Cesar V., 32, New York, Born in Puebla, Mexico Whenever possible, I take the Staten Island ferry across Hudson Bay, so I can admire the majestic Statute of Liberty – reliving that moment shared by so many immigrants. The Lady with Light symbolizes my mother’s American Dream of seeing her son become a lawyer, a … Continue reading
Karla E, 24, Chino, CA, Born in Mexico Anthropologist and activist, I am on a mission: to teach until I can earn enough money for grad school where I will study forensic anthropology. But I’m not just focused on my own future, but on the future of all the Undocumented. Unlike my parents who keep … Continue reading
Erick T, 27, Los Angeles, Born in Mexico City I’m starting my second semester of law school after growing up thinking that I should limit my expectations because of poverty and few professional role models. But my parents had faith in me and encouraged me to work toward a better future. If my parents could … Continue reading
Mithi DR, 31, Los Angeles, CA, Born in the Philippines It has taken me 26 years to become a legal resident, so I know far too much about deferred dreams. I first came to the U.S. with my family. Although we had hopes of sponsorship through a job for my father, things didn’t work out … Continue reading
Alfredo S, 36, Pacific Grove, CA, Born in Mexico When I first came to the States from Mexico in 1999, I stayed with a friend. I came on my own and spent days in the desert without food and water. I knew there was a job waiting for me so I could work and send … Continue reading
Maria, 25, Detroit, Michigan, Born in Mexico My mother, younger brother and I came to the U.S. 16 years ago on a tourist visa when I was nine years old. We came to reunite with my dad who had been living in Detroit for almost four years by himself. Once we were all together in … Continue reading
Emerson M., 27, Menlo Park, CA, Born in Lima, Peru As an entrepreneur from Peru, I came to San Francisco when I was 17 to attend college, intent on studying computer engineering. My mom, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was already in the States. I worked at two jobs to pay for school, but this economic … Continue reading
Belen S, 21, Gilbert, Arizona, Born in Argentina The full meaning of being undocumented didn’t register with Belen until she was 16 — when her friends started getting their drivers’ licenses, finding part-time jobs and planning for college. Belen had come to the States with her family when she was six. After overstaying their visa, … Continue reading
Diana S, 29, Los Angeles, CA Born in Mexico I’ve been working hard since I was 16. It’s one reason I didn’t finish high school until I was 20. Now I have three small children of my own and work full-time so it’s hard to continue my education. Taking care of my kids is my … Continue reading
Maite D, 27, North Carolina, Born in Mexico I think of myself as an American because I’ve lived in the U.S. since I was 12. This is the home my parents sacrificed everything to provide for me. I graduated high school and earned my CNA (certified nursing assistant) in college. And now I’m saving to … Continue reading