I crossed twice and made it both times without getting caught. I grew up in El Limon, Michoacan, Mexico. I can sometimes remember riding on horses and taking care of the cattle on the farm with my dad because I stopped going to school after 5th grade. On Christmas, we would bathe in the cold river water because it was ... Read More »
Tag Archives: Eastside_2018
Alone (Mexico)
I, Maria Teresa Lucatero, left my home in search of a future better than what was to be ahead of me, all while I was struggling to find a way out of being alone. I was born to a large family on September 3rd, 1959, with a total of 9 siblings, and my mother and father. My mother had a ... Read More »
“This Train Is Bound for Glory” – Migrating from Louisiana
Editor’s note: Slavery is an integral part of the American story and those who were forced to come to the US in chains, are no less immigrants than any other group. Not only was their freedom taken, but in many cases, their personal family history was lost. On this web site of immigration stories, we pick up their descendants’ story ... Read More »
The Strength Between You (Mexico)
The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes. I was born on January 17, 1982 in Jiquilpan, Michoacan but I grew up ... Read More »
The Struggle (Mexico)
From the sweet smell fruit orchards; to the bitter gas and fog that filled up San Francisco. I had no option in coming here. I had no initial reaction, I didn’t know what to think. I had a lot of fun in Mexico. I liked school, I participated in dances at festivals, which I enjoyed a lot. I really liked ... Read More »
One Way Ticket (Mexico)
“I would come back, I promise.” Just like thousands of others that had promised to their families. But just like the thousands of others, I haven’t returned. I lived in Michoacan. I was like any other kid. I went to school. I played with my friends. I had dreams. We lived in an okay neighborhood. Everyone knew each other and ... Read More »
A Great Journey (El Salvador)
“Corre! La migra!” the coyote yelled, “Run! It’s immigration!” To this day, I’m traumatized by the word “run.” Who wouldn’t be? It’s all I did while crossing the border and it was the only thing that kept me from being sent back. I will never forget the long cold nights where we spent hours running. It was as if we ... Read More »
Making It Out
Editor’s note: Slavery is an integral part of the American story and those who were forced to come to the US in chains, are no less immigrants than any other group. Not only was their freedom taken, but in many cases, their personal family history was lost. On this web site of immigration stories, we pick up their descendants’ story ... Read More »
Sewing New Seeds (Mexico)
I was a young lady who wanted the better for both of my daughters. I moved to the U.S. followed by a shadow to whom I believed was God helping me cross safely to California. I lived with my mom in Apatzingan, Michoacan in Mexico. I was born in a small town of Uruapan, in 1976. Time passed by and ... Read More »
Immigration Story of Ofa Langi (Tonga)
My whole life changed once I turned 12 years old. I learned I was adopted by my aunt, and later I was reunited with my real parents and siblings. Together we moved to America. I was living in a big house with a cat, and life was slow. Living with my aunt was very fun but there are lots of ... Read More »