Larissa came to America at an older age than Mayte. She was thirteen. Her family traveled to America several times over the years to visit family who were U.S. citizens and residents. Larissa said they overstayed their tourist visa after their last visit. No wall can stop that type of emigration. Larissa and her mother settled into a one-bedroom apartment. Even with meager resources and strong headwinds, Larissa excelled.
I asked Larissa and Mayte how would they answer the criticism that their families' move was tantamount to jumping in front of the immigration line. Larissa said she did not have an answer specifically but with a broken immigration system the fight is for policies that support all immigrants. Mayte's answer was more circumspect. She said it was about survival. To many who came to America, whether the pilgrims or otherwise, it has always been about survival in their reality.
I spoke at length with these two women before the interview. They are exceptional young ladies. Mayte Lara Ibarra got a full ride to the University of Texas at Austin. Larissa Martinez got a full ride to Yale.
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