Most of what people call allyship is applause
In this short commentary, Lorena Rivas, Esq. critiques the prevalent performative allyship toward immigrants, arguing that merely sharing posts, posting when ICE or related headlines trend, or correcting language only in public settings amounts to applause rather than true support. She highlights how such surface‑level actions disappear once the media cycle moves on, and how speaking for immigrants who can speak for themselves further undermines authentic solidarity. Rivas defines real allyship as quiet, sustained actions taken when no one is watching: listening, learning, showing up for immigrant communities beyond the spotlight, and standing beside them without needing to be the front‑person. The piece serves as a call to shift from trend‑driven gestures to consistent, behind‑the‑scenes support.
