On a whim, I decided to take a break from my usual Netflix repertoire of history documentaries and murder shows and watch something a little more light-hearted: Selena Gomez’s new documentary about undocumented immigrants, suitably named “Living Undocumented.” 

In recent times, the issue of people entering the country illegally has become a hot topic for debate and a scathing drive for some politicians’ campaigns. On a personal level, I can say I do not know much about the immigration process, but I do know that it is certainly not a cut-and-dry matter. 

With rising tensions in countries such as Syria, Israel, and Africa, for example, the rate of asylum-seeking immigrants has risen to its highest peak. Watching this series – and I actually binge-watched it – evoked a range of emotions for me. 

The series follows a slew of families who came to America in the hope of a better life and opportunities. One of the families featured in the documentary hail from Columbia, a country ravaged by war, drugs, and corruption. They fled merely for their safety. 

Roberto, the father, managed a region’s budget in their home country. Drug lords tried to extort millions from him by saying it was for a building project for the community; however, Roberto could not approve the money unless he saw business plans. 

The drug lords obviously could not provide this plan because it did not exist. Their next plan of action was to threaten to kidnap the family’s son, Pablo. Roberto and his wife went to the police, but since the police were understaffed and overworked with the staggering amount of crimes, they practically said that nothing could be done for the family’s safety. They advised the family that if they were able to leave the country, do so.

With that, the family gathered their belongings and fled from Columbia. They came to America, seeking asylum. It was denied, but they remained living in the US for seventeen more years. 

They worked hard day in and day out. In Columbia, Roberto and his wife Consuelo held degrees and worked in prestigious jobs. In America, the only work they could find was janitorial work.

Their sons grew up here as American citizens. Sadly, however, Roberto was deported back to Columbia this year. You may think that this family was in the wrong for living in the country “illegally.” However, they worked hard during their tenure living in the US. 

Roberto and Consuelo worked grueling hours to provide for their family; they paid taxes and broke no laws. Their only offense was being from a crime-stricken county and immigrating into a post-9/11 America. 

There are many other heart wrenching stories in the series. The hardest parts to watch were when members of a family were detained by ICE or deported. 

One woman, Alejandra, had lived in the US for over twenty years. She married a marine, which, prior to the current administration, left her safe from deportation. 

But since Trump’s first year in office, he has been signing immigration legislation left and right. So Alejandra was forced to return to Mexico, a place where she had no home and was assaulted multiple times.

Selena Gomez claims the documentary was not meant to be overtly political. However, in this day and age, I do not think that is possible. 

The current administration’s entire campaign was centered around the deportation of immigrants who do not have their papers. And while I understand that it is illegal for them to be here without proper documentation, separating families and keeping them in prisons with foil blankets is not the solution.

If you are on the fence about the immigration situation and want some real stories, check out “Living Undocumented.” The raw sadness, fear, and confusion on the faces of the families is enough to make anyone feel for their situations.