Undocumented was created by a group of New York University graduate journalism students in early 2006. It functions as an independent website through the university’s Department of Journalism and also as a link to openDemocracy.net, a global media forum on democracy and human rights based in London.
Our goal is to delve into the question of what it means to be ‘illegal’in New York, raise awareness about the conditions of undocumented people, and put forth a critical analysis of the issues. Our articles probe aspects ranging from labor and education, to economics, and individual experiences. In showing the complexity of the subject matter, we also hope to present workable solutions to the problems raised and dispel misinformation and stereotypes.
We have chosen New York City as the framework for exploring illegal immigration because the city represents a microcosm of the world. As the most populous city in the United States, New York is also one of the world’s leading economic, cultural, and political centers. For centuries it has served as a magnet to millions of immigrants and continues to be one of the most multiethnic places on earth. With citizens originating from 180 different countries, more than one-third out of eight million NYC residents are foreign born.
We hope by examining the problems in New York City to shed light on the global question of illegal immigration, and what to do about it.
