The American Council of Immigration does not approve or oppose candidates for elected offices. We aim to provide an analysis of the impact of elections on the US immigration system.
The major awards demonstrate that they play an important role in shaping America’s cultural identity. They reflect social values, define what is considered important in entertainment, and have the power to influence perspectives in history and present moments. Among them, Oscar stands as one of the most honorable and globally recognized dates back to 1929. The 97th Academy Awards include several nominated films that directly engage with the contemporary complexities of human movement and migration, providing a centred perspective on issues. One film, particularly a lien, captures the heartbreaking reality facing thousands of mixed-status families in the United States today.
The 13-minute film, nominated for Best Live Action Short Film, follows families attending the appointment of immigrants needed to adjust their father’s status. While he is in an interview with his young daughter, the US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives and begins to detain people. Through a changing perspective, the film follows the fear and despair of a mother and father, as well as the innocent understanding of the situation of her five-year-old daughter. When family fate rests on balance, the film builds a level of anxiety that reflects the daily reality that many families endure. It ends with a reminder that Ice frequently arrests people who are not documented in mandatory interviews and appointments.
Lien’s title is a deliberate play of words, highlighting that US immigrants are assigned “alien registration numbers,” while indicating that when families are separated, people’s loved ones and their possessions have a “lien” rights. The Oscar nomination for the 2025 film, completed in 2022 and first released in 2023, will be a particularly important moment in the US. This year, marked by the growing threat of massive deportation, forced children to stay home from school, leaving adults to miss out on job and medical appointments, and families were forced to attend churches to virtually avoid detection. The film’s portrayal of these experiences has influenced the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and partnered with the creative team behind the lien as part of an impact campaign aimed at protecting the rights of immigrants in the United States.
As Jessica, director of artists and entertainment at ACLU, waited, “We know that the tragic stories of ‘lien’ are happening all over our country. By developing such impact campaigns, we can give people a glimpse into what is happening in our country, humanizing the lives of immigrants and creating systematic change. ” Through this partnership, the film becomes a compelling part of the film. It becomes a tool of advocacy using storytelling to challenge policies and stories that threaten the well-being of immigrant communities.
This year’s Oscar nomination reflects an increasing appetite among American audiences for stories that capture the complexities of experiences that lived beyond binary political debate. When the fundamental concept of belonging to the US is being challenged, films like liens serve as a powerful counterpoint. By elevating these stories, Oscar is not only aware of his artistic achievements. They also remind us of the power of films to amplify voices and experiences that may otherwise be unprecedented, shape conversations and encourage change.
The movie “Lien” can be viewed for free on Vimeo. Viewers are encouraged that portrayals of family separation and deportation may be emotionally triggered.
Submitted below: ACLU, Family Separation
