My name is J V and I was born in what is now called Norh Republic of Macedonia. I came to the United States of America during the early nineties – in 1992 to be more specific. During and before this time the Macedonian Republic was part of the Yugoslav Federation which dissolved in 1992 after approximately fifty years of being in existence. During the eighties, the Socialist Federation of Yugoslavia’s economy as well as its political spectrum was beginning to deteriorate and corruption permeated many aspects of the government not was beginning to show in its day-to-day functioning. Eventually in 1992 the Federation of Yugoslavia broke up in the middle of the onset of the civil war. 

    During this time, I decided to visit my uncle, here in NY City, who has been living here since the sixties. Hearing the devastating news coming from that corner of the world, which was broadcasted all over the news media here, made me decide that going back home might not be such a good idea. Since then, New York city took me with open arms after several short experiences around Europe and United Sates. I have been a citizen of Brooklyn, NY for over thirty years now and the people around me have made sure to offer me consistent support and care throughout this entire time I have been living here. And I am very grateful. 

– JV

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant