Interviewee: Joel Burgos Quiles
Interviewer: Idalis Burgos
Relationship: Uncle
Date: January 10, 2002
 

A Puerto Rican young man comes to the U.S. on vacation to visit his siblings. He finds better opportunities to further his education and stays.

What is your full name?

My name is Joel Burgos.

What is your nationality?

I am Puerto Rican.

What is your date of birth?

May 22, 1952

Where were you born?

I was born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.

When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?

June, 1968.

Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?

I just came here for vacation to visit my brothers and sister.

What did you like/dislike about your home/country?

I like the weather, the beaches, and the people. I didn’t like the economy and the education system.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

Because I had family here.

How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?

By plane. I would not change it at all.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

Through my brothers.

With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]

Alone.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your home town and why?

First of all the weather, the people, and my family because I miss them.

How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?

My life changed because I could not see my parents and old friends. Here there are better opportunities to further my education.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

Better job.

What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?

Really nothing. I just came for vacation.

What are the differences between when you came here and now?

The crime rate went up and drugs got worse.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My parents and old friends.

What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?

Language and prejudice.

How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?

I had some money. After, my brothers and sister supported me.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Once I went to school I learned the language. And I met met my new friend, my girlfriend; I got used to it.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Because my wife and kids.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

In Puerto Rico I went up to tenth grade. And when I came here I finished twelfth and went to trade school for Auto Body Repairment and I became an auto painter.

Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?

No.

What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?

Really, the weather.

Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, how did you get money?

I was an auto detailman before.