Paperless Migrants
Isabela Montalvo
Paperless Migrants is a mobile interactive experience that brings to light the severely harsh situations of undocumented migrants who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. Though the number of unauthorized immigrants coming into the United States has diminished over the years, many American citizens have allowed their lack of empathy to breed fear and sometimes hatred.
Paperless Migrants allows users to guide themselves through a realistic migration narrative through the point of view of a Mexican woman or young Guatemalan man. In order to facilitate more understanding and sympathy, these virtual situations were designed as accurately as possible to put the user in difficult circumstances, creating a constant sense of anxiety, confusion, and fear.
This project was created to encourage Americans to reflect on their privileges as citizens and stir dialogue on the current state of our ineffective immigration system. It is my greatest hope that we break the cycle of ignorance and hostility towards undocumented residents who have risked everything to give their families a better future, and are contributing to our society and economy in positive ways.