Mateo Tabares

Queens, NY to Colombia

My name is Mateo Tabares, I am 18 years old and I came from Colombia in 2010. My parents and I migrated to the US looking to achieve the American Dream - to have a better economic status and obtain a higher education. However, accomplishing this has become very difficult because my father went back to Colombia. I have not seen my father in 4 years nor been back to my native country.

My mom has always been my biggest hero and supports me just the way I am - an immigration activist and transmale. I only see my mother 3 or 4 times a month because she is working as a home health-aid overnight 6 nights a week. She does this in order to support our family and save money for my college.

Asmaou Bah

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to Senegal

My name is Asmaou Bah and I am 48 years old. I fled Guinea in 2010 and received asylum in the US so cannot return there. I was targeted by the military for my political activism - speaking out for teacher's and womens' rights - as well my unwillingness to be forced into marriage or let my daughter be forced into marriage by my late husband's family.

It has been 4 years since I have been with my loved ones. I wish to see my family in nearby Senegal - my sons, daughter, and sister. I especially want to visit my mother. I want to see her before she dies so she can see that I have survived.

Adilka Pimentel

Brooklyn, NY to the Dominican Republic

In November of 1991 I immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic and remained undocumented until 2009. I was two years old, and my 21 year old mother was six months pregnant with my brother.

After moving to the US, I never saw my father again.

Although I gained status in 2009, I have not been able to travel to the DR. I wish it were as simple as packing my bags and getting on a plane. Unfortunately debt, living paycheck to paycheck and other financial obligations have kept me from being able to meet the man who might've made the biggest difference in my life.