The Unlikelihood of Family

The Unlikelihood of Family examines the insufficiency of our migratory system seen within the context of transnational and mixed immigration status families living in Boston. This photographic essay turns the camera towards American youth facing forced parental separation due to deportation. It also narrates the journey of children fleeing violence in Central America with the hope of reuniting family on American territory. Time and again, in the families I photograph, I encounter their feelings of shame towards the broken family, anxiety about living in the shadows, fear for their loved ones, and profound social disconnectedness. In contrast, in these families I often learn of the solace found in the dignity of their work and the betterment of their children. Through this work, I hope to serve as witness of the desire of many transnational families to participate and thrive in American society, even when political circumstances make the dream of family reunification unlikely.