‘My dream has finally come true’: Reuniting Rosa's family

Rosa’s sons were 16 and 18 when they left Mexico for the United States 12 years ago to find work. As Dateline follows her journey to finally be reunited, Rosa tells more of her story.

There are emotional scenes as Rosa and her sons are reunited at JFK Airport in New York. Source: SBS Dateline

I spent time in the United States as an undocumented migrant worker myself when my children were little. I left Mexico when my youngest was just a baby, he couldn’t even walk yet. He was eight months old.

It was really hard leaving my children, I was crying all the time. I was leaving them behind, but I was doing it for them.

When I left, I took a bus for three days and three nights. Then we had to walk for about an hour. We didn’t have to cross a river or go into the desert. But now, the journey is very risky and you can’t walk it anymore.

Dateline's Aaron Thomas interviews Rosa in Mexico before her journey to the US to be reunited with her sons. Source: SBS Dateline

There’s a huge fence and a lot of migration police at the border. I wouldn’t let my sons go via that route anymore, it’s too dangerous. If they come back to Mexico, I wouldn’t let them leave again.

When I arrived in the United States I worked in agriculture for a while. After four months I got a job in a dry cleaners, where I stayed for nine years.

I started working there for $5 an hour. I shared an apartment with five others. Life is very different in America, I was just trying to make ends meet.

Rosa brought her children up to the US to live with her, but eventually the family returned to Mexico where she felt they’d have more freedom and a better life. Source: SBS Dateline

I’ve been involved with CAFAMI for about two years. I’ve become very close friends with some of the women and I enjoy participating in the activities. I particularly like the singing and the traditional dancing.

I used to be timid and very shy. Never in my life did I get up on a stage. But now that I’ve done these performances, I feel like I’m a different person. Before, I couldn’t stand up for myself and speak my mind.

We had the great experience of working with teachers from the United States, very educated people. They made us feel like we have value. It has been a 100 per cent change for me.

By putting together a play and getting a visa to perform in the US, the women of CAFAMI were finally reunited with their families. (CAFAMI/David Sepulveda) Source: CAFAMI/David Sepulveda

My sons were 16 and 18 years old when they left Mexico. When they were gone, I wouldn’t go into their old room because it just broke my heart. They were born right here at home, not in the hospital. I was hoping that I could convince them to come back to Mexico with me.

After not seeing them for twelve years, a lot has changed. When I lost my son, he didn’t have a moustache and he was much shorter. He is now a man.

I was so excited to see my family and hug them, hold them close and feel their heart beating against mine.

Watch the full story of Mexico's Leading Ladies.

I always had faith that I would see them again, though I didn’t know when or where. I’m so happy that thanks to CAFAMI my dream has finally come true.

If Donald Trump becomes president, it will have a very negative effect on us. I think he is against migrants. He wants to build a wall and deport millions of people.

I think Mexicans need to stop migrating. We should make the best of our lives here.

Find out more about CAFAMI and how to donate to their program on their website.