Brian Singer
The American Dream, 2019
Ladder, Cotton Flags
15”W x 96”H x 3”D
Artist Statement
Several Mexican flags were disassembled, thread by thread. They're then tied together, end to end, and wrapped around an old wood ladder. This piece deals with the promise of the American Dream, and how unattainable it is for immigrants who, for a large part, farm the food and build the houses in America.Immigration Law in CA: Californians are fortunate to enjoy an expansive list of pro-immigrant state laws that bring many benefits to all residents.As home to the largest immigrant population in the country, California has wisely begun to invest in immigrants and their families with commonsense, effective initiatives. Immigrants comprise one-third of California’s labor force, figuring prominently in the agricultural and manufacturing industries and contributing a massive $600 billion to our state’s gross domestic product each year. But cruel immigration and employment policies put too many workers at risk of unjust firings.More than half (53%) of California’s immigrants are non-citizens. These laws seek to expand parity and enforce the civil liberties of immigrants and prevent discrimination.