These Latinos Break Down Immigration AND Make it Funny
Most undocumented Latinos are ashamed to talk about their status. That’s not the case for Julio Salgado and Jesús Iñiguez; they’re telling the world they’re undocumented and making fun of all the awkward things that happen through Dreamers Adrift. Their hope? Get young, undocumented Latinos talking about this. Check it out…
Meet Julio Salgado.
Julio graduated from California State University of Long Beach (CSULB) in 2010 with a degree in journalism. He is also quite the controversial artist.
…And this is his buddy, Jesús Iñiguez.
Jesús graduated from CSULB with a degree in sociology in 2008. He’s got a sick flow; we’ll get into that a little later…
Together, with two friends, they created Dreamers Adrift.
It’s a creative project with a focus on web series about undocumented youth, by undocumented youth, and for undocumented youth. YES ✊! Not another generic and boring forum.
They joined forces with other undocumented activists to strengthen their voice.
One of their big supporters is Yahaira Carrillo, who was arrested in 2010 for protesting in defense of the DREAM Act. But don’t let the serious photo scare you. These guys love humor so much, they’ve built their reputation on it.
READ: UndocuQueer Activists Changing the Immigration Debate
Jesús was the focus of the first series, E.S.L.
The videos started with Jesús showing his flow skills and vlogging about how society treats and sees undocumented people in the US.
?So whether you’re fresh off the boat or fresh over the border, be ready for some folks to give you the cold shoulder. Be ready to forget who you were, they’ll break your whole life down to one single word. Man, that’s absurd.?
Go, Jesús.
But it was their second series, Undocumented and Awkward, that gave Dreamers Adrift new life.
Undocumented and Awkward shows documented people things most of us take for granted, like how…
Not having a state-issued ID can be a total cockblock.
“He wouldn’t take my ID. It’s not a state ID; it’s a consulate card.”
Since the bouncer wouldn’t take his ID, Jesús spends his time in a parking lot talking to a potential blind date, but she is already in the club and won’t come out for him.
On the bright side, without an ID you can’t get a DUI like these folks.
Random Guy: “Aren’t you tipsy though?”
Random Girl: “Doesn’t matter, but, I got a license!”
Also, having to rely on friends for a ride can get awkward.
Jesús: “Damn fool, you’re still riding the bus?”
Julio: “You know, it’s temporary…”
Temporary as in Julio is waiting for laws to change so he can get his license, OK?
Or being called “illegal” in public.
Student: “I’m an AB 540 student.”
Adviser 1: “Do you know what an AB 540 student is?”
Adviser 2: “Those are students who are illegal.”
Adviser: “So you’re an illegal student?”
Student: “No. I’m not an illegal student. It’s not how you say it. It’s actually undocumented student.”
Adviser: “OK, so you’re an undocumented student.”
Be prepared to educated the people you encounter.
Dreamers Adrift doesn’t only stand up for the undocumented community.
Credit: @eslvis / Instagram
They use their same comedic talents to discuss gay issues.
Credit: @eslvis / Instagram
You know, because there are still a couple homophobic Latino machistas our there.
READ: Latino, Gay, and Undocumented in the Rural South
Thus, Osito was born.
Credit: Dreamers Adrift / YouTube
Osito is their first scripted show based on their lives living as real-life roommates. Julio, who is openly gay, brings Jesús along on his adventures give the Latino community an peek into what it’s like being LGBTQ.
Hungover Jesús and Julio discuss Jesús first gay bar experience…
Julio finally shows Jesús how handsie gay white men can get. Jesús got more than 10 ass grabs, which led to more drinking to block out the memories. He was probably the only person on the planet who didn’t know white men can’t resist a little Latin spice! Ay, papi!
Jesús also learns several valuable lessons living with Julio.
Like, there is always a dire need for lube when you are a gay man, unless there is “mayo” readily available.
After the success and popular demand of Osito, Julio and Jesús gave Undocumented and Awkward a second season.
Non-Latino, undocumented people reached out to Julio and Jesús wanting to share their undocumented experiences. In response, they collaborated with ASPIRE, the first Pan-Asian undocumented youth group. This led to the bigger, better, more awkward, and more diverse Undocumented and Awkward 2.0.
READ: Victoria Villalba, an Undocumented Transgender Activist Inspiring Change
Five years later, Dreamers Adrift is stronger than ever…but it’s still only the beginning.
Their art is bringing more attention to the issues faced by undocumented people, gay and straight. Julio is the artist behind the nationally used “I am UndocuQueer” poster. He also has another art series, Adventures of a Bitter Fag. Check it!
What do you think about Dreamers Adrift championing the immigration cause? mitú wants to know. Tell us in the comments below!
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