Zainab Shirazi

When I was younger, I was raised by my grandparents because my parents could not afford to support me financially. I remember listening to stories of my grandparents’ hardships during their immigration to the United States from Pakistan. As they struggled to establish themselves in the community, they faced many governmental–as well as social–challenges that made them strong individuals that my family looks up to. Because of their experiences, as well as the struggles of many other immigrants continuously attempting to establish themselves in this country, I am a strong supporter of the immigrant community and will always encourage others to fight for their rights.

The Butterfly postcard campaign was developed by the UIC Latino Cultural Center in collaboration with student organizations Fearless Undocumented Alliance and Heritage Garden Student Group that highlights the parallels between the migration of people and Monarch butterflies across national borders.