United by Our Shared Humanity
On January 27, 2025, actress Selena Gomez posted a video on her Instagram, sobbing over
the deportation of “my people” with the heartfelt quote, "I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do.” For
anyone who saw it was a punch to our collective guts. For those with a soul, we too are grieving
along with her.
Her people are our people. We are all humans. Each one of us is trying to survive and hopefully
thrive in a world that continues to divide us by our differences and not unite us by our shared
humanity.
My journey as a social worker has been one of advocacy and support. Through various
programs and initiatives, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that immigrant students and their
families receive the resources and emotional support they need to succeed. From counseling
sessions to community outreach, every effort has been aimed at fostering a sense of belonging
and empowerment.
Most were undocumented and I think about how frightened and anxious they must feel right now
in this time of ICE raids and deportation. Daily they face a future of unknown obstacles and of
making decisions such as whether I should go to work, to church, to the hospital or worse
should I send my children to school. Their everyday lives are upended by a policy that is treating
all immigrants as criminals.
In my work, I have learned the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the unique
contributions of everyone. It is through this lens that I view Selena Gomez's plea as a call to
action—a reminder that our shared humanity should be the driving force behind our actions.
Moving Forward Together
Selena's words resonate deeply within me, echoing the sentiments of countless individuals who
have dedicated their lives to making a difference. As we move forward, it is imperative that we,
social workers and others, continue to advocate for justice, equality, and compassion. By
standing together and supporting one another, we can create a world where everyone could
thrive.
In conclusion, Selena Gomez's emotional plea serves as a powerful reminder of the work that
still needs to be done. It is a call to action for all of us to unite in our shared humanity and to
support those who are most vulnerable. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
RESOURCE SHARE: https://www.colorincolorado.org/immigration/guide
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Vilma Matos, LCSW
Creator of the board game, “Mis Pasos a los Estados Unidods - My Journey to the United States”