The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) has launched a new campaign – called I’M IIBA – uplifting what we know to be the true character and positive contributions of immigrants in the Bay Area.
This week we highlight the inspirational story of Hugo
I’M HUGO
I was born in Peru where I lived until I was seven years old. My memories from my childhood in Peru are of growing up surrounded by a strong sense of family unity and being taught to work hard, dream big, and always stay inspired. Those values continue to drive my ambition and passion today.
I’M AN IMMIGRANT
My parents sent me to the U.S. when I was in elementary school. Those years of being raised in San Jose were super hard and confusing. As a kid, you need stability to start building a safe space – for creating a social environment with friends and everything.
Learning a new language can make you feel like an outsider, but it can also build resilience. My mom didn’t speak any English so even as the youngest, I became her guide through the adult world helping with things like work issues, bills, and rent. It was like being her bridge, translating both language and culture, and growing up faster along the way.
Being an immigrant means carrying a lot of unseen worries. You’re always cautious reminding yourself to stay out of trouble avoid certain places and to keep a low profile. It’s about trying to blend in and move carefully hoping for a safer tomorrow. It wasn’t until I turned 17 that I began to feel more secure about belonging here.
I’M AN ATHLETE
I started as a soccer player in high school, putting my heart into every game. I was also diving into the world of athletics, testing my limits and building my strength. Then I discovered swimming. That’s when my trainer, came into my life and saw the potential in me that I hadn’t recognized. With that guidance, swimming became more than a sport; it became my passion and my drive, pushing me to overcome every challenge and reach new heights in every single competition not only in swim but also in life.
I’M A CITY COLLEGE STUDENT
As a first-generation student, my parent always had an educational plan for me because education has always been a top priority. I’m now exploring three majors: nursing, communications, and psychology, with plans to transfer to UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, or San Jose State. My path changed when I found IIBA’s Community College Immigration Services (CCIS) program, which provides immigration legal support to students. Growing up, I didn’t think resources like this were available for someone like me. As a student at City College of San Francisco, after facing a hate crime, I met Ellie and Veronica from the program. Their guidance has been life-changing, reminding me that there are people and resources accessible to me same as to my other peers at school.
I’M IIBA
This year, I took a powerful step forward by becoming a legal advocacy fellow with IIBA. This role has been truly empowering, helping me grow both personally and professionally. As immigrants, we often stay silent. But IIBA has shown me the importance of being visible, standing up to make a difference.
