10/31/2024
The History of "Illegal Immigrants" and Legacy at Christopher Columbus High School.
My grandson Adrian, who is currently in the MASS program at CCHS, is organizing a community event honoring veterans. During a recent visit, two students guided me to the Community Services office and asked me, “Who do you have here?” and “Where are you from?” When I shared my story, one replied, “That sounds like our grandparents—they came from Cuba as refugees, often considered ‘illegal immigrants’ at the time, driven by economic and political turmoil.”
Today, South Florida’s strength and vibrancy are thanks to generations of immigrants—from Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, Venezuela, the Caribbean, and other nationalities —who built institutions like CCHS, and cultural landmarks like Inter Miami, and brought figures like Messi to our community. Leaders like Jorge Mas, a CCHS alumnus and son of Cuban immigrants once labeled as “illegal,” have left an indelible mark, creating multibillion-dollar enterprises and enriching our cultural landscape.
Reflecting on these stories, one must ask: how can we close doors to those who continue to shape our community and economy?
