The Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) has launched a 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 Olga.
This week we highlight the inspirational story of OLGA
I’M OLGA
My first memories are of my hometown in Michoacán. It was a simple life, full of tradition and family, and even though we didn’t have much, we always had each other. It was hard to say goodbye to my parents, my neighbors, and the way of life I grew up with. The hardest part about leaving was knowing I would no longer wake up to the familiar sounds of my town or see my family every day. My husband didn’t have any relatives here in the United States — it was just the three of us, taking this journey into the unknown.
I’M AN IMMIGRANT
In 2000, my husband, my daughter, and I came to the United States on tourist visas. Our plan at that time was very clear: we wanted to work for a short while, save money, and then return to Mexico to build a house and create a stable future there. But life had other plans for us. Three years later, I became pregnant with our son, Isaac, and everything changed.
Isaac was born with Down syndrome and serious medical complications. He needed oxygen for the first ten days of his life and underwent multiple medical tests on his heart and intestines. Those first months were filled with uncertainty and fear—we didn’t know what his future would look like. We realized then that we couldn’t return to Mexico, because Isaac needed specialized care that was only available here in the United States. Staying here became not just a choice, but a matter of survival for our son.
Today, Isaac is 23 years old. Thanks to the medical care and support he received, he is a healthy and happy young man. He attends a local program that helps him connect with the community, and he loves listening to music—especially Spanish music, which keeps him connected to our culture. His smile and joy remind me every day why we stayed and fought so hard to make a life here.
I’M A MOM AND A CAREGIVER
My life in the U.S. has been centered around raising and caring for my children. When we arrived, my daughter was still very young, and I worried a lot about how she would adjust. But she adapted quickly, grew up here, and eventually built a life of her own. Today, she is married and creating her own path, something that makes me deeply proud.
At the same time, much of my energy has gone into caring for Isaac. Being his mother has taught me patience, strength, and resilience. There have been many challenges—navigating doctors, programs, and schools—but there has also been so much joy in seeing him grow, thrive, and be accepted by the community. My children are my greatest accomplishments, and they are the reason I keep moving forward no matter what obstacles we face.
I’M IIBA
I first heard about IIBA through a friend, and that connection changed everything for our family. When Isaac turned 21, we became eligible to apply for residency through him, but the process was overwhelming. With the help of attorney Sara Fain at IIBA, we were able to gather all the necessary documents, submit our applications, and navigate each step of the immigration process with confidence.
Within months, my husband received his work permit and Social Security card. By August, both of us were holding our residency cards in our hands. For the first time in decades, we felt truly free. Over Labor Day weekend, we traveled to Tijuana to visit my husband’s family. The moment we crossed the border legally, without fear, was unforgettable—it felt like a weight we had carried for so long was finally lifted.
IIBA’s impact on our family has been immense. Years ago, they also helped my daughter apply for DACA, which gave her the opportunity to continue her studies and build a future here. Their support has touched each member of my family in profound ways, and I will always be grateful.
I still can’t believe it—we are permanent residents now. We have freedom, security, and peace of mind. I am so thankful to Sarah Fein and the entire IIBA team for everything they’ve done for us. They didn’t just help us with paperwork; they gave us the chance to live without fear and to dream about the future again.