Emily (E): What was it like for you to come here, to the U.S.?

Maria Rivas (MR): I didn't know besides, "Good morning, and "What's your name?"

when I came here.

And when you were baby, I, I used to read to you the Dr. Seuss books.

Like "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish."

And that's how I learned English, reading to you.

E: You know, I, I never really put in much thought that you were an immigrant.

I just thought that, you know, you're my mom.

And I never thought that you would have to leave.

I was at school when my phone buzzed, and I just saw the notification that TPS was going to terminate.

And I remember I started crying.

MR: When you called me, I tried to calm you down.

I am like, "Okay, this is happening.

This is really happening."

So I put myself together, because I knew that I have to be strong for you.

And I didn't promise something that I cannot keep.

So I didn't promise you that everything will be okay.

But I promise, I'm going to make sure that you are okay.

E: What are you most afraid of?

MR: I..terrified of missing you growing up.

It's terrifying.

I think that I'm more afraid of that than to go back to my country.

E: Yeah.

I'm scared that I'm gonna have to do everything all by myself.

MR: You're not going to be alone, I promise to you that.

And I'm very hard to get rid of.

E: [Laughs] MR: So I'm going to be on the phone all the time.

E: What are your hopes for the future?

MR: That I'm going to die of an old age, and be the pain on your neck all the time.

[Laughs] E: [Laughs] MR: And make sure that you find strength, even in a bad moment.