Edyta Kielian

Very little about our lives is constant or totally certain, and while we have control over many things, we can’t control everything that happens to us. I left Tarnow, Poland and arrived in Chicago in 1995. I have chosen this country and I love living here. I truly respect and appreciate this country; however immigration is not just a geographical change, it also involves change in all aspects of life, including social, cultural, environmental, and behavioral. This causes several traumatic events that negatively impact the mental well-being of immigrants. I have applied for permanent residence three times and been refused twice. It has finally happened. I have been waiting for over 20 years, but I am no longer an undocumented immigrant. My biggest dream has come true, but many of my friends are still waiting.

For this photographic project, I invited people who had or still have the status of undocumented immigrants. Also, the phrases are from official documents or words spoken by these individuals.

www.edytakielian.com