Claremont native C.J. Raef and her crew film along the US-Mexico border.

Local producer knocks down myths in film on immigration

In the documentary film titled Documented America, producer and Claremont native C.J. Raef focuses on the challenges posed by the immigration system in America. The film highlights misconceived myths, shocking statistics and current policies in the United States.

Ms. Raef believes that the core of American culture derives from the multitudes of people who legally immigrated to the United States. While she opposes illegal immigration, she is a strong believer of multiculturalism in the United States.

The film reviews the many questions American citizens have in hopes to educate and clarify. It addresses issues such as immigration law enforcement and its financial consequences on hospitals, grocery prices, schools, jails and jobs. The film also explores the racial aspect of the issue and how prejudice may play a role.

She became outraged after witnessing the 2006 Illegal Alien Boycotts, when millions of undocumented immigrants charged through the streets demanding equal rights even though they were living illegally within the United States. She complained about a flood of media coverage misrepresenting the issues by freely exchanging the terms “illegal alienâ€