National Immigration Law Center Freedom to Thrive Podcast

Our host, Hector Flores, speaks with Lumbee hoop dancer and filmmaker Eric Michael Hernandez about discovering his identity through traditional hoop dance and what it means to carry two cultures that don't always fit the boxes people expect. Together, they explore misconceptions surrounding Native American identity, the bridges being built between Native American and Latino communities, and the harsh reality of Native people being swept up by ICE.

Host Hector Flores talks with Philadelphia-based comedian, journalist, and content creator Che Guerrero about growing up undocumented for nearly 30 years, navigating work and relationships, and the role humor has played in his life. Che discusses how immigration status can shape everyday experiences and explains how he uses comedy to connect with audiences and encourage civic participation.

Freedom to Thrive is back with Haitian singer-songwriter Paul Beaubrun, who joins host Hector Flores to talk about leaving Port-au-Prince for Brooklyn at 17, his years living as a TPS recipient, and how his storied musical family's activist legacy shaped both his life and his new album, Vertières, including why he believes revolution has to start from within.
NILC's Senior Policy Counsel Jennifer Ibañez Whitlock breaks down what TPS actually is, who it impacts, from Haitians to Salvadorans and beyond, and why it's under threat right now. She also lays out concrete actions listeners can take today, including supporting the Dream and Promise Act.
 

Multidisciplinary artist Safwat Saleem joins host Hector Flores to discuss immigration, Pakistani American identity, belonging, fatherhood, and the role of art in preserving family history. Safwat shares his nearly 20-year journey to U.S. citizenship, how he documents and humanizes the immigrant experience through creative projects, and what it means to raise children between cultures.
 

Fashion designer and Cindy Castro New York founder Cindy Castro joins host Hector Flores for an inspiring conversation about fashion, immigration, culture, and entrepreneurship. Castro shares her journey of building a sustainable fashion brand, overcoming challenges as an immigrant entrepreneur, and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in the fashion industry. Discover how grit, innovation, and cultural identity helped her create the Made by Immigrants campaign and become one of the first Latinas to lead sustainable fashion.

Emerging Chef James Beard Award winner Adrian Torres joins host Hector Flores for a conversation about food, culinary innovation, identity, and courage. Adrian reflects on the emotional moment he shared his story as a DACA recipient at the James Beard Awards, discusses new dishes he's developing as Executive Chef of Maximo restaurant, and shares how mentors, culture, community, and perseverance helped shape his journey.

Xochimilca recording artist and activist Xiuhtezcatl, joins host Hector Flores for a conversation about activism, art, and challenging systems of power. Drawing from his experiences as both an organizer and artist, Xiuhtezcatl explores how colonialism, politics, and other systemic forces shape social and environmental challenges affecting Indigenous communities and people worldwide.

Comedian, actor, and writer Jenny Yang kicks off Season 3 with host Hector Flores for a conversation about her Good Egg Immigrant Grocery Store Comedy Tour. Jenny shares how she's bringing stand-up shows to immigrant-owned grocery stores across the country to raise money for local immigrant rights organizations while making people laugh. She also opens up about the failed IVF cycle that inspired the tour's name, what it was like growing up as the child of Taiwanese immigrants, and why she'd rather build her own stage than wait for Hollywood to build one for her.
Later in the episode, we're joined by Eliana Fernandez, Senior Strategist and Organizer at NILC, who shares what real allyship looks like right now.
Listen and subscribe to NILC's Freedom to Thrive Podcast on Podbean: https://freedomtothrive.podbean.com /  Also available on iTunes, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
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