Interview with Jesus
Why did you leave home-
Jesus- I left home because I was young and my father decided that he would take his skills to America. He really wanted to make a better life for my 3 sisters and me. He actually left shortly after I was born in 1984, and I did not see much of him until he returned to help us move in 1987. He finally got a good job with a landscaping company. He was hired as a laborer, then promoted to crew leader by the time we all moved up. He originally crossed illegally, and I am not sure when he was legalized. From my understanding the rest of my family were legal when we moved.
How did you fit in/adjust to U.S.
Jesus- It was hard for me at first in school because the primary language at home was Spanish. Eventually my sisters and I learned English, and helped teach our mom. My dad always knew English pretty well, although it was a lot more broken than today. I currently work at Best Buy in the appliance department. I am in my senior year at a local public high school and am doing very well in school. My parents are proud of us and we are really lucky to be here.
How has your treatment been in the U.S.?
Jesus- I have been treated well all of my life. I have not experienced a large amount of racism but occasionally feel that people watch me closer than white Americans in stores, etc. I work really hard to not look to far into it, but I do know it is there.
Do you ever visit Mexico?
Jesus- Yes, at least once a year, usually at Christmas time. We love to spend the holidays with our entire family (25 cousins, 10 aunts/uncles). We go down to Mexico for approximately 2 weeks through the beginning of the New Year. It is such a good time. I love to spend time with all of my family. It seems like every time we go down there a new cousin is born.
How does your homeland view migration?
Jesus- most everybody from my town has someone in the family that has migrated to the U.S. Truth is I do not know what the town would do if it weren’t for American dollars coming in from those that have migrated. I think everyone would like to live in America, but we know that is not a possibility so those of us that can, try our best to support those who can’t.
Do you attend a local church?
We go to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. My father told me that
along time ago Mexicans were sent to the basement for mass, and they could not
be apart of the normal congregation. I find that sad, but at least we have come
a long way since then.