Lorena Rivas, Esq.CEO/Managing Partner at Rivas & Associates

Elissa Stiles - What I wish to tell every immigrant

28 Apr 2026 · 2 min

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1:39

In this heartfelt monologue, Elissa Stiles addresses immigrants during a period of heightened uncertainty and fear. She emphasizes the extraordinary resilience of immigrants, who have endured perilous journeys to protect their families, and reminds them that they possess inherent strength that will help them navigate current challenges. Stiles affirms that immigrants have legal rights in the United States, even when those rights feel inaccessible, and urges them to actively defend those rights. She highlights the power of a vast, supportive community of fellow immigrants, encouraging collective solidarity. The speaker calls for perseverance, urging listeners not to lose hope, to continue fighting for their rights, and to rely on both personal and communal strength to overcome adversity.

Chapters

These are really difficult times for a lot of people, but particularly for our immigrant neighbors and friends and family members. And I know it's a really scary time. There's so much that's unknown and unpredictable. But what I want to say, what I think is so important for everyone to remember, is that immigrants, my clients, every immigrant I've ever met is just about the strongest, most capable person I've ever met. People who have crossed rivers, deserts, jungles to protect their children from danger, to make sure that their family has a chance at life. And that sort of strength is what is going to see you through. You have rights in this country, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like it. You do have rights, and you're going to have to fight for them right now. But you're not alone in that fight, and you are so prepared for that fight. You have done bigger, harder, more important things to save yourselves and your families, and that is the kind of strength that's going to see you through. And there is a community a huge community of people just like that who come together, and with that sort of strength individually and in a community, I think we just, we can't lose. So don't give up hope, don't give up the fight, and let's keep fighting together.