Very little about our lives is constant or totally certain, and while we have control

over many things, we can’t control everything that happens to us...

I left Tarnow, Poland and arrived in Chicago in 1995. I have chosen this country and I love living here. This is my home; my children have been born here. America is the home I wanted for them.

I truly respect and appreciate this country; however immigration is not only a geographical change, it involves changes in all of the life aspects, including social, cultural, environmental, behavioral, and lifestyle, which causes several traumatic events that negatively impact the mental well-being of immigrants. Nobody’s future is certain, but immigrants face extra uncertainties due to the hazy half-and-half status we hold between our home and adopted countries.

I have met hundreds of immigrants, and I can say with absolute certainty that no two immigrants have experienced being an immigrant in the same way. This is even true within my own family.

I have applied for permanent residence three times and been refused twice. It has finally happened. I have been waiting for over 20 years, but I am no longer an undocumented immigrant.

My biggest dream has come true, but many of my friends are still waiting ...

For this photographic project, I invited people who had or still have the status of undocumented immigrants. Also, the phrases are from official documents or words spoken by these individuals.