A Letter to the President of Mexico

Estimado Sr. Andres Manual Lopez Obrador:

Le escribo esta carta porque creo que usted escucha a su pueblo. La escribo en ingles porque e estudiado toda mi vida en EUA, y reconozco que mi habilidad de escribir en espanol no es tan buena como en ingles. Espero que algun dia la lea.

My family and I immigrated to the United States when I was very young. I don’t ever remember living in Mexico. I’m ashamed to say I probably can’t recite the national anthem from memory. Despite the distance, I’ve never forgotten where I come from.

I’ve never forgotten where I come from, because truthfully I was reminded every time I crossed the border. I was reminded every time I couldn’t quite pronounce words like the other children at school and in the way I always had to work harder than everyone else to enjoy the same opportunities. I was reminded in my sister’s beautiful dark eyes and hair and in the smell of my mother’s picadillo.

My story is the story of hundreds of thousands of Mexicans who immigrate to this country in the hope that across the border lies a better life. My parents and all those who have made the journey into this country, did so in the hopes of giving their posterity a chance at the ‘American Dream’. Hicieron lo que pudieron con lo que tuvieron. I don’t blame them.

I don’t blame them, but it’s my turn to write my own story. My story will be different. I will stand up to my fears and fight for what I believe in. That is why I write you this letter.

I write to you today to tell you that every single person who has left Mexico and started a life in a foreign country thinks every day what their life would’ve been like if they hadn’t left. I tell you this, because I do. Every day I go to school, I think. It doesn’t matter how hard I work, if I get the best grades, or participate in all extracurricular activities, I will never have the same access to scholarships, job opportunities, and internships. If I were in my country, I wouldn’t have to face all of these barriers. I would not be judged by my immigration status. My merit and self-worth would determine how far I could get in life.

Yet, I think. Would that be true? The opportunities are here, but I don’t have access. In Mexico, would I lack access and opportunities? It pains me to admit that our country is plagued with corruption and crime. There is an abysmal gap between the rich and poor. It’s one of the reasons I think so many people see immigration to the US as the only feasible alternative. The indigenous populations of Mexico continue to be ostracized and capitalistic interests of a few trump their basic human rights. Organized crime floods our country. It is so sad to see how notorious criminals get idolized in television series and serve as the inspiration for our future generations.

For many years, I have felt that in the pursuit of a better life, I lost an identify, culture, and sense of belongingness. Yet, the letter I write to you today is not to tell you about my struggles of being an immigrant in a foreign land. I write to you to say that my future rests in your hands. For more than 10 years, I have resided in a country where I have been comfortable. A land where democracy thrives and freedom is a right, not a privilege. I have seen people speak freely without fear of repercussion. I have seen a society that respects its government- doesn’t fear it. I have studied next to young minds who have free access to education. I have been told that every child has the right to dream. I have a dream. 

I have always known that despite the comfort I have enjoyed, the US is not my end destination. I came here with a purpose. It is time to step out of my comfort zone and face my demons. I believe that I was brought to this country to see that peace could flourish in society. I came to see that people should not live in fear of government and organized crime. I came to see that with hard work, dreams could come true. My dream is that one day Mexico will change.

My dream: I see a Mexico that is not shackled by corruption, crime, and violence. I see a Mexico where children play in the streets without fear of being caught in the midst of a shootout. I see a Mexico where every boy and girl has access to an education. I see a Mexico where a job in politics isn’t a means of selfish enrichment, rather, it is pursued by those who love our republic and want to serve public interest. I see a Mexico where mestizos and the indigenous populations progress hand in hand; where one’s interests won’t trample the other. We must never forget that a country is only as strong as it’s most vulnerable citizen.

The people of Mexico look unto you. The future of more than 129 million human beings rests in your hands. You have made many promises and have sparked many flames. You have lighted the fire in young minds like mine. I see you and I see change. Do not let the attractiveness of power and wealth lure you to be another one of those panders of our republic. Free her. Free her and with her we will all be free.

Know that the people of Mexico stand behind you. We believe in you. I support you. Que viva Mexico!

Attentamente,

Maria Fernanda