En Otra Vida…

By Angelica Ruiz

To the many hard-working immigrants who, together, form the backbone of this country.

It wasn’t possible in this lifetime, but hopefully in the next…

Maybe in another lifetime, we live in a society where we all love each other unconditionally.

Maybe in another lifetime, we live in a world where the color of our skin doesn't define us, and hate and judgment are things of the past. 

Maybe in another lifetime, we are treated with the most profound respect and appreciation from those around us.

In another lifetime, our perseverance and hard work will be acknowledged and appreciated by all. 

Maybe in another lifetime, people will take the initiative to understand and accept our unique cultures and identities. 

Maybe in another lifetime, we can travel freely with our families to anywhere we dream of. 

Maybe in another lifetime, we won’t have to witness our parents sacrificing their health just to provide for our families. 

Maybe in another lifetime, our families can afford healthcare, housing, and education without society deliberately placing obstacles in our way. 

Maybe in another lifetime, our parents didn’t leave the only place they knew as home at a young age. 

Maybe in another lifetime, our parents didn’t say their final goodbyes to their parents through a telephone call or screen. 

In another lifetime, we won’t have to hold silent fears, hoping our parents return without facing unexpected dangers.

Maybe in another lifetime, our parents finished their education and were able to further their careers. 

In another lifetime, we can visit our homelands with our parents and learn what they did at each corner.

Maybe in another lifetime, we won’t be burdened by the weight of translating, interpreting, and explaining everything to our parents.

In another lifetime, our families won’t have to start over from scratch, rebuilding dreams in foreign lands.

Maybe in another lifetime, we won’t feel the need to work twice as hard to be seen as half as deserving.

Maybe in another lifetime, we won’t have to carry our parents’ unspoken dreams, hoping to fulfill what they couldn’t.

Maybe in another lifetime, our families won’t be separated by state or country borders. 

Maybe in another lifetime, we won’t have to hope for another lifetime just to be understood, loved, and welcomed in a country we have contributed so much to. 

But maybe, if we keep fighting and make our voices heard, this lifetime could be the one. 

Ánimo raza que sí se puede!