Growing Up Undocumented: My Journey from Fear to Advocacy

I was born in Peru in the early 80s and brought to the U.S. when I was just two years old. I have never known a life outside of this country. The U.S. is my home—it’s where I’ve grown, where I’ve built a life, and where my children were born. Like so many others who came here as children, my roots are planted deeply in this land.

Growing up undocumented meant navigating a world full of invisible barriers. I didn’t knowingly live in constant fear—it was just a way of life. It wasn’t something I actively thought about, yet I understood the limitations placed on me because of my immigration status. When I was younger, I had some background knowledge that my parents, family members, or friends could be caught and deported at any moment. I knew that life could change in an instant. But even with that awareness, I still experienced joy, laughter, and good moments in my childhood.

I remember playing in the schoolyard, yelling “¡Viene la migra!” (“Here comes ICE!”) as part of our version of tag—a game that reflected a terrifying reality for many of our families. The fear of deportation was woven into our daily lives, but we didn’t dwell on it. We adapted. We found ways to exist in the in-between.

It wasn’t until I got older that the weight of my status became more apparent. While my classmates excitedly planned for college, I had to come to terms with the fact that I wouldn’t be able to go straight to a university. Non-resident tuition fees made it impossible, and financial aid wasn’t an option. The reality of my limitations hit hard, but like so many immigrants, I found a way forward.

Now, as a therapist, speaker, and trainer, I help people navigate their healing journeys. One of the greatest blessings in my work is being able to support other immigrants through the immigration process. I understand the fear, the uncertainty, and the emotional toll it takes. And I also know the resilience, the strength, and the hope that drive us forward.

Beyond therapy, I educate agencies and community members about trauma and sexual abuse. I help professionals understand the impact of immigration-related trauma and how they can better support survivors in their communities.

My journey—from an undocumented child living in fear to a mental health professional and advocate—has come full circle. I now use my voice to uplift others, to fight for change, and to remind fellow immigrants: We are not alone. We belong. We deserve to heal and to thrive.

If you are an immigrant carrying the weight of your story, know that healing is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone. 💛