The situation that my country is going through, Venezuela, made me make the decision to leave my family and come to the country of opportunities. My parents and my brothers all live in Venezuela. I have four brothers and seven sisters. I am the only one who made the decision to go out and look for a better future and to be able to help them financially. I turned myself in to  the United States authorities on January 17, 2022. I was detained one day and they called the person who was waiting for me here in New York. That person was my cousin who was going to receive me. Then they took me from where I was detained to the airport in Texas to take a flight to New York.I arrived in New York on January 19, 2022. I was very happy to be able to reach a country where I can achieve my goals. The language is a bit difficult but not impossible. The same day I arrived, I thanked GOD. I started working.  My cousin recommended me and some friends to a restaurant to work. They accepted me and I started washing dishes. After two months, they transferred me to the kitchen and I have been working as a cook for 10 months. It has been a very good experience. I have a good schedule that allows me to study to learn to speak English.Although I have left my family and friends, I feel very happy to be in this country and to do what I like. I live with my boyfriend and two cousins. I always miss my family but I have to get used to it and move on because the rewards come from the sacrifices. I like this country because the laws are followed and there are people with  big hearts. It is the best decision. 
 

– Y

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant