A Disabled Immigrant's Journey: Navigating Life at the Intersection of Identity

Geoff Cook

A Disabled Immigrant's Journey: Navigating Life at the Intersection of Identity

Living at the intersection of multiple identities—such as being both an immigrant and a person with a disability—presents a unique set of challenges and triumphs. A recent blog post from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AADP) titled “Living an Immigrant Life with a Disability” offers a poignant and personal look into this experience.

The article, written by a 2018 AADP Summer Internship Program alumnus, discusses the difficulties of navigating the U.S. immigration system while also managing a physical disability. The author shares how their priorities shifted from academic pursuits to securing permanent residency and employment, a process made even more complex by their disability and visa status.

This powerful story underscores the importance of considering how various aspects of a person's identity can intersect to create distinct barriers. It also serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience required to overcome these challenges and build a life that is both authentic and fulfilling.

This story raises an important question: In what ways can we, as a society, better support disabled immigrants who face dual challenges related to both their disability and immigration status?

Here is the original article: https://www.aapd.com/living-an-immigrant-life-with-a-disability/