06/23/2026
During the Refugee Advocacy Days in Washington, DC, as part of the California delegation, I had the opportunity to meet with congressional and Senate offices, including Senator Adam Schiff , Senator Alex Padilla , Rep. Scott Peters , Rep. Norma J. Torres , Rep. Pete Aguilar , and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager Dove to discuss policies affecting refugees, displaced people, and immigrant communities.
Just a few years ago, the idea of walking into congressional offices and sharing my story with elected officials seemed impossible.
But one of the things I admire most about America is that ordinary people can have access to their representatives and make their voices heard.
This experience reminded me of something important: immigration policies are often discussed in political terms, but the people who feel their impact first are immigrants, refugees, and displaced families themselves.
Who better to explain the real consequences of these decisions than the people living through them?
That is why it is so important for us to speak up, share our experiences, and participate in these conversations instead of hoping someone else will tell our stories for us.
I am deeply grateful to Refugee Council USA, our California delegation leads, and everyone who helped make these meetings possible. Thank you for creating opportunities for people like me to be heard.
Every voice matters. Every story matters.