When my mom was 14, she felt forced to immigrate to New York in order to help her parents. It was tough because she had to leave her family behind, even though she had other family members here. Finding a job was hard because she was young and didn't speak English. Eventually, she got a job at a supermarket bagging groceries, but she only made money from tips. It was a very difficult time for her because she missed her family and wished she could reunite with them. When I was 9, I found her crying because she received a call with the news that her grandma had died. She hadn't seen her grandma since leaving Mexico and couldn't go to the funeral because she didn't have her papers. Now, she keeps a shelf in our living room with pictures of her grandparents, the Virgin Mary, flowers, and a candle to remember them and the life they lived. She has a picture of the Virgin Mary next to their pictures so that she can take care of her grandparents and protect our family too. Even though they have passed, she believes that they are looking out for us and protecting our family. My mom always talks about wanting to go back to Mexico and being with her family again. When she says this it makes me want to do well in school so I can help her make that happen.
 

– Zitlaly

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