I am the eldest daughter of two immigrants parents, and sister of two autistic brothers. With everything going on in the world right now it’s hard to be a supporting pillar to both. My parents raised me to be prepared for anything to come my way. But how do you explain to an autistic 5 and 13 year old that our parents, their hero’s, are seen as villains? My parents are people of good, who did nothing wrong, but come into the Americas in hope of thriving not only for themselves but for their generations to come. It’s hard to picture a life without my parents. They are hardworking, loving, strong and caring people.

I have a bright and spirited 9 year old daughter who fills my life with joy and hope. She’s incredibly intelligent and has a unique way of seeing the world. However, it breaks my heart to witness the worry she carries about my status.

Pedimos a Dios y a La Virgen de Guadalupe que guíen y acompañen a Padre Gary Graf durante su peregrinación orando por su pueblo inmigrante.

Hola me gustaría compartir mi historia: Hace más de 20 años, mi esposo y yo, decidimos emigrar a este país, ya que en México no conseguimos trabajo, a pesar que en México tuvimos título universitario de licenciatura en derecho.

I came to the United States from Mexico when I was just one year old—too young to remember the journey, but old enough to spend my entire life feeling the weight of immigration in everything I do. Growing up under DACA, I learned early on that my future would not be guaranteed, and that every opportunity I pursued came with barriers others didn’t have to face.

I am working in a mostly immigrant parish and yesterday at Sunday Mass our newly formed Children's Mariachi Group performed at the 9:00 am (English) Mass -- it was great! I cried tears of joy as I saw these 21 beautiful children playing and singing in front of their non-immigrant brothers and sisters.

I am one of 27 grandchildren of two immigrants who went through Ellis Island 100 years ago and they were both considered WOPs (WithOutPapers) — I am so grateful that they weren’t treated like our present immigrants are being treated.

I am a citizen and, in a university, - my parents are not. My parents were never afraid before but today that is all we talk about. They work and have always been active in catholic church. Lately my parents have been telling me that I should begin to prepare because I may have to move back to Mexico with them and study out there.

I go to religion classes - I can't tell you where I go. In religion classes we learn to pray the rosary. One Saturday morning we went down to the gym. I was afraid and so I ask my religion teacher - "what if those ICE people come"? She said "that won't happen we are here to protect you". I don't understand I just know my mom cries. So I pray like my teacher taught me - she says God will take care of me and my parents.

I am from Mexico and father of 4 kids, I arrived at Chicago in 2005, the firsts months was really hard for me, at this time I don’t have a friends and any close family in this great city, I worked in a few jobs not really good but something to make money, one day a young neighbor tells me about a job like a residencial painter, I take the opportunity and work in a company for two years…

A week ago, I was dropping off my son off at school, we were late. As I was walking in, the pledge of Allegiance sounded through the speaker. I automatically stood straight, as I had when I was a child, looked over, my son also stood straight with a hand over his heart. My stomach/heart hurt so much at the fact that we loved this country so much but it felt that this country didn’t love us or our people back.

I am writing to express and talk for those who can’t. We are living in very hard times where we see people stealing kids and ripping apart families, families that once longed to live with their kids ”safely” in the U.S.. I also share that I live with fear because my husband is undocumented he’s been off work for a month now because he’s scared to go out there and not come back to his wife and kids.

My Dad came to Los Angeles when he was only 17 from Puerto Rico in 1956. Having had only a 2nd grade education he worked in a cardboard factory taking as many shifts as he could to buy himself a little home. He met my Mom who was here visiting her sister from Mexico, at Immaculate Mary Catholic Church in LA. They had five children and 18 grandchildren. My father passed away in 2007.

My parents brought me when I was one year old. I will forever be grateful to them for the life they have given me and everything and everyone they had to give up for me and my siblings. I recently adjusted status but I will forever be a dreamer. A dreamer that has graduated from a university to become a teacher so that I can teach the new generation how to treat people with kindness and respect.

My Grandfather from Palermo Sicily had a successful Pizzeria called Broadway Pizza in Harvey, IL. Brought authentic Italian Recipes here from Palermo Sicily.

I immigrated from Mexico when I was 11 years old, back in 1976, and have lived in the US ever since.
My mother was Mexican-American and my dad was Irish-American, our family has fought in several wars to defend our American freedom.

Están destruyéndo hogares y separando a familias de sus seres queridos les llevan a detención y les tratan mal les hacen dormir en el piso en frío.

My name is Lucia. I am a first generation Mexican American. I am also an educator. I am a daughter of immigrants. Although I was born here I still have to carry my documents with me just in case I am racially profiled. I am a Military Veteran. I served my country believing that we were protecting the rights and freedoms of ALL people in this country. Land of the free Home of the brave.

We immigrated to this country because we knew there were more opportunities here — not just for us, but so we could offer opportunities to others too.
I’ve worked with the community my whole life. I spent ten years as a home health aide, caring for people in their most vulnerable moments. For the past three years, I’ve worked with children in underserved communities, providing dental cleanings and oral health education. These children come from many nationalities, and I feel proud to serve them.

MIs abuelos de Italia salieron en la misma Barca, llamada La Ducca de la Brussa…. Cuando llegaron an Ellis Island los dos fueron a Chicago, se encontraron, se casaron, tenian 6 Hijos, 23 nietos y ahora un monton de bisnietos… Dios es GRANDE!