Immigrant Stories | The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants

Welcome to episode 159 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Adriana and Ana share their unique journey growing up as twins born in Puerto Rico to a multicultural family with Nicaraguan and Puerto Rican roots. Raised in Deltona, Florida, they grew up navigating both cultures while building strong family values, resilience, and a deep connection to their immigrant identity.

In this episode, Adriana and Ana reflect on their childhood as daughters of immigrant parents—one from Nicaragua and one from Puerto Rico—and how those cultural influences shaped their upbringing. They open up about growing up in a blended household where Spanish, traditions, and expectations from both cultures played a major role in their identity. The twins also share heartfelt memories of being called “gringas,” adapting to life in the United States, and learning how to balance cultural pride with assimilation. They further reflect on their first trip to Nicaragua at a young age, including humorous and unforgettable moments that helped them better understand their roots.

With Love, Heidy

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Welcome to episode 158 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Anya Gillinson shares her powerful journey from growing up in Russia during the Brezhnev era to building a new life in the United States as an immigration attorney and writer. She is the author of Dreaming in Russian, a deeply personal memoir and social commentary that explores identity, loss, and the immigrant experience.

In this episode, Anya reflects on her upbringing in the Soviet Union, where she grew up in a politically complex environment shaped by her father’s dissident beliefs and successful yet unconventional medical career. She opens up about the tragic loss of her father, who was killed during a trip to the United States in 1990, an event that became the turning point in her family’s immigration journey. Anya also shares the emotional weight of leaving Russia and the mix of grief, fear, and hope that came with starting over in a completely unfamiliar country.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 157 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Cedric Muhikira shares his journey from Rwanda to the United States and how his experiences as an immigrant inspired him to become a storyteller and advocate for immigrant voices. Today, Cedric is a self-taught writer, engineer, and storyteller using his work to educate others about the realities of immigration while encouraging immigrants to live boldly and authentically.

In this episode, Cedric reflects on his upbringing in Rwanda as the eldest son in his family and the values of community and resilience that shaped his perspective on life. He opens up about the cultural shock he experienced after moving to Detroit in 2019, including adjusting to the abundance of food choices, language differences, and the isolation he felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cedric also shares how friendship and community became essential sources of support as he navigated life in a new country far from home.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

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Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 156 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Dr. Janice Castro shares her journey growing up in Maryland as the daughter of Peruvian immigrants and how those experiences shaped her passion for mental health advocacy and culturally affirming care. Today, she is a licensed psychologist specializing in adult ADHD, the founder of JC Psychological Services, a speaker, and the host of the Latina ADHD podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Janice reflects on her upbringing in a deeply Peruvian household filled with music, food, language, and cultural traditions while navigating life as a bicultural and bilingual Latina in the United States. She opens up about the emotional impact of her father’s deportation when she was 13, her mother’s journey to citizenship, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of privilege, resilience, and identity. Dr. Janice also shares her experiences navigating predominantly white academic spaces as a first-generation Latina student and the pressures that came with constantly having to prove herself.

Dr. Janice takes us through her journey from discovering her passion for psychology in high school to earning advanced degrees and building a career focused on supporting neurodivergent adults. She shares the challenges she faced during graduate school and a difficult internship experience that led to burnout, self-doubt, and ultimately deeper self-advocacy. Dr. Janice also discusses her passion for creating culturally affirming mental health spaces, her work with adults with ADHD, and the inspiration behind launching her podcast, Latina ADHD, to help normalize conversations around mental health in BIPOC communities.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

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Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50! 

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Welcome to episode 155 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Erika Warner shares her journey from Colombia to Spain and eventually to the United States, where she built a life helping immigrants and Spanish speakers learn English with confidence. Today, Erika is an ESL teacher, entrepreneur, and founder of Ingés Pa’ Mi Gente, a platform dedicated to making English education accessible for Spanish-speaking communities.

In this episode, Erika reflects on her childhood in Colombia and her family’s decision to move to Spain amid the violence of the 1990s in search of a safer, better future. She opens up about growing up between cultures, learning English in Spain, and navigating the challenges of adapting to different countries throughout her life. Erika also shares her immigration journey to the United States after meeting her husband in Spain, including the visa process, cultural adjustments, and the process of creating a sense of home in a completely new environment.

With Love, Heidy

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Instagram 

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 154 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Ana Hebra Flaster shares her journey as a Cuban refugee who was abruptly uprooted from her homeland and brought to the United States in 1967. Today, Ana is a writer, speaker, and author who uses storytelling to humanize the immigrant experience and bring awareness to the realities of displacement, identity, and multi-generational trauma.

In this episode, Ana reflects on her childhood in Cuba and the devastating impact of the Cuban Revolution on her family. She opens up about the trauma of being forced to leave her home, adjusting to life in New Hampshire, and growing up in a multi-generational immigrant household while balancing two cultures. Ana also shares the emotional challenges of navigating identity, cultural expectations, and the experience of feeling caught between worlds as a refugee in America.

Ana takes us through her journey from attending Smith College to becoming a published writer and author. She shares the inspiration behind her memoir, Property of the Revolution, and how writing the book became a cathartic process of revisiting buried memories, family trauma, and the lasting impact of losing her home. Ana also discusses her passion for continuing conversations about Cuba and the immigrant experience through her newsletter, Cuba Curious, and how her Cuban identity continues to shape her work today.

With Love, Heidy

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Instagram 

Book

Substack 

Sign up now and join our exclusive community on Substack!!! 💛

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50! 

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Welcome to episode 153 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Devin Miranda shares her experiences growing up in El Paso, Texas, a vibrant border community deeply shaped by immigration, culture, and family. Today, Devin works with La Familia del Paso, a nonprofit focused on providing mental and behavioral health services while also advocating for empathy, understanding, and dignity for immigrant communities.

In this episode, Devin reflects on her upbringing in El Paso as the daughter of a military family and the strong sense of community that shaped her childhood. She opens up about growing up in a border city where the realities of immigration, culture, and identity were part of everyday life. Devin also shares her experiences navigating conversations around racism, implicit bias, and cultural identity, and how those moments challenged her perspective and deepened her compassion for others.

Devin takes us through her journey from serving in ministry focused on racial reconciliation and diversity to participating in a border immersion trip with Abara in early 2025. She shares how meeting migrants, local church leaders, and community advocates in Juárez transformed her understanding of immigration and reinforced the importance of seeing immigrants through a lens of empathy and human dignity. Devin also discusses how her work with La Familia del Paso and her faith continue to shape the way she serves her community today.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 152 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Eloise shares her journey from Haiti to the United States after surviving the devastating 2010 earthquake. Today, she is a nursing student, tax consultant, author, and founder of the brand Made for More, where she empowers others through financial literacy, faith, and community.

In this episode, Eloise reflects on her upbringing in Haiti, where family, education, and faith played a central role in shaping who she is today. She opens up about the traumatic experience of living through the 2010 earthquake, the emotional toll of leaving her homeland, and the challenges of adjusting to life in the United States as a teenager. Elois also shares the cultural shocks she experienced, including adapting to a fast-paced lifestyle, navigating language barriers, and balancing her Haitian roots with American culture.

With Love, Heidy

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50! 

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Welcome to episode 151 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Dr. Leslye Salinas shares her journey from Lima, Peru, to the United States and how her immigrant experience inspired her to create spaces of support and opportunity for newcomer families. Today, she is the CEO and founder of La Casa de Jenny, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting newcomer adults in the Bay Area through career development, community resources, and professional support.

In this episode, Dr. Leslye reflects on her childhood in Lima, Peru, growing up surrounded by a large extended family before immigrating to the United States at seven years old. She opens up about the cultural shock of adjusting to life in the Bay Area, being placed in ESL classes because of her accent, and experiencing bullying for the way she spoke Spanish. She also shares how those early challenges shaped her resilience, confidence, and passion for education and advocacy.

With Love, Heidy

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Instagram

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*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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Welcome to episode 150 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. I am your host, Heidy De La Cruz, and I am on a mission to change the narrative of immigration one immigrant story at a time!

Mario Cartaya shares his unique experience of returning to Cuba after 56 years, a journey that helped him recover suppressed childhood memories. This trip was unlike typical immigrant experiences because his subconscious had built a “vault” to protect him from the trauma of leaving Cuba. Upon revisiting familiar places from his youth, such as his homes, school, and parks, he found his memories resurfaced uncorrupted, complete with the original feelings. This regression provided him with insight into his early influences and inner peace, underscoring the importance of knowing one’s past.

To prepare for the trip, his mom, who was still alive at the time, gave him pictures and the addresses of their old houses, schools, parks, etc. So he knew where to go. And the fortunate and unfortunate thing is that Cuba has been stuck in 1959, and the buildings look the same! The trip was quite an emotional experience for him and his two friends who went with him. He learned a lot about himself! Mario told me that he actually discovered who he was on that trip!

With Love, Heidy

Connect with Mario:

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Book

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Check out the full list of different ways you can support the podcast. 

*This podcast is sponsored by 

Far From Home Podcast

Kaza Law Immigration

Barbara Perez Law

360 Immigration Law

For sponsorship opportunities, send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Make a one-time donation here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=2C3JDALUGTS6E

Because a podcaster in 6-weeks or less with The V.O.I.C.E. Method Podcast Launch Course! Learn everything from tech, podcast hosting sites, editing, Podcast SEO, and more! Find out more information here. And if you refer a client to me and they sign up for the 1:1 Podcast Launch Strategy, you will receive $50!

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