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Jose Antonio Vargas
@joseiswriting
Creatively Borderless. Founder, @DefineAmerican; author of of DEAR AMERICA: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen; co-founder of 1587 Sneakers.
United States
joseantoniovargas.com
Joined August 2008
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Jun 24, 2025
    A new edition of my book, DEAR AMERICA, has been released, with an updated introduction and an epilogue I wrote earlier this year that focuses on two things: the change in my own immigration status; and the need to fight the mis and disinformation that defines so much of the
    17K
  • user avatar
    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Aug 12, 2017
    Dear Well-Meaning White People Who Want Nothing To Do With Alt-Right: We, people of color, cannot carry this burden. You must engage.
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Jun 12, 2018
    This is what happens when a government believes people are “illegal.” Kids in cages.
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Jun 29, 2019
    Dear U.S. history teachers: Your job is crucial. More than ever. When people say, "Ellis Island took in LEGAL immigrants," please remind students that immigrants did not need visas and green cards during the Ellis Island era. They just showed up. 1/2
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    Robby Starbuck
    @robbystarbuck
    Jun 29, 2019
    Ellis Island took in LEGAL immigrants. They were vetted in quarantine. Democrats love to conflate legal & illegal but they aren’t the same. I’ll keep it simple for you. Illegal = random person walking into your front door. Legal = someone you invited knocking & being let in.
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Sep 5, 2017
    Dear Congress, It is now your turn to prove that you are, indeed, the People's House. #DACA-mented people are people, too. #DefendDACA
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    May 27, 2020
    Why are we all acting like there are only White Amy Coopers? I've met quite a few Asian and Latina Amy Coopers.
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Apr 15, 2020
    Dear Gov. @GavinNewsom: As an undocumented immigrant who was raised in California and call the Bay Area my home, thank you. Thank you for remembering that undocumented Californians are an inextricable part of our state. cc: governors across the country, especially @NYGovCuomo
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    KTVU
    @KTVU
    Apr 15, 2020
    JUST IN: Newsom announced $125 million relief fund for undocumented immigrants. Up to $1,000 per family and $500 per individual bit.ly/2K92N7K
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Jun 29, 2019
    Replying to @joseiswriting
    When people talk about Ellis Island and say that "America is a country of immigrants," please remind students that Black people who are descendants of slaves and Native Americans are NOT immigrants. Thank you. 2/2
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Aug 15, 2017
    Dear US History teachers: Your job is crucial. Please make sure your students know the difference b/w George Washington and Robert E. Lee
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Mar 23, 2020
    We serve you. We harvest your crops. We care for your families. We go to your colleges. We work in your firms. We pay taxes and contribute to Social Security. Immigrants, documented and undocumented, are a part of America. We should be a part of any Covid19 relief package.
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Apr 2, 2024
    And just like that: After 31 years of living in these yet to be United States, I am now a U.S. citizen.
    136K
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Oct 20, 2016
    To all over-qualified, hard-working women who've had to compete w/ mediocre yet patronizing men: We see you, we respect you #debatenight
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Jan 19, 2018
    Can you do me a favor? If you know someone with #DACA, or someone who would qualify under whatever version of the #DREAMAct, can you reach out to them? A text, an email, a phone call. Just remind them that their lives are more than pieces of papers and partisan policies.
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    Jose Antonio Vargas
    @joseiswriting
    Mar 4, 2017
    I will engage anyone on #immigration. But before we talk, let's get on the same page about facts: defineamerican.com/factsmatter/ @DefineAmerican