Both my parents left Mexico, to start their family and be able to give us, their children, a better opportunity in life. My dad left Mexico first, just so that he could get a head start before my mom came along. When my mom decided to come to the U.S., her journey was very rigorous and life threatening. One item which she still has with her a small, blue suit case which was given to her and my dad as a wedding gift. When she realized that she was not going to be able to bring everything with her, she gave away the rest of the suit cases, except the smaller one. She states that having to cross the border without my dad by her side was very terrifying because she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to make it. Her only motivation was the fact that she would be able to have a better life than the one she had back in Mexico. Once she safely arrived in Los Angeles, she found a job as a seamstress where she states that her employer would take advantage of the rest of the workers by not completely paying the exact number of hours which they would work. She states that her employer did get in trouble when officials found out the workers were being taking advantage of. Although she states that work wasn’t easy, she still pushed through. When asked if she regretted having had left Mexico, she states she does not because she is thankful for what she has worked for and the life her and my dad have been able to give us. 

– Brenda

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