Hyphenated America

Sophia Houdaigui and Maria Castillo roundly reject the rejection of the hyphen by those who insist that people are “just plain Americans.” Sophia (Moroccan-American) and Maria (Mexican-American) claim their entire definition of self, recognizing what’s unique about their national identities.

They are the daughters of immigrants and they know: being unfamiliar with the details of immigration law can have undesirable outcomes. When they looked for reliable information to guide them, they couldn’t find a source that was clear and simple and comprehensive, addressing the issues they and their families think about.

What if deportation is a possibility for a loved one? What if the family was separated? Who can help with a legal question?

To combat this lack of knowledge, Maria and Sophia created Hyphenated America. They offer a compendium of resources for young people seeking answers about how to navigate the complex, confusing, ever-present immigration system.

Their website is warm and welcoming.

The visitor is a click away from accessible guides, the newsletter, and a podcast. Sophia and Maria seek out the most useful information in their interviews with journalists, politicians, actors, advocates, and scholars.

Launching this ambitious outreach required a big outlay for basics like subscriptions, web hosting, and podcasting equipment, and this Awesome Without Borders grant will go toward those expenses.

In unfamiliar territory, it’s a relief to find a friendly guide who can tell you where you are and where the roads lead. Hyphenates, meet Hyphenated America, perhaps the friend you need in this strange land.