Why one woman self-deported from the US | Now You Know
Apr 22, 2025 | Now You Know
At 31, Jill Damatac made the decision to self-deport from the United States, ending 22 years of life as an undocumen
Apr 22, 2025 | Now You Know
At 31, Jill Damatac made the decision to self-deport from the United States, ending 22 years of life as an undocumented migrant. Her journey began at age nine, when her family left the Philippines for the US in search of a better life. But instead of opportunity, they encountered instability, xenophobia, and an immigration system Jill describes as broken.
In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to Jill Damatac about what it means to grow up as an undocumented migrant in the US, and how that reshaped her sense of identity, belonging, and home.
In this episode:
Jill Damatac, Writer & Filmmaker
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Fahrinisa Campana, Zaina Badr, and our Host, Samantha Johnson.
Munera AlDosari is the engagement producer. Aya Elmileik is our lead of engagement.
Our sound designer is Joe Plourde. Our video editor is Catherine Hallinan.
Jo de Frias is Now You Know’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.
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