I have heard these words so many times, “Stupid illegals, why don’t they do it the right way?” Well, if it were that easy: paying the money, proving you are not a criminal, marrying a citizen- all immigrants would find a way to make it happen. The reality is that there are often years of red tape people have to wade through, including limited visas for certain groups, especially people from Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. These people can apply, pay, marry Americans, build houses and businesses, and work, but they are still deemed unworthy in a corrupt system. I will share my family’s story, and maybe you can catch a glimpse of the harsh reality of immigration.

In 2008, my mom completed a step-parent adoption of my sisters. She and my dad worked two jobs each for years to get the money. Unfortunately, being married to an American didn't entitle him to bring his kids into America. In fact, he couldn’t even go with her to get them, or risk his own waiver application being denied and being stuck in Mexico.

My dad convinced his parents to take the girls in as he worked on getting them to America. We had to live in a tiny apartment for five years to pay off all the debt. I don’t remember everything, but I have seen all the papers, letters, and the evidence my mom gathered to show we were a real family. I have seen them work on permanent residency, visa renewals, change of status forms, and more. I have feared the nights of upcoming immigration interviews. I grew up worrying about immigration splitting up my family. We have done it all legally; paid the fees, followed all the laws, had FBI background checks and we still live with fear.

I went with my sister Esme to get her citizenship, a process started when she was eight-years old and ended with her as a 25-year old mother. It was so scary, but we laughed because she ate an entire box of cookies as we waited. She doesn't even like cookies. I said, “Esme you are going to puke; stop it.” She answered, “Well, if I get deported this may be my last meal in America.” The conversation was playful but we were all scared. She turned serious and asked my mom if she got deported, to raise her daughters in America. She believed they would be better here with us. She passed the test, and we celebrated.

My sister Rubi became a citizen in 2022. I still have one sister left to apply. She came to America when she was five. This is her home. She is autistic and can’t speak Spanish. If she doesn’t pass the test, she may get denied. She could not survive in Mexico alone. My dad has conditional status. He is safe for now, but any day those protections could be revoked.

Most little kids have fears, like the monster under their bed, school bullies, etc. My fears are different. I have seen two of my uncles deported. I have family members that died crossing the border. I have grown up fearing the government. Those experiences taught me about injustice, unfairness, racism, and privilege. My lens of America is different from others, but there are also many people that have walked in my shoes. I am proud to be American, and of my parents for fighting to bring our family together. I would never change who I am regardless of the many struggles my family has faced. I would not want a different life because I may not have the same empathy for immigrants that I do today, if I was not the daughter of an immigrant myself.

© Alicia. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.