Personal Story
We often hear about immigration in the news, but rarely do we hear the personal stories behind it. This site brings attention to a real family and individuals, sharing their experiences to show the human side of migration.
Luz Mercado
A mother of 4 children and a grandmother to 3. A Mexican immigrant who came to the United States in 1973 to work and establish a better life. She faced many challenges along her journey but persevered as the strong woman she is. English being her second language, she struggled to navigate the United States at first and was discriminated against in the labor industry. After becoming a U.S. citizen, she helped her parents and siblings gain legal status as well. Today, she lives a stable life and is able to travel between the United States and Mexico, carrying with her a story of sacrifice, resilience, and family.
Her Journey
“La primera vez que llegué a los Estados Unidos fue en 1973 y estaba con mi papá y mi hermano mayor. Tenía quince años y nos fuimos para Milwaukee, WI”
“The first time I came was in 1973, I was with my father and oldest brother. At the time I was 15 and we traveled to Milwaukee, WI”
“La segunda vez que llegue a los Estados Unidos tenía dieciséis años, ya mero cumpliendo diecisiete y hubo un aterrizaje de emergencia que causó una tormenta. Entonces nos aterrizamos en Nueva York. Todo era nuevo para mi mirando los edificios tan grandes”
“The second time I came to the US I was 16 close to turning 17, there was an emergency landing that was caused by a big storm. We landed in New York. It was so new to me to see such tall buildings.”
The Decision To Make the Journey
“La decisión para quedarnos aquí no era mía, simplemente estaba siguiendo las órdenes de mi papá. La meta era trabajar para que tengamos dinero para sobrevivir y volver a vivir en México, pero no funcionó de esa manera. No sabia que nos ibamos a quedar por dos anos.
“The decision was not mine to come. I was simply following my dads orders. The goal was to work and have enough money to live off and move back to Mexico and it didn't work that way. I was unaware we would stay for almost two years”
“La tercera vez que vine a los Estados Unidos estaba casada y tenía hijos. Llegamos aquí para que mis hijos tengan la oportunidad de estudiar y nos quedaremos aquí por muchos años.
“My third time coming to the US, I was married and my kids were born in the United States. We were just there so the kids could start school, however we stayed for many years.”
Career Progression
“Mi primer trabajo era cuidar a dos niñas chiquitas. Y empecé a trabajar para una compañía que hacía gorras y bufandas. Luego una curtiduría.
“My first job, I took care of two little girls. I started working for a company that made hats and scarfs. Then a tannery”
“Encontrar trabajo era fácil porque había mucho trabajo en todos lados”
“Finding a job was easier because there was much work everywhere”
“Porque inglés no fue mi primer idioma y no tenía una carrera, muchos me trataron diferente. Mis compañeros me trataron mal y no querían que yo tuviera éxito”
“Because English wasn't my first language and not having a professional career, I was treated differently. My colleagues at the time treated me badly and did not want me to succeed”
Navigating the United States
“Después de venir con mi esposo me convertí en ciudadana US, y les arregle papeles para mi mamá y papá y mis hermanos”
“After coming with my husband I became a US citizen, and was able to get my mother and father their citizenship. For my siblings, I also got them their papers."
“Había muchas dificultades haciendo esto. La barrera lingüística y tener que llenar los papeles de immigracion. Fui a un centro comunitario sin fines de lucro que me ofreció ayuda.”
“There were many difficulties in doing this. The language barrier and having to fill out forms at immigration. I often went to a Non-Profit community center that offered help.”
Leaving Everything Behind
“La primera vez extrañé mucho a mi mama. Lloraba y lloraba todos los días porque las extrañaba mucho pero me mantuve fuerte para mi papá”
“The first time, I missed my mom the most. Everyday I would cry and cry because I missed her so much but I stayed strong for my father”
“Estaba nostalgica y solo quería regresarme a Mexico”
“I was very homesick and just wanted to return to Mexico”
Memories
Present Day
“Mi vida se siente normal. Ya puedo ir y regresar a México. Trato de no pensar mucho en el pasado”
“Now life feels normal. I am able to go to Mexico and come back. I try not to think about the past."
