Maria Alvarez
Homeland?
Río San Juan, Dominican Republic
Year Immigrated to United States?
1995
Age when immigrated?
26
Why did you leave your country?
I was searching for more work opportunities and live somewhere with more stability. I wasn't living in a very friendly household in the DR and wanted move away.
What had you heard about the United States? What expectations did you have?
The United States was a place full of opportunities and to us, it was somewhere we thought we could go to live an easier life. When people returned to the DR from America they would come back with gold, new clothes, new shoes, such beautiful things that I had never seen before.
Did you leave your family behind?
Yes, I left everyone. I came to the United States by myself.
Where in the United States did you arrive?
I first arrived in Puerto Rico. I then settled in New York.
What was the journey like?
It was very scary. I was alone and terrified.
What was your first job in the United States?
I worked as an aid in a nursing home.
As time has passed, how does your experience in the United States compare to what you expected?
It is not as easy as I thought it would be. It is still good and better than what I had in the DR, but it is hard.
How do you maintain your culture and customs of your home country? Is it difficult to do so?
I stay connected through language and through the food I make.
What was the best thing about your immigrant experience? What has been the most difficult or challenging? Are there any times you felt welcomed or unwelcomed as an immigrant?
Some people are very kind and understanding, but others are very mean. Sometimes people will just here my accent and will act like I don't know anything or am stupid.
What do you wish more people knew about immigrants?
Immigrants are important to the prosperity of America. Without immigrants, I don't think America would be as well off as it is.