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Starting a new life is a tempting idea, but when you arrive to a new country with empty hands and not being able to speak the language, it can be a terrifying experience where you only have two options: be afraid and go back, or face your fears and keep on going.
The six Mexicans that we at EL UNIVERSAL interviewed chose the latter option of staying, and they shared with us both the most difficult and happiest moments they've experienced in the land of the American dream.
One thing that all six immigrants share is that while they all worked arduously to establish themselves in their new home, they moved to the U.S. during the era of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a period during which remittances to their home countries have greatly increased, as well as the flow of both migrants and commercial goods.
These issues have become extremely important in view of the promises made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign and in recent weeks to deport millions of immigrants. "Let's give him the opportunity to prove himself as a leader, but let's also play the game with a defensive strategy," says César Vargas, the first dreamer ever to join the New York State Bar.
Neurosurgeon Alfredo Quiñones Hinojosa says that "we're in a critical stage between the two countries that's going to affect future generations from both countries. In Mexico, people hear others say that immigrants are bad people, and in the U.S., people hear that we are people with no value, that they need to get rid of us. This is going to have a negative effect in 10 to 15 years."
When asked about the so-called wall, Dr. Q says that “the wall is pointless because if people have dreams they'll do whatever it takes to cross it.
Dulce Matuz, an activist who agrees with Dr. Q, says that “racism has always existed with or without Trump. However, what makes us different is that we don't let that fear control us. I'm not going to let Donald Trump define my future.”
The former Wall Street executive turned motivational speaker, Julissa Arce, says that “if I could actually hold a conversation with him, I would talk to Trump about the economy, which is what matters most to him. We immigrants go through so much and this is yet another situation we have to face. However, we will confront him."
Manny Hernández and Jaime Lucero are also aware of the latent concern among the Mexican community in the United States. Hernández became famous for selling tamales dressed as a Mexican wrestler and for the unique flavor of his dishes. Lucero is the most veteran of the group and since his arrival in New York has worked to help migrants in similar situations by establishing the Casa Puebla foundation.
Discrimination, lack of money, and fear of being deported are just some of the difficulties these six successful Mexicans faced before leaving their mark in a country that despite at first seeing them as outsiders, has allowed them to establish themselves and create inspiring stories of success.
