Abraham
I spoke with fifty three year old Abraham to learn more about his journey as an undocumented immigrant. When I asked him what is something he wishes people knew about him, his voice is full of sincerity when he says he’s just a person that came from a humble town to the U.S. in search of “fortune.” He recounts how that is far from what he found since leaving his home country. Abraham has been living in California since the 90s and recalls how he has had to live his life in the fear. He recalls how horrible it was to be living without legal status when the police, ICE and border patrol agents would be on his street, waiting for their prey. Out of this dreadful imagery, Abraham wants to tell people he is all too familiar with struggle.
Abraham says it is difficult to remember how much he has been through. He believes he has gained some financial stability, certainly more than what is offered back home. However, he also mentions how he’s lost a big part of his culture, and with that, his identity. He is not able to move across border lines and be with his family in times of celebration or even in mourning. He describes living in the U.S. as living in “una jaula de oro” or a “gilded cage.” He says yes, he lives more comfortably relative to the way he would be living back in Mexico, but it is still a prison no less.
In spite of all his struggles, Abraham does not fail to emphasize the good things that have come out of this experience. He will forever remember that he has learned to value himself and his family. Although he doesn’t have a family of his own, he has learned to be a more communicative brother, friend, uncle to those around him. He has also learned what it means to truly be grateful of the little things like having job, having his health, and having himself as proof of resilience.
Abraham says it is difficult to remember how much he has been through. He believes he has gained some financial stability, certainly more than what is offered back home. However, he also mentions how he’s lost a big part of his culture, and with that, his identity. He is not able to move across border lines and be with his family in times of celebration or even in mourning. He describes living in the U.S. as living in “una jaula de oro” or a “gilded cage.” He says yes, he lives more comfortably relative to the way he would be living back in Mexico, but it is still a prison no less.
In spite of all his struggles, Abraham does not fail to emphasize the good things that have come out of this experience. He will forever remember that he has learned to value himself and his family. Although he doesn’t have a family of his own, he has learned to be a more communicative brother, friend, uncle to those around him. He has also learned what it means to truly be grateful of the little things like having job, having his health, and having himself as proof of resilience.
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