So Money with Farnoosh Torabi · Monday, September 7, 2026
Maria Melchor describes her complex feelings upon receiving her social security card, signifying legal status in the U.S. She explains that while it meant greater opportunities, the transition from a familiar environment to a new, less familiar one was initially disorienting.
“Me, getting my social security card represented having legal status in the US and being one step closer to having the same opportunities as other people.”
“And then part of it was, you know, coming from a place where everyone looked like me to a place where, like, nobody looked like me.”
“Uh, and, and yeah, I was like, what am I doing here? It really took time and validation from the government.”