Angela Chavez Sanchez’s Long Journey to Citizenship

Angela Chavez Sanchez was born in Michoacan Mexico 68 years ago. As a child and young adult, she worked in the fields. She was married at age 16 and had 6 children. In 1983, her brother brought her to the United States. She had to leave her children behind but knew she would soon have them with her. One year later, she was able to bring 5 of her 6 children to the United States. Angela struggled as a single parent to support and raise her 5 children. Her oldest daughter had to quit school to stay home and help raise her younger siblings while Angela worked to provide for all of them. Angela worked in factories, laundromats, canning and in poultry production. In 1986, Angela and her 5 children received their legal permanent residence. Angela had worked from the moment she arrived in the United States, so she was able to show that she worked and supported her family without government assistance. In 1996, Angela was diagnosed with leukemia and bravely fought the cancer. The cancer has been in remission for one year and she is very hopeful her health will continue to improve. In January 2020, Angela, through the encouragement of her children, applied for citizenship. She knew CHD offered help and she was able to apply for citizenship at no cost thanks to a grant CHD receives from the California Department of Social Services. Her gratitude to CHD is never-ending and she directs everyone who needs immigration assistance to CHD. She beat cancer and is the proud grandmother of 18 and great-grandmother of 10. Angela can now add United States citizen to her many life accomplishments. She is excited to vote in the next presidential election