As immigrants we’ve been resilient our whole lives and that creates persistence that we bring along with us to the business world. You bring that resilience from your immigration status, and you have the mentality that, yes, I can do it. It’s going to take a while, but it’s possible.

Now I say I'm an entrepreneur, because that's what I am.

As undocumented immigrants, many of us have inherited the entrepreneurial spirit often times, not by choice but out of necessity. The art of the #UndocuHustle is being able to recognize the value in opportunities where others do not.

Growing a business gave me what status took away for so long: Financial security, a decent place to live, and a sense that my talent is treasured. Entrepreneurship became my empowerment, and I’m one of many examples that being paperless does not mean you’re powerless.