My father's story of how he got to New York City is one that's quite crazy. Originally from China, him and his friend decided to go to America for a better life. In 1989, they started their journey in Panama. I have family members there that accommodated them until they were ready to leave. From Panama, my dad and his friend took a plane to Mexico. After getting off the plane, they walked to the border between Mexico and America. They snuck through successfully to Arizona but were then caught. They were taken into custody and spent the night in a holding cell but were let go after 24 hours. Finally, from Arizona to New York, they took a plane. For seven years, my father was not a citizen. He didn't become a citizen until he married my mom in 1996.

– Clara Zheng

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant