WE ARE: A Nation of Immigrants - New Haven 2018
The Participants

Beatriz

Domenican Republic

Portrait Location: 
New Haven Green A24

Arrival in the US: 2002

Reason for migration: I came here because I was a single mother who wanted a better life for my children.

Commentary: When I came to the United states, I was hoping to get a job here, raise my sons and have a home.  But I came undocumented and have not been able to get my papers since then.  My sons are still in the Dominican Republic and I have not seen them in 16 years.  Through the use of the phone only, I have been able to teach them how to wash dishes, iron, do the laundry.  As a result of my ability to work in the United States, I’ve been able to feed and clothe my sons and provide them with everything they need.  One son has just finished his studies at university in the Dominican Republic and the other is just about to start university.  I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to make progress, but it’s been a very hard journey and it doesn’t get any easier.