Film tells story of LI doctor who came to US as unaccompanied minor

<p>A new documentary tells the story of a Long Island doctor who came to the United States as an unaccompanied minor.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2018, 9:23 PM

Updated 2,117 days ago

Share:

A new documentary tells the story of a Long Island doctor who came to the United States as an unaccompanied minor.
The film, titled "Undocumented," shares the journey of Dr. Harold Fernandez, a cardiothorasic surgeon who lives in Huntington and who came to the U.S. from Columbia.
"I had always that dream of being able to help people through medicine,"  Fernandez says.
He arrived in the country illegally at the age of 13 by traveling with strangers on a small boat. The plan was to join his parents, who had come to the United States years before. Fernandez likens their years of separation to the current family separations at the southern border.
The film follows his ascent to an Ivy League education -- Dr. Fernandez graduated from Princeton and Harvard Medical School.
Filmmaker Patricia Shih based the film on Dr. Fernandez's memoir of the same name. Shih descends from Chinese immigrants and wanted to put a spotlight on why immigrants seek out the American dream.
"I hope that they learn that immigrants are just like us. They want what's best for their families. They are looking for a better life and we should welcome them. That's what the Statue of Liberty is all about," says Shih.
Fernandez agrees.
"This is a story that reminds all of us that America is still a compassionate country, this is a country that really wants to do the best for everyone," he says.
Shih says she is working on scheduling more screenings for the film and also trying to get the film on streaming services like Netflix.
MORE INFORMATION: Documentary website


More from News 12
2:10
Stony Brook University administrators demand pro-Palestinian protesters end demonstration

Stony Brook University administrators demand pro-Palestinian protesters end demonstration

1:47
Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

0:25
Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

1:37
Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:13
School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

1:51
Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

0:27
MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

1:46
What's Cooking: Steak Taco

What's Cooking: Steak Taco

2:57
Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

2:01
US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

0:33
Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

0:53
USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments