The truth about immigration in the United States is that unless you are Native American, we all came from somewhere else. Yet, in 2025, the country finds itself roiled in trying to determine who we are as a country when it comes to welcoming immigrants to our shores and across our borders. The subject is rife with misunderstanding and alternative facts, and yet today, both documented and undocumented immigrants work and pay taxes that benefit all of us. Above all, both documented and undocumented immigrants are our neighbors.

In this episode of Trust Talks, we share insights into the immigrant experience, examine immigrants’ contributions to our communities and region, and discuss how misperceptions fuel stereotypes and false narratives about immigration.

This episode is hosted by Ayom Siengo, The Chicago Community Trust's senior director of Critical Needs. It features Eréndira Rendón, The Resurrection Project’s vice president of Immigrant Justice; Fasika Alem, United African Organization’s programs director; Robert Quinn of Quinn Family Fund and Illinois Immigration Funder Collaborative Steering Committee; and Heather Steans, board chair of Steans Family Foundation.

It was produced by Juneteenth Productions and recorded at Little Black Pearl.