Karina Ruiz is emerging as the next and first migrant senator-elect in Mexico.
“I will represent and fight for all migrants, and not just them, but also for Mexicans,” says Ruiz, who was born in the State of Mexico but has Oaxacan roots.
“Nothing was given to me, I earned everything I have. I had to earn a seat at the table, otherwise you’re on the menu,” she says.
Ruiz’s challenges in becoming the first migrant senator are enormous.
“I am a little scared of this responsibility, but in my life, I have learned to overcome fear. Fear is not our enemy; there is something better behind fear,” she says.
Coming from very humble origins, Ruiz migrated to the United States without documents and, after many years, was able to benefit from DACA, the immigration program offered to minors who arrived in the United States.
“DACA was vital for me. Without DACA, I couldn’t have had the position I have now, but they gave us false hope. They told us it would lead to regularization, and former President Barack Obama lied to us,” says Ruiz.
She has a deep understanding of what it means to be an undocumented immigrant.
“I felt the fear of crossing, the fear of the Border Patrol, of being in safe houses where we were more secure. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. That’s why I want to fight for immigration policy, not just in the United States but here in Mexico. There are thousands of Central Americans in Mexico, and we need to set an example and provide them with a safe and habitable space,” she says.
Born in the State of Mexico but with Oaxacan blood, she says she will fight to the end.
“Oaxacans are noble and sweet people, but if you mess with us, watch out! We bring out our claws and nails. We come from the land of Benito Juárez, and justice is the most important thing for us,” she adds.
Migrant representation is not new in Mexico; it has previously been established in local congresses and the federal Congress, but it was seen as decoration, a token of gesture towards the migrant community. Not this time.
“I will make my voice heard in the Senate. I’m not a puppet. I’m here to defend my community, millions of migrants in the United States. I want a voice in judicial reform, a reform in the role of consulates in the United States, the education of our young people, and the healthcare system. I don’t want priority to be given to ‘gringos’ to invest in Mexico. Migrants are an economic force; we want a piece of the pie,” she says.
Ruiz, a spiritual person, refers to the term Supreme Being several times during the interview.
“He has guided me here. I have seen it in several visits I have made in my work,” she says.
Do you feel important and powerful? I ask her.
“I come from a very humble family. I climbed and descended hills all day. I got my degree in Biochemistry thanks to my father, who encouraged me to study. But I climbed and descended those hills sometimes in ‘huaraches’ and sometimes without huaraches’. This position I have is a mission, not a job,” she adds.
A staunch supporter of Morena, the ruling party, she says, “Just as I have faith in President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, I have faith in the Doctor (referring to the president-elect). They have already said it: the immigration policy with the United States is one of negotiation, not submission,” she concludes.
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