I decided to come because I wanted to make things better for myself and my family
Interviewer: N Figueroa
Interviewee: Wilfredo Figueroa
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What is your full name?
Wilfredo Figueroa
What is your nationality?
Naturally, from Puerto Rico.
What is your date of birth?
September 3, 1947.
Where were you born?
In the town of Cayey, Puerto Rico.
When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?
In the month of April of 1966 and it was cold.
Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?
I had gotten out of school and I didn't have a job that paid well. Also I decided to come because I wanted to make things better for myself and my family.
What did you like/dislike about your home/country?
I liked the climate because I didn't have to wear a lot of clothing. I also liked to go to the beach, I liked to party on the holidays and visit my family members, I could also go horse back riding on a farm that had cattle and other animals. The horses weren't ours but I used to sneak in and ride them anyway. Also I liked to walk through the forest picking fruits to eat like guavas and mangoes. But I didn't like the work because it was too hard and paid very little. I also didn't like the facilities of the house: we didn't have a toilet but we had a latrine. We had water to bathe with inside the house but to use the bathroom we had to go outside. We also had to be careful with dangerous animals like snakes, spiders, and other insects and wild animals.
Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?
The work in Puerto Rico was not too good, I needed to find work and straighten out my situation.
How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?
In an airplane with two motors and it took, like, 4 hours to get here.
How did you find a place to live in Philly?
When we first arrived we already had a place to stay everything was prepared. They paid for my airline ticket so I might pay it back later.
With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]
I came with a few of my friends and companions.
Give 1 thing you remember most about your home town and why?
I remember the rivers. When we used to go to the rivers we would meet new people and make new friends.
How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?
The differences from when I came and know are that back then I was very lonely, I missed my brothers and mother. It was also better here because I had a better job and I paid more money. I also decided to go to other States which were very different like Florida and Arizona. There were many difficulties in those states like racism and jobs were difficult to find. I also changed because I started to drink a lot of liquor but I always found a way to come out on top. Finally, I went to New York were the jobs were better and there were many people of my own race. I felt like I was back in Puerto Rico.
What did you expect about the US/Philly?
Well, I knew were I was going was going to be like camp were I would work in agriculture. Also, I knew there would be open land and deserts and locations were there would be farmers. I thought it would be like Puerto Rico but with the difference that there would be more jobs and opportunities.
What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?
I came here to start a new life. I was bored in Puerto Rico. Also to bring my family from Puerto Rico and I did accomplish that. I don't feel like I need to do anything else.
What are the differences between when you came here and now?
Back then there was a lot of racism - you had to be careful because you could get into a lot problems we had to be careful with were we worked because most jobs were for the whites. Also the streets were much more safe back in those days.
What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?
I left my family behind.
What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?
I had problems with the language and also with math when I went to any store.
How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?
I had money saved when I first arrived - it was about $75. I worked very hard to get that money.How did you adapt to your new environment?
I had friends who helped me with my English and they also helped me with my math so I could understand when I went to the store.
Why do you think it was worth all your changes?
I got to see a lot of different States and my family is also doing well. I also got to meet a lot of different people.
What education did you have before/after you arrived?
I only had an education up to the 8th grade when I first arrived. After I arrived I took courses on mechanics and how to operate heavy machinery.
Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?
No, I don't ever regret moving because my family is doing well here.
What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?
There is no reason that would or could make me go back. The majority of my life has been spent here. I only spent 17 years of my life in Puerto Rico.
Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, who did you get money?
It was in agriculture picking grapes and tomatoes.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Well, when I first arrived here I had a lot of fun because I was a bachelor and I made my own money. I used to go to the clubs and bars to have fun. Also I used to go to parties. My friends and I used to travel a lot to different States like Arizona working in a Job Corps were I bettered my English. I also learned to operate heavy equipment along with machinery. I also knew a lot of Indians in Arizona - they were very friendly people. I used to go back and forth to Puerto Rico. Some of the States I went were California, Arizona, Mexico, Florida and New York where I finally sent for my family. After living 20 years in Brooklyn, New York I decided to come to Philly. I came to Philly to buy a house. I bought 2 but currently only have one. Now I spend my time working and reading the word of God.
