Think Immigration: Immigrants and Immigration Attorneys Add to the Tapestry that is the “All-American Story”

On Human Rights Day, December 10, 2025, a multi-media project entitled the “All-American Story” will launch. The project was inspired by the story of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detaining a beloved member of a small-town Missouri community. Carol fled abuse in Hong Kong 20 years ago, and ever since she had lived, worked, paid her taxes, and raised her three children in Kennett, Missouri. Carol’s story earned nationwide media attention when the inhabitants of Kennett raised both money and a fuss when they learned that their friend, neighbor, and favorite waitress had been detained. In June, Carol came home and newspapers across the country told the story.

Amy Friedman, founder of All-American Story, was moved by Carol’s story to act. Amy, who is an author, editor, publisher, and writing teacher, has taught people how to write personal essays and memoirs for decades. As she puts it, “When we tell our own stories, we often heal our wounds, and when we share our stories, we feel more alive, more loving and loved, courageous, and connected to others.

Amy and her co-producers—authors, teachers, actors, and activists Jessica Tuck, Dennis Danziger, Samina Ali, and Roland Tec—believe strongly that by sharing true stories, we all learn who we Americans truly are.

The producers are collecting stories from the myriad immigrant voices that make up the rich tapestry of who we are as a nation. The Project will launch with a wide online presence to showcase these stories far and wide;in 2026, it will expand to live performances and presentations in theaters, museums, and other venues across the country. Watch this video interview to learn more about the project and how you can participate:

Here’s where AILA members come in: The producers continue to welcome stories and artwork, especially from members of the immigration bar. Those wishing to share their own immigrant stories or to encourage stories from their clients, whether anonymously or under a pen name, are invited and encouraged to do so.

As a member of the Project’s Advisory Team and longtime AILA member, I hope that all of you who work with and serve our immigrant communities will participate by sharing your own stories, spreading news about the Project, and inviting others to share their stories.

Guidelines for how to get involved are available on the website All-AmericanStory.com (see Conversations and Get Involved). If you have any questions, you can reach out directly to the team at OurAllAmericanStories@gmail.com.

Please join the growing number of American artists, writers, lawyers, and others who are meeting this historical moment with honesty, creativity, and generosity.