Cervantes Letter for Teresa Reyes Trujillo

Cervantes Letter for Teresa Reyes Trujillo

Teresa Reyes Trujillo

Trujillo first began the process of trying to get legal permanent residency in 1971, but her initial attempt was unsuccessful. Immigration authorities said she didn’t have enough proof that she had lived in the U.S. continuously since before 1924. Trujillo submitted this May 1972 letter as part of her effort to bolster her case. In the letter, Manuel Cervantes, an insurance agent, says he’s seen Trujillo weekly in California since 1942. He doesn’t explain under what circumstances, and it’s possible that Trujillo may have worked for him off the books.

Manuel Cervantes

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

May 23, 1972

Public Domain