LOS ANGELES — At her modest kitchen table, Viane Ortiz meticulously organizes a collection of papers — each one a testament to the life she’s built in the United States over the past 20 years.

“Para mí es algo bien importante,” she said in Spanish. “For me, this is very important. This way, I have proof I’ve been in this country.”

For Ortiz, each page — bills, pay stubs, and tax records — serves as vital evidence of her years of hard work and dedication to the country she calls home.

But despite two decades of living in the U.S., Ortiz remains without a clear path to legal protection. Her immigration journey took a turn when her U.S. citizen husband passed away before he could finalize securing her legal status.

“Mis papeles quedaron en el limbo,” she said in Spanish. “My papers were left in limbo. I deserve an opportunity to fix my legal status.”

With the recent election of President-elect Donald Trump and his promises of mass deportations, Ortiz knows the stakes have never been higher.

But instead of living in fear, she’s choosing to prepare.

Immigration attorney Alex Galvez echoes the urgency of the moment.

“Right now is the time for education and preparation,” he said. “Use this time to consult an immigration attorney and assess the strength of your case. The next four years are going to be very, very tough.” 

Galvez advises undocumented families to take proactive steps, including gathering documentation that proves their presence in the U.S., getting background checks, and creating a family plan for emergencies. 

“For families, it’s about preparation,” Galvez added. “Compile all your documents in a single place, like a suitcase, so your loved ones can easily access them if you’re detained.”

Ortiz has already taken these steps. She now carries a card that outlines her rights in the event she’s stopped by an immigration officer.

“Me dieron esta tarjeta,” she explained, holding it up. “They gave me this card. I know my rights. I have the right to speak to an attorney before I answer any questions.”

For Ortiz, this preparation is about more than just protecting herself — it’s about standing up for her right to remain in the country she’s contributed to for so many years.

“I’m ready to face whatever comes next,” she said. “I’ve lived with uncertainty for so long, but I won’t stop fighting.”