Selena Gomez opened up about “Living Undocumented,” a documentary series she is producing for Netflix, and how the topic affects her own family, in an op-ed she wrote for Time magazine on Tuesday.
“Living Undocumented” will follow the lives of eight immigrant families facing deportation in the U.S., Gomez wrote for Time.
“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 thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance,” Gomez wrote in the Time op-ed.
Her aunt entered the U.S. hidden in the back of a truck in the 1970s, the singer and actor wrote. Her grandparents came to the U.S. from Mexico shortly after, and Gomez’s father was born in the U.S.
Gomez said that her family members have worked hard to gain U.S. citizenship, but “when I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country.”
Gomez expected criticism for involving herself in the “Living Undocumented” series, but wrote, “Fear shouldn’t stop us from getting involved and educating ourselves on an issue that affects millions of people in our country.”
“The truth is, the worst criticism I can imagine is still nothing compared to what undocumented immigrants face every day,” Gomez wrote.
“As a Mexican-American woman I feel a responsibility to use my platform to be a voice for people who are too afraid to speak,” said Gomez. “And I hope that getting to know these eight families and their stories will inspire people to be more compassionate, and to learn more about immigration and form their own opinion.”
“Living Undocumented” will be available on Netflix October 2.