Introduction

It has been over three years since I have been closely involved with the Hispanic community here in Richmond.  When I met my husband at a social event back in 2007, I was introduced to several women and men who, like me, had left their Country to come to the U.S. to start a new life.  I was touched by the warmth by which they interacted with me and with one another.  I spent a good part of the evening shaking hands, giving and receiving hugs.  I laughed at their jokes, ate delicious home-made food and danced the night way.  When I left to go home that night, I felt as close to my former home as I have ever been. I had been embraced by a community of wonderful people and found the man it would later become my husband.

The night spent at that social event was the first of many more that followed during subsequent months.  Each time, at each encounter, I would meet someone new from some Country in Central and South America; interesting women and men with similar backgrounds.  They all treated one another with great caring and respect.  I soon found myself looking forward to be in the company of this fun, caring and loving people.

 As I became more involved in their lives, I also became aware of the limitations they were subjected to.  Many of them did not drive a car, spoke little or no English, had no health insurance and really did not have but a few material possessions.  They were close to one another and always available and willing to help if any in the community was in stand of need of something. 

As time went by, the friendship with a few of them grew stronger.  They slowly started to be more open about their dreams, aspirations, their doubts and fears. I still remember the incertitude a lady felt as she was about to reveal the “dark” secret of her life.  Noticing her nervousness, I tried my best to inspire in her a feeling of trust. Still hesitant, she revealed that she was living in the United States illegally, meaning, without legal permission to reside in this Country. She said she was “undocumented” meaning that the legal authorities had no documentation or information about her residence in the U.S.

Immigrant demonstration.  Picture retrieved on 11/4/2010. The Huffington Post