My father first immigrated to the U.S in the late 80’s; he was probably in his 20’s. He went to Chicago, and the only relative that he had there was my grandfather’s sisters. My dad worked hard in order to send money back to his parents and to build a safer and steady home. Once my dad became a resident, my mom followed in 1990 when she was only 18 years old. A year later my oldest sister, Carmen, was born and was the first Mexican-American child. I  find it amazing that I am currently the same age that my mom was when she was going to whole different country, and she was already married and about to have her first child a year later after her arrival. These matriculation IDs are important to me because it shows the transition of my parents living a life in Mexico to coming to the U.S, it shows the Identity shift that their children soon after would have and they will not only be considered just Mexican like them but they will now be considered  Mexican- American. The reason why I identify as Chicana is because I share two cultures, I have lived my whole life in the states, with annual summer visits to the place that saw my parents grow up. I have the chance to experience both cultures that have made me the person that I am today.

– Xitlaly Gomez

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