This interview is part of an immigration migration project. I interviewed an individual named Balbuena from the Dominican Republic. In this interview you will find out about his experiences as an immigrant in New York City.

You’ll find out what he went through to try and fulfill the “American Dream”.


Q: What is your name ?
A: My name is Balbuena

Q: Where are you from ?
A: I’m from the Dominican Republic

Q: Were you anxious to leave the Dominican Republic ?
A: Not really; really love my country. I love our culture. I was “poor but wealthy”. I had no money but I had love, family, and friends. But I still left because I wanted to better myself financially.

Q: How did you feel when you first arrived in New York ?
A: I was so excited. I was going to see my cousin and his family. I was finally in “Nueba Yol”. I thought I was going to be rich. That all my dreams were going to come true.

Q: Why do you think you couldn’t find a job ?
A: I think it was because I didn’t know the language and I didn’t have my papers. I would say especially because I didn’t have my papers. I don’t think language was such a big problem because the neighborhood was mostly Hispanic.

Q: How did you feel about this ?
A: I was extremely frustrated. I felt I needed that money. I felt an obligation to help out in my cousins house. I just wanted to beat up Fellito. He was full of shit ! He was just a selfish person who wanted money . THAT’S THE ONLY REASON HE HELPED ME !

Q: How did you feel in your cousins house ?
A: I was grateful I had somewhere to stay but I was also uncomfortable I felt like I was intruding in their lives. I know I wasn't wanted by the kids but I ignored it because I had no were else to go. Except for Nancy’s house.

Q: Who is Nancy ?
A: She’s a lady who hit me with her car when I was at the airport. She came to the hospital and really helped me out.

Q: How did you feel about Nancy when she walked into the hospital room?
A: It was love at first sight ! At least for me it was anyway. she was gorgeous.

Q: Do you regret leaving the Dominican Republic ?
A: Yes, it is to hard to survive here in the U.S. Your dreams don’t come true as easily as I thought.

Q: How did you feel when you saw Fellito in the park looking like a junky?
A: I felt bad for him. I felt an obligation to return the favor. I took him to a rehabilitation center. I was still angry at him for lying to me the way that he did.

Q: How did you react and feel when you found out the the Restaurant was sold ?
A: I was obviously excited. this meant I was getting my money. I was finally going home to my house and my people. Home, to the things I know and love.

Q: Why didn’t you tell Natalia the truth about New York ?
A: I didn’t want her to know the truth. I want her to rest in peace now and forever. She deserved it. Her and my baby. Natalia died pregnant with my child.

Q: How did you feel to find out that it was Fellito that was sticking you up?
A: I can’t even explain it. I was furious. After he begged me to help him and I found it in my heart to do so he stabs me in the back. Trying to take what I worked so hard for. I told him. I would prefer to die than to give him what was mine. I wanted to kill him myself.

Q: Why do you think Fellito stuck you up ?
A: I think Fellito was a cheater and a liar. He was a coward and easily intimidated. He only looked out for his own well-being.

Well, this ends my interview. I hope you understood what Balbuena experienced as an immigrant in the United States. So the next time you hear about immigrants; think of them as people who are coming to the U. S. as people who are coming to try and better themselves. Not as greedy savages wanting to live off the government. At least give them the benefit of the doubt.