Mia is an 11-year-old Chinese immigrant who helps her parents manage the Calivista Motel in Anaheim, California. She takes on front desk duties and looks out for her family's financial stability, constantly brainstorming ways to increase business. She aspires to be a writer and works hard to improve her English skills, often channeling her frustration over political hostility into her school assignments. She is deeply loyal to her friends and refuses to accept the prejudice she observes in her community.

Lupe is an 11-year-old Mexican immigrant, a math whiz, and Mia's best friend. Because she and her family reside in the United States without authorized documentation, she lives in constant fear of discovery and deportation. Despite her anxieties over the hostile political climate in California, she dreams of becoming an artist and offers steady emotional support to those around her.

Jason is an 11-year-old Chinese immigrant whose wealthy parents previously owned the Calivista Motel. He has a passion for cooking and immense culinary talent, but he struggles to pursue this interest due to his father's strict expectations for a prestigious career. Though his family's privilege isolates him from some of the hardships his peers face, he genuinely values his connections at the motel.

Hank is a middle-aged African American man and a regular, long-term tenant at the Calivista Motel. Having experienced significant racial prejudice throughout his life, he brings a mature, optimistic perspective to the challenges the community faces. He takes an active interest in the motel's success, eventually handling marketing, and frequently offers practical advice to Mia when she feels overwhelmed.

Mrs. Welch is a strict sixth-grade teacher who holds a doctorate but was passed over for college tenure in favor of male colleagues, leaving her somewhat embittered. She openly supports political measures restricting undocumented immigrants and frequently clashes with Mia over these beliefs. Despite her rigid politics, she recognizes academic potential and demands high-quality work from her students.

Mia's father is a hardworking Chinese immigrant who jointly manages the Calivista Motel. Formerly a geneticist in China, he now works tirelessly at maintenance and operational tasks to ensure his family's survival in America. He believes strongly in unity among all immigrants and pushes back against divisions within their community.

Mia's mother is a former electrical engineer from China who handles the demanding housekeeping and laundry duties at the motel. She struggles with the loss of her professional career and occasionally seeks validation through expensive material items. She channels her sharp intellect into managing daily operations and teaching math to recent arrivals.

Mr. Yao is a wealthy, materialistic Chinese immigrant who previously employed the Tangs and sold them the motel. He maintains a harsh demeanor, looks down on those he considers working-class, and pressures his son to pursue a career in medicine or law. He vocalizes support for anti-immigrant legislation, viewing himself as separate from the struggles of other newcomers.

Jason's mother shares her husband's wealthy background and class-conscious attitudes. She is highly protective of her son's social standing and fiercely disapproves of him engaging in menial work. She expects him to maintain boundaries between himself and working-class individuals.

Also referred to as Jose, Mr. Garcia is a Mexican immigrant who resides in the US without authorization. He works as a cable repairman to support his family. His primary focus is providing stability for his daughter, a goal threatened by increased border enforcement and rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the state.

Lupe's mother is an unauthorized immigrant who previously worked as a maid for the Yao family. She leaves California to travel back to Mexico to handle a family death, creating intense anxiety for her husband and daughter who worry about her ability to cross back over the border safely.

Prisha is an attorney operating out of a modest office in Buena Park. Unlike the expensive lawyers who demand steep retainers, she runs a practical, accessible practice that caters to clients with limited financial resources and offers critical legal guidance regarding immigration matters.

Annie is a reporter from the Anaheim Times who covers the Tang family's purchase of the Calivista Motel. She openly discusses her experiences as a professional writer, sparking deep inspiration for the young students she encounters.

Mia's cousin who lives in Beijing, China. He used to act as an older brother figure to her before her family moved to America. His written correspondence highlights that social divisions and class pressures exist internationally.

Mrs. T is a long-term resident at the Calivista Motel. Alongside her friend, she dedicates her free time to teaching a class called "How to Navigate America," which assists recent arrivals in adjusting to their new surroundings.

A regular resident at the Calivista Motel who co-teaches a weekly orientation class for newcomers. She helps create a supportive, welcoming environment for the diverse group of travelers staying at the property.

A student in Mia's sixth-grade class who holds mean-spirited attitudes toward her peers. She openly mocks Mia's living situation and family occupation, representing the everyday hostility present in the school environment.

The principal of the local elementary school. He oversees the student body during a period of intense political division and monitors the interactions between students on the playground.

An attorney based in Los Angeles who handles immigration cases. He demands an expensive upfront retainer and a high hourly rate, making his services inaccessible to working-class families seeking help.