Radio Atlantic

He's Undocumented. She's Not.

8 snips
Dec 11, 2025
Maddie Polovic, a U.S. citizen and nonprofit worker, and Matt Borowski, an undocumented immigrant from Poland, share their heartfelt journey as a Chicago couple grappling with immigration challenges. They dive into the daily anxieties of undocumented life and the emotional weight of DACA's collapse. As they confront the possibility of relocating to Poland, they explore competing definitions of home and the impact of their decision on family and community ties. Their candid discussions reveal the complexity of love amid uncertainty and the resilience required to adapt.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Undocumented Status Shaped Their Lives

  • Matt told Maddie he was undocumented on their second date and they later married on a mountain peak in Colorado.
  • His undocumented status shaped their life choices and long-term planning from early in the relationship.
INSIGHT

Policy Swings Create False Hope

  • Policy shifts can create fleeting hope for undocumented families seeking stability.
  • The Keeping Families Together ruling offered a path but was undone by a court decision, returning them to uncertainty.
ANECDOTE

Visiting Poland Changed Her Mind

  • Matt suggested moving to Poland as the only viable legal option and bought Maddie a plane ticket to visit.
  • Maddie's initial fury turned into openness after she experienced Poland and felt it 'in her bones.'
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app