In keeping with the recent spate of independent films coming out about our broken immigration system, the folks over at Brave New Foundation (a great organization focusing on making media to raise awareness for social justice) have released a revealing documentary about two military families being torn apart by our immigration laws.
“Second Battle” chronicles the struggles of Francis Barrio and Hota Ferschke, both immigrants and the wives of servicemen that fought in Iraq, now facing removal from the United States, despite their husbands’ service. The film is part of the IN THEIR BOOTS documentary series, a BNF project that seeks to raise awareness of the sacrifices of American service members and their families. It’s a worthy project, and it’s great to see a film like “Second Battle,” which incorporates the struggle of many immigrants into that narrative. As the film points out, the likelihood of falling in love with and marrying a non-US citizen is a common scenario for many military members. The inherent arduousness of life as one of today’s military families is clear enough, but when families like the Barrios and the Ferschkes also have to fight against antiquated and plainly illogical immigration laws, they are being torn apart.
It’s a powerful film–heartbreaking, but also inspiring for all of us working for immigration reform that will keep families like the Barrios and the Ferschkes together. Check out the trailer above, then head over to the IN THEIR BOOTS page, to view the episode in its entirety.
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