Immigrant Stories

Taiwan Queens, New York

Mei-Ling Chen

Arrived 1987

My mother sewed in a basement on Roosevelt Avenue so I could go to public school in English. I am a pediatric nurse now. Every shift, I think of her hands.

Supattra Head

THAILAND

At an early age, Supattra knew she had to do well in school. She worked hard in her studies and was accepted to Thammasat University, one of the top schools in Thailand. But even after earning her MBA, Supattra realized that she needed to improve her English-speaking skills drastically. She then decided to immigrate to the U.S. with her husband, who also wanted to pursue his Master's degree. Supattra worked at several Japanese restaurants, all the while desiring to be her own employer. More importantly, she yearned to set her own schedule so she could take care of her young daughter. Utilizing her business degree as well as her knowledge in Thai food, in 2007 she opened Thai Spice Restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. Supattra is grateful for the continues success of the restaurant, especialy amid the vast competition. Leaving Thailand with limited English meant looking for a job that fit her qualifications. She believes she has found her opportunity and encourages other immigrants to do the same, stating, "Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up!"

Priscilla Moura

BRAZIL

Leaving behind her beloved father in Fortaleza, Brazil to immigrate to the United States was a very tough decision for Priscilla. Yet, with the chance at a better life awaiting her in the U.S., Priscilla left Brazil at the tender age of 12. Priscilla first landed in Clearwater, Florida and was reunited with her mother. While Priscilla eventually became proficient in English, it took her longer than expected. As an immigrant child, she gravitated towards other Brazilian students who spoke Portuguese and made her feel comfortable. Unfortunately, that meant fewer opportunities to speak English. Priscilla was amazed by several things at the beginning of her America experience. She recalls her initial shock at how cheap and accessible things were in the United States. Priscilla also loved how polite everyone was. She witnessed people stopping cars for individuals and people standing in an orderly line, which amazed her. Priscilla's experience in America so far has been great and her English is perfecting everyday.

Nana Sekeyre

GHANA

Nana was born in Ghana and has first immigrated to America on a student visa. She believes the United States is a beacon of hope for the hopeless and prosecuted. She proudly states that America has made her who she is today, with a solid educational background. Her greatest sacrifice and proof that she believed in the American dream was a 2-year-long separation from her family to fulfill the residency requirement. She thanks her husband and her children, who provided all the support to make this sacrifice as painless as possible. Nana's favorite thing about America is the fact that hard work pays off. She points to the countless stories of success that began with the people who had nothing. Her advice to immigrants is, "The path to citizenship is earned and your right to be called an American and all that entails is also your personal triumph"

Ana Jasso

MEXICO

Ana started her career as an elementary school teacher in her native city, Guadalajara. With a master's degree in speech and language