending classes and referring to online tutorials on platforms like YouTube. These resources provided invaluable insight and instruction, empowering me to embark on this creative journey with confidence.

Stitching the Data Together

This Artifact was created using these two yearly reports from the years 2016-2019:

Removal of Aliens Claiming U.S.-Born Children [First Half/Second Half] [2016-2019]- Report to Congress U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Fiscal Year [2016-2019] ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Report

The challenges faced by individuals and families affected by deportation and family separation are multifaceted and profound. Beyond the immediate emotional turmoil, families grapple with financial instability, legal uncertainties, and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in the absence of their loved ones. Children, in particular, bear a heavy burden, contending with the trauma of separation, the disruption of their education and social networks, and the uncertainty of their future. Moreover, the ripple effects of family separation can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, leaving children and families vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, and exploitation. These challenges underscore the urgent need for compassionate and equitable immigration policies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals and families impacted by immigration enforcement measures.

Examining the data from these two distinct datasets suggests a potential correlation: a significant proportion of individuals with U.S.-born children are from Mexico. While this correlation is not proven and requires further research and analysis, it highlights a systemic issue faced by the Mexican population. This potential correlation underscores the importance of deeper investigation into the demographic composition of individuals affected by family separation policies. Given that the total number of deportations of Mexicans comprises over 50% of the total deportations, there is a high chance that these deportation statistics carry over to individuals claiming U.S.-born children. This insight emphasizes the relevance of exploring the demographic patterns within the dataset to better understand the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

This chart offers a visual snapshot of the data, providing insight into deportation trends, deportation rates to Mexico, and the number of individuals claiming U.S.-born children over the specified years. While not definitive, this data can serve as a starting point for further research and analysis into the demographic composition of individuals impacted by family separation policies.

Creating the Scene

Five crochet eggs in a nest that represent the yearly statistics from the data I pulled above (2016-2019). Four of these eggs contain statistics, with one having a "?" symbol to represent future statistics. In this image you can see an egg resembling the number of deported aliens that claimed US born children during 2016. Created following this Tutorial.

Reflection

Reflecting on the completion of this project, I find myself deeply moved by the narrative that emerged—a narrative that unexpectedly became deeply personal. Navigating through the complexities of this subject matter, I encountered numerous hurdles, from the scarcity of data to the challenge of accessing fragmented information scattered across the internet. Despite the hurdles, I persisted, driven by the conviction that this topic, though often overlooked, holds immense importance. In recent years, it has captured the political spotlight, yet its significance extends far beyond the realm of politics.

This project has allowed me to shed light on the often-overlooked consequences faced by U.S. citizens when a loved one is deported. Through the visualization of data, I aimed to provide context and insight into the profound impact of family separation on these families. While the option to leave the U.S. to reunite with deported family members may seem straightforward, the reality is far more complex, with myriad obstacles standing in the way.

It is my hope that this project sparks a shift in mindset—a shift towards placing greater attention and focus on these families, particularly the children who bear the brunt of these harsh separations. By amplifying their voices and experiences, we can begin to address the systemic issues that perpetuate such injustices and work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society.