Chupacabras: The Myth of the Bad Immigrant 

“Every immigrant is bad until proven exceptional”

The Chupacabras, is a film project that captures the dehumanization and criminalization of undocumented immigrants. This film sheds light on the “good vs. bad” immigrant narratives that are further solidified by exclusionary policies, such as DACA and DAPA. Ineligibility for such policies further stigmatizes undocumented individuals as terrorists, criminals, animals, and less than human. Using the metaphor of the Chupacabra we expose the sensationalized fear of undocumented people as “coming across the border with disease and violence threatening the American life.”

We want to talk to people about their first encounters with dehumanization or discrimination based on their undocumented status, and how they have experienced it in their daily lives. This film is different from the “worthy” immigrant narrative (i.e. DREAMers) that has become popularized in recent years. Through humor and satire, we want to expose the contradictions immigrants experience in our society. We are interested in capturing a wide range of stories, and collaborating with various groups, organizations, and individuals with a similar vision.

Please contact  silvia.rodriguez.vega@ucla.edu if you are interested in sharing your story, supporting our project, or hosting a screening and dialogue. We hope to highlight the dignity of these stories and contribute to this important and timely dialogue.

*This project is a collaborative film through a class at UCLA on social justice filmmaking. In solidarity with Trans Latin@ Coalition, Immigrant Youth Coalition, and Resilience OC.

To learn more about the impact of this project you can read “Selfless Selfie Citizenship: Chupacabras Selfie Project” here published in 2017 by Palgrave Macmillan Press.

Chupacabras: The Myth of the Bad Immigrant: