Brayan Llanos: More Than A Policy

Brayan Llanos shares the challenges of navigating immigration paperwork with his parents.

When I was young, I often found my mom at the kitchen table late at night, carefully filling out immigration forms that looked like impossible puzzles. The letters blurred together, and the instructions were in English, a language she was still learning. Sometimes she whispered the words to herself, her voice filled with exhaustion and determination.

I didn’t understand the weight of those papers then, but I knew they held the key to our family’s future. My parents came to the United States seeking safety, stability, and opportunity for their children.

Their journey was never easy filled with confusing paperwork, endless waiting and the struggle. My mom still fights for our family today, supporting three children and her parents while chasing her own dreams. Her perseverance reminds me what real strength looks like and what it means to never give up. Growing up in the Bay Area, I realized my family’s story wasn’t unique.

Many of my friends’ families shared the same fears of paperwork that never seems to end, discrimination when applying for jobs, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring. Immigration is often reduced to headlines or debates, but for me, it’s personal.

It’s the anxiety of waiting for one approval that can change a life, and the pride of finally passing a citizenship test after years of effort and sacrifice. Because of my family’s experiences, I’ve learned the importance of giving back.

I’ve helped translate forms, listened to other stories and reminded them they’re not alone in their struggles. These small actions connect me to my community and remind me that immigration is more than policy; it’s a human story of hope, pain and resilience. My family’s journey has shaped who I am and what I value. Every challenge taught me compassion, responsibility and the importance of honoring where we came from. With a Perspective, I’m Brayan Dionicio Llanos.

Brayan Llanos is a student from Las Positas College in Livermore, who enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and family and exploring new places in the Bay Area.