#ImmiGrad is a thank-you to all the immigrant parents out there

Graduation season is upon us, and while it may be a celebration for all involved, there’s a certain pride that comes with graduating as the child of immigrants (this writer knows it, too, because she is one!). While college means sacrifice for many involved, for immigrant students and immigrant parents, the opportunity to go to college is truly a commitment and a life-changing event. With this in mind, we have #ImmiGrad.

To celebrate this form of dedication, Define America — a “non-profit media and culture organization that uses the power of story to transcend politics and shift the conversation about immigrants and identity” — has started the hashtag #ImmiGrad to give immigrants and their children the opportunity to speak about their experiences on their own terms.

Just one thought-provoking example of the #ImmiGrad initiative:

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People are posting their photos from graduation day on social media with the hashtag, making many people emotional wrecks in the process (in the best way, of course). Others have decorated their graduation caps, and the results are beautiful and evocative.

According to Remezcla, Define America says,

"Graduation is an important day for everyone, but for many children of immigrants, it is the very reason they are in this country. We want to celebrate all immigrant graduates and their families and recognize them for achieving this milestone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUX_Oh9DHpr

People are flooding social media with stories of their  journeys through college — including personal anecdotes, which, for some, include the struggles that come with being undocumented.

Although each person’s story will look different, through them all is a sense of pride and an attitude of resilience that, yes, the hard work may be done for now — but there will be plenty of opportunities to fight in the future.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUamPdale8l

Congratulations to all the grads out there! May your future be bright, and may you pave the way for others!