Former journalist Jose Antonio Vargas sparked a massive debate in 2011 when he revealed his status as an undocumented immigrant who had lied about his status to get work.
Unsure of the legal ramifications, he wrote an article for The New York Times Magazine about his experience coming to the U.S. from the Philippines as a child, later learning his documents had been forged.
Vargas immediately became one of the most polarizing figures in the national media — some hailed his boldness in “coming out” as undocumented, while others criticized him as dishonest and opportunistic.
He had a crew film those early days, which compiled that time into a documentary titled “Documented.”
The University of Virginia hosted two early screenings of the film, which focuses on his revelation and his reconciliation with his estranged mother in the Philippines.
Vargas told the audience afterward he hopes the film helps humanize undocumented immigrants to people opposed to immigration reform.
Vargas called on students to help shift public opinion.
“College students have always led the way for change in this country,” he said.
“For most people, we’re not human beings — we’re illegal immigrants in the parking lot of Home Depot taking their jobs,” Vargas said.
