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1/30/2025
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Op-Ed: In search for a better life, the fear that life will be torn apart
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 By Rep. Karen Alzate
Growing up, fear was a constant companion. It lurked in the quiet moments of our home and clung to the edges of every celebration, a reminder that the fragility of our lives in this country was never far from our minds. My family’s journey through the complexities of the U.S. immigration system left a lasting imprint on my heart, shaping how I understand the world and my place in it.
I was in high school when my father was detained. The memory remains vivid: my sister having to come to school to let us know — back then we didn’t have cell phones. My father, a hardworking man who had come from Colombia and built a life for us here in Rhode Island, was taken away without warning. The days that followed were a blur of fear and uncertainty. We didn’t know if we would see him again or how my sister and I would survive without him.
After eight months of trying to get answers and filing multiple stacks of paperwork, my father was released. For a time, we breathed a little easier, but the shadow of deportation loomed large. Six years later, the hammer fell. Despite his deep roots in this country, my father was deported. Saying goodbye to him was a heartbreak I wouldn’t wish on anyone. He had been our anchor, and suddenly, we were adrift.
In the midst of this turmoil, we turned our focus to my mother. For 40 years, she had lived in the United States, raising her children and contributing to her community, yet she had never pursued citizenship. The process felt overwhelming, and the fear of scrutiny was paralyzing. But together, we encouraged her to take that step. Watching her study for the citizenship test and finally raise her hand to take the oath was one of the proudest moments of my life. That piece of paper changed everything. It was a shield against the uncertainty that had haunted us for so long, a promise that no one could take her away from us.
Still, the weight of uncertainty hasn’t lifted entirely. As an American-born citizen, I am acutely aware of the privileges and protections I enjoy, privileges my parents never had. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Under this administration and beyond, I am committed to standing up for our communities, advocating for humane immigration policies, and amplifying the voices of those who are too often silenced.
My family’s story is not unique. It is a testament to the resilience of immigrants who face unimaginable challenges in pursuit of a better life. It is also a call to action for those of us who have the power to fight for change. The road ahead may be uncertain, but I am determined to walk it with purpose, carrying the lessons of my family’s journey and the hope that no one else will have to live with the fears we knew so well.
Rep. Karen Alzate is a Democrat who represents District 60 in Pawtucket and Central Falls.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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