A man leaves his country to save his life.

Interviewer: Yolanda Nunez Diaz
Interviewee: Name withheld by request.
Relationship: Neighbors
Date: February 9, 2000
 

What is your full name?

Name withheld by request.

What is your nationality?

Cuban

What is your date of birth?

July 22, 1931

Where were you born?

Cuba

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

In 1962

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

The Communist people wanted me dead.

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

I hated the way the Communist people took over my country .

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I had relatives here.

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

I traveled by plane.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

The guy I traveled with had an apartment.

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

By myself

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

The beautiful beaches.

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

I have a better life here. More job opportunities and you can make more money.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected a lot of things because this is the city of brotherly love.

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

I came to get a better job, life and to run away from the Communist people.

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

I am living better and I am making more money.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

Everything, I left my family behind. I lost contact with my wife and daughter for 19 years and I never saw my dad again.

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

I didn't encounter any problems.

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

I had ten cents in my pocket.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

I started working and earning money on my own.

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

I had no life in Cuba and now I have everything I ever wanted.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

I went to school until the 4th grade.

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

No, never because if I go back or if had stayed I would be dead.

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

No reason would ever make me go back.

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

I cleaned dishes in a restaurant then became a chef for two years.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I was a cop in the secret service for the president of Cuba. When Castro took over I knew he was no good. I fought Castro's army in a revolution war. There where terrorist bombing all over the place. I tried to kill Castro, but one of the people who was suppose to help me told Castro about the plan. So I had to buy fake papers and leave my country because Castro wanted me dead. I never believed in Castro's words and I still don't. He is a bad person and I can't wait until he dies. Maybe there will be peace in my country then.

3/16/00