Hi, I’m Maria! I’m a daughter of immigrant parents and I’m a first generation American. Both of my parents came to the United States searching for a better life. My grandma and mom came from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and my dad came from Durango, Mexico. My grandma became a legal resident, and my mom became a U.S. citizen, but my dad was not able to get his residency since ICE detained him before he was able.

My family

When my parents were married, my mom tried helping my dad get his residency, but he would have to go to Mexico for 1–10 years. My mom did not want him to be gone for that long so they stoped the process. After my mom passed away in 2018, my dad tried applying again after being told by his lawyer that there was a new law that could help him become a legal resident without leaving the country. For a while, we had hope, but later we were told that he could not do that anymore and had to leave and stay in Mexico for 1-10 years. Even after his plea deal for unlawful presence was accepted, he stopped working on it because my grandma and I are dependent on him. Without him, we would lose our financial stability and transportation.

Now, my father is currently in ICE custody and facing deportation. Words cannot fully describe how heartbroken and lost I feel right now. My dad and I have always been inseparable, and without him here at home, I feel completely alone. Meanwhile my grandmas health is also declining. I currently do not have financial support or reliable transportation.

My grandma and I finally being able to see him for the first time while he is in ICE custody.

My dad is a good man. He is not a criminal. He struggled with alcohol in the past, but he is now over 10 years sober. Even after my mom passed away 8 years ago, he has always been there for me emotionally and physically. During the times when my depression and anxiety were at their worst, he stayed up with me at 1 in the morning just to comfort me, even when he had work in a few hours.

My dad wearing the hat I crocheted for him.

When I felt like I had nobody, he was there for me. He listened to me talk about my favorite Kpop groups, listened to my favorite music with me, took me to my first ever concert, bought me little trinkets he thought I would like, and comforted me whenever I felt mentally exhausted and alone.

I love my dad so much, and he deserves the world. I am asking for help so I can pay for a form of transportation, bills (medical, rent and etc) and basic living costs during this incredibly difficult time. If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this would mean everything to me. Thank you so much for reading and supporting us.