Meet Mirian

New Neighbors community member Mirian is a single mom of four from El Salvador who recently arrived in the United States. For Mother's Day, she spoke with NNP Operations Manager Andrea Yarad about her experience resettling in the United States, how being a mom is different for her now, and what she likes to do on her days off.

Can you share a little bit about your story of coming to the United States?

At first we were a happy family, but when the father of my children fell into vices, and I wanted to leave, I looked for help. I went to my grandmother, my father, my sisters, and no one was there for me. I cried and cried like you can’t imagine. I kept thinking, “What am I going to do alone with my four children?” But at the same time, something inside me gave me strength. I thought, “I can’t rely on anyone else. I have to move forward on my own.” 

So, I asked my sister to take me to a hotel. I knew I wasn’t going back. I used that night to reflect, to make a plan. And in just a few hours, I felt like I could see my future—as if I were writing a story in my memory about how I was going to make it through.

I remembered a friend who once told me that if I ever decided to leave, I should call her, and she would help me. So, I called her. The first thing she asked was, “Did you take all the kids with you?” And I said, “Yes, I have them all.”

Before leaving, I told my kids if they wanted to stay, I would understand. I couldn’t give them wealth or the material things their dad might offer. But I would give them an abundance of love. They told me that the five of us would fight together, and those words gave me strength.

That’s when I asked my friend for help. She had saved $2,000 for me. I traveled to the United States and turned myself in to immigration, hoping that doing so would change everything. But they sent me back to El Salvador.

Once I arrived in El Salvador, I hid for a year and eight months. No one in my family knew where I was. I was hiding from the father of my children, because he was looking for me. My husband was always armed.

I spoke with a prosecutor I knew and told him my situation. He said he knew a lawyer who could help me leave the country with my kids—to seek asylum or a visa. That’s how I got into the IOM (UN International Organization for Migration) program, and I got my background checks. I also connected with IRC, which operates in El Salvador. I had to disguise myself as a man in San Miguel so no one would recognize me until I was able to leave. That’s what I lived through. 

What are you most proud of?

I’m very proud because, despite everything I’ve been through, I’ve kept moving forward. I’ve learned to stand up for myself and do things on my own. And I’m especially proud of the mother I am to my children.

“My superpower as a mom is knowing how to protect my children.”

What is different about being a mom in the US compared to El Salvador?

Being a mom in El Salvador meant living in fear. I had to stay in hiding; I had no freedom to work or move around safely. I constantly felt afraid—and the loneliness of not having anyone to support me. When we would go to the store, my kids would say, “Mom, put your mask on,” afraid someone would recognize us. It was a life of fear. Here, it’s the opposite. We are free.

New Neighbors Summer Party (2024)

What do you enjoy most about being a mom?

I really enjoy my kids—especially when they’re eagerly waiting for me when I get home from work, and when we share meals together. My children are my happiness. 

What are some challenges you've faced as a mom in a new country?

When I first arrived here, many people questioned how I would make it with four kids. It made me feel overwhelmed. I didn’t know how things worked here or how I’d manage. But then I thought: If I survived in El Salvador, even in hiding, I can survive here too. 

And I thank God for putting wonderful people in my path: like you, my lawyer, and my NNP partner families. I don’t know what I’d do without them. I'm tearing up from happiness. Honestly, I have no one else I can count on except you guys.

How have your NNP partner families supported you during your resettlement?

So much. For example, at Christmas, I wasn’t expecting anything—and they showed up with beautiful gifts for my kids. They came in person to deliver them, and seeing my kids so happy when they wished us a Merry Christmas—it was a happiness I never imagined was possible. God has placed such wonderful people in my life, and I never stop asking Him to bless you all.

“New Neighbors is a true blessing. You are the family I never had in El Salvador but thankfully found here."

What do you like to do to take care of yourself?

I’ve worked two weeks straight, and sometimes I take night shifts at the restaurant too, because I’m on my own and have to support my family. When I have a day off—like tomorrow—I use it to rest. If it’s a nice day, we’ll go to the park, and if not, we’ll buy churros and enjoy a movie together at home. 

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