Beyond Labels, Beyond Stereotypes: Humanity That Builds and Strengthens
By Francelly Jiménez-Palacios, MPH, Doctoral Fellow, Environmental & Occupational Health Communications, Migrant Clinicians Network
Immigration is in the news every day. Headlines and debates often center on border security, the economy, labor, and humanitarian issues, making immigration one of the most talked-about and divisive topics in the country. Yet, while immigration is widely discussed, the voices of immigrants themselves are often missing. Behind the political talk are millions of people and families whose work, leadership, and contributions help make communities across the United States stronger.
Now, a national coalition of farmworker organizations called GOTA seeks to humanize immigrant stories with a new video series, Humanity That Builds and Strengthens. GOTA stands for the Grupo de Organizaciones de Trabajadores Agrícolas – or the Group of Agricultural Worker Organizations.
Originally convened to amplify farmworker groups sharing a goal of reducing pesticide exposures, GOTA as a coalition has expanded to successfully leverage its diverse base to challenge many of the health and well-being issues that migrants and immigrants in farmworker communities are facing. Starting in 2024, GOTA members began to vocalize during coalition meetings the vast health impacts of immigration policies and rhetoric on farmworker families, migrant families, parents, kids, and workers in their communities. Fear, toxic stress, an increase in abuse, and a loss of safety were all prominent.
In response, this year, the coalition envisioned a positive and engaging video-based campaign to respond to the rhetoric, to dispel myths about immigrants and showcase the humanity of all of us. Each organization reached out to their members, encouraging them to record their own short videos and personal stories to highlight the real people behind the headlines, who are much more than the stereotypes shown in the media.
The resultant videos highlight their untold stories as farmworkers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, students, community leaders, and families who help strengthen the economy and advance the country. Their contributions can be found in fields, classrooms, hospitals, businesses, places of worship, and neighborhoods across the nation.
By sharing real stories, the campaign aims to lift up the voices and experiences of immigrant communities and help more people understand the diverse ways they contribute to society.
What makes this campaign different is its simplicity. Every video was recorded by the participants themselves, using their own phones or with the help of a friend or family member. There were no scripts, professional cameras, or production teams. For many, it was their first time speaking to a camera. The final product – a big shift from the highly produced AI-enhanced videos of our age -- shines with authenticity,, with real people sharing real stories in their own words.
Rubén’s Story
Immigrants do not fit into just one story. They are agricultural workers who help feed the country, health care professionals who care for patients, small business owners who create jobs, students working toward their dreams, and parents building better futures for their children.
In these short videos, participants talk about their experiences, hopes, challenges, and achievements in their own words. One of them is Rubén Chávez, a first-generation immigrant from Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. His journey has been shaped by service, family, and community. Rubén was a teacher and later served in the United States Armed Forces. Now, he works as a community organizer, supporting mental health and well-being in rural and border communities.
In his video, he challenges common assumptions about immigration, emphasizing that many immigrants come not only in search of opportunity, but also with strengths, wisdom, commitment, and a deep desire to give back.
“I want people to understand that people like me do not come to this country only looking for an opportunity,” he explains. “We also come with strengths, wisdom, commitment, and a profound desire to contribute and serve.”
Rubén’s story is just one of many featured throughout the campaign. Together, these stories challenge the notion that immigrants can be defined by a single narrative. They highlight individuals who lead, serve, teach, care for others, raise families, and give back to their communities. Each story reminds us that behind every number is a real person, and behind every community are people whose hard work helps build and strengthen the places they call home.
Join the Movement
Changing the national narrative takes everyone’s involvement. GOTA invites community members, partners, and supporters to watch, share, and engage with the stories featured throughout the campaign.
How to get involved:
Watch the videos shared on GOTA platforms
Share stories with your networks
Join the conversation through comments and discussion
Tag friends, family members, and organizations
Help amplify immigrant voices by spreading the word
Each time someone views a story, it not only raises awareness but also challenges stereotypes and helps others see the real people behind the headlines. Even small actions like sharing or commenting can have a ripple effect, encouraging more empathy and understanding while showing support for immigrant communities. While each action may seem small, together they help expand the reach of stories that might otherwise go unheard.
If you would like to share your own story about how you have helped strengthen your community, GOTA welcomes your participation. Contact the campaign at GOTA.connect@gmail.com.
Changing perceptions does not happen overnight. It happens through conversations, connections, and a willingness to listen to one another. Through Humanity That Builds and Strengthens, GOTA hopes to create a space where immigrant voices are heard, experiences are shared, and communities come together to better understand immigration.
Because immigrants are more than labels.
More than headlines.
More than assumptions.
They are people, families, workers, leaders, neighbors, and community members. Their humanity helps build and strengthen this country every day.
Follow the Campaign
Facebook: @GOTA2026
www.facebook.com/GOTA2026Instagram: @gota.connect
www.instagram.com/gota.connect/TikTok: @gota0731
www.tiktok.com/@gota0731YouTube: @GOTA_2026
www.youtube.com/@GOTA_2026#GOTA2026
Real Stories. Real Voices
Health Impact: Why MCN is Featuring This Story
Migrant Clinicians Network, as a member and facilitator of GOTA, recognizes the health impact of negative rhetoric and poor immigration policy. The ongoing anti-immigrant climate has created a new public health crisis. MCN supports GOTA’s video stories as a method to combat the ‘othering’ of immigrants and build community that includes all members in our neighborhoods, for the health and well-being of all.