Today in American politics, immigrants and refugees draw the short stick. Everyday there are debates regarding the Syrian conflict and the Mexican-American border. Recent debate has included barring any Muslim from immigrating here at all. Immigrants, even those with citizenship, are often seen as outsiders, as out of place. Their cultures and values are seen as ‘exotic’ and ‘un-American’ even when it is Americans themselves practicing them. This project uses traditional clothing in a modern setting to show the displacement of immigrants and their children in current society. It is not for or against immigration reform, but simply a reminder that immigrants are not numbers, but genuine people, that we are Americans too.

The Immigrant Project is photography series addressing the treatment of immigrants in modern society and politics. Too often, the cultures and values of immigrants are ostracized and deemed “exotic,” instead of the practices of true Americans, which they are.

 – Nata Ward, Lance Editor-in-Chief

Junior Katya Ward was senior Nata Ward’s first model for her new photo set.

The Wards have a heritage of their own. Their grandparents came over from Lithuania during World War II and started their family in America.

“We used to do Lithuanian dances and we used to go to a Lithuanian school,” Katya said. “We still have Lithuanians come over and we will do holiday traditions.”

Although Katya might look different than the other models of Nata’s, she still empathizes for other types of heritages and what they are going through.

“I think it brings good attention and it shows that everyone is an American,” Katya said. “Everyone thinks it’s the immigrants fault but we are all kind of immigrants in a sense so it’s kind of bringing light to what other people feel.”

Another of Nata’s models was senior Lysette Pena. Pena’s parents immigrated from Mexico. She posed in front of a graffiti wall for the shoot. Pena didn’t know Nata before this project, but was positive about the project.

“I told Nata I went to South where there are a lot of Hispanic themes and I thought the graffiti walls would be cool,” Lysette said.

Despite having come to America, Pena and her family still take part in Hispanic traditions. These traditions include food, music and speaking Spanish in the household.

This project helped Pena exhibit her perspective on America and how she feels about being stereotyped and discriminated because of her heritage.

“This project means a lot to me,” Pena said. “With politics and Donald Trump right now, a lot of people think it’s okay to make jokes of Hispanics and it’s not okay.”

To see the full set of images, click here for Nata’s Instagram or click here for her Facebook page.