Passing in America

Excerpts from a final project for an American Culture Studies course. This zine explores the history of "passing" (performing an identity different from one’s own) in relation to asian immigration in the US. Part one includes two stories from the early 20th century in which Chinese immigrants disguised themselves as Native Americans and Mexicans in an effort to cross the border. Part three is based on José Vargas's memoir "Dear America," in which he describes his experience as an undocumented immigrant trying to pass as a citizen. By gathering these stories together and pairing them with illustrations, I aim to make more accessible narratives that reveal the fragility of these identities. Completed Spring 2019.