We Are Here to Stay

Voice of Undocumented Young Adults

By: Susan Kuklin

Narrated by: Almarie Guerra, Scott Merriman, Timothy Andrés Pabon, Frankie Corzo, Marcus Stewart, Lauren Ezzo, Emily Woo Zeller, JD Jackson, Laura Jennings

The Stonewall Honor-winning author of Beyond Magenta shares the intimate, eye-opening stories of nine undocumented young adults living in America.

“Maybe next time they hear someone railing about how terrible immigrants are, they'll think about me. I’m a real person.”

Meet nine courageous young adults who have lived in the United States with a secret for much of their lives: they are not U.S. citizens. They came from Colombia, Mexico, Ghana, Independent Samoa, and Korea. They came seeking education, fleeing violence, and escaping poverty. All have heartbreaking and hopeful stories about leaving their homelands and starting a new life in America. And all are weary of living in the shadows.

We Are Here to Stay is a very different book than it was intended to be when originally slated for a 2017 release, illustrated with Susan Kuklin’s gorgeous full-color portraits. Since the last presidential election and the repeal of DACA, it is no longer safe for these young adults to be identified in photographs or by name. In the print version of this book, their photographs have been replaced with empty frames. Their names are represented by first initials. We are honored to publish these enlightening, honest, and brave accounts that encourage open, thoughtful conversation about the complexities of immigration - and the uncertain future of immigrants in America.

©2019 Susan Kuklin, original book published by Candlewick Press. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Short but a Great Listen

I’ve been trying to educate myself on dreamers and those who come to United States looking to escape poverty and live a better life. I never realized how difficult it is for their children. Imagine being as young as 6 month old and coming to United States and growing up here, going to school here, living virtually your entire life here, only to realize you’re stuck. You can’t go to college. You can’t get a job. You can’t get a drivers license. You’re living in fear. These are some of the hardest working individuals. Listening to their stories makes me grateful and humbles me. Whatever happens, don’t give up 5 minutes before the miracle.