In the year 2019, which was just before the highly contentious 2020 Presidential Election that saw the clash between the incumbent President Donald Trump and the Democratic challenger Joe Biden, a remarkable essay was penned by Gomez for the esteemed publication TIME, focusing on the critical and often polarizing issue of immigration. She began her narrative by sharing a poignant story from her family’s past: “In the 1970s, my aunt crossed the border from Mexico to the United States hidden in the back of a truck,” she recounted, setting the stage for a personal and emotional exploration of her heritage and the sacrifices made by her family. “My grandparents followed, and my father was born in Texas soon after. Subsequently, in 1992, I was born a U.S. citizen, a privilege afforded to me through the bravery and profound sacrifices made by my family.”
Continuing her reflection, Gomez highlighted the struggles and triumphs of her family’s journey over the past four decades, stating, “Over the past four decades, members of my family have worked incredibly hard to gain United States citizenship, each step marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering hope for a better future.” As someone who was featured in Netflix’s 2019 documentary Living Undocumented, she articulated an ongoing concern that permeates her thoughts daily, saying, “Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country, a fortunate situation brought to me thanks to my family’s courage and the grace of circumstance.”
However, she did not shy away from expressing the anxiety and fear that these political discussions can evoke. “But when I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations, those who face uncertainty and hostility. The plight of undocumented immigrants resonates deeply with me, not only because it is intimately tied to my own story but also because I empathize with the countless individuals and families who seek safety, opportunity, and acceptance in this nation. I feel afraid for my country as well, as I witness how divisive rhetoric threatens the very fabric of our society and the values we profess to uphold as a nation. “
