I used to stand on the roof of my house in Juárez, staring across at El Paso, dreaming of a life in the USA, a life where I could feel safe, work hard, and build my future.
It took me 12 years of sacrifice, hard work, and setbacks, moments when I was stuck in immigration limbo, even missing my father’s funeral because I couldn’t leave the country. But in 2023, I finally became a U.S. citizen….something that was once only a dream.

Lately, it’s been hard to feel that same pride with so much fear, hate, and division.
-Is the DREAM still alive?
-Is it just a matter of time?
-Or is it lost forever in my lifetime?
-Am I damned for not speaking up more?
-Or damned if I do?
-Am I the only one who feels this way?

All I know is this: we are making history, all of us. And those who are suffering will not be forgotten.

P.S. This picture was taken right after I became a U.S. citizen, standing in downtown Springfield with my Mexican flag on U.S. soil, telling myself: I will represent Mexico the best way I can in this country. 🇲🇽🇺🇸