My name is Martin, and I immigrated to the United States in 1984. When I first immigrated, I went to San Francisco, but I decided to return to Mexico for two years. When I returned to the U.S., I lived in San Antonio for 10 years. From San Antonio, I migrated to Ohio where I have been living for 25 years. I have always been happy with the opportunities that the United States has to offer, but that doesn’t remove the risk that immigrants face in order to migrate to the U.S.
In Mexico, I lived in a very poor, rural town. There were times when we did not have any food to eat. The United States gave me what Mexico did not give me: a large family and a life full of hard work but with opportunities. My family and I have been able to have three meals a day and enough money to buy a car. I have never stopped fighting to improve my situation in this country. Initially, I received a visa that allowed me to stay in the U.S. I kept renewing my visa, and after many years, I was able to secure my permanent residency. My wife and I have always respected the U.S. just as much as Mexico.
I worked close to 30 years for the owners of different businesses. They always saw the effort that I put in, which allowed me to progress in my positions. I now have my own food truck business.
I always had good relationships with the community members where I have lived. I consistently bring the spirit of hard work to each job because I understand that we have to earn every dollar and cent that we receive. In all of my prior jobs, there was always mutual respect between me and my employers even though the pay was low.
I consider myself part of this country, and, because of that, I respect the culture and its traditions. I also acknowledge that my children were born in the United States and now the traditions are also theirs.
I am very grateful to this country because it opened its arms to me. Any stumbles I have had have been minimal. I appreciate the United States for what it has given me; I love it as much as Mexico.
En Español:
Mi nombre es Martin, e inmigré a los Estados Unidos en 1984. Cuando primero llegué, me fui a San Francisco, pero decidí volver a México por dos años. Cuando regresé a los EE.UU., viví en San Antonio por 10 años. De San Antonio, emigré a Ohio donde he vivido por 25 años. Siempre he estado contento con las oportunidades que ofrece los Estados Unidos, pero eso no le quita al riesgo que los inmigrantes toman cuando cruzan a los EE.UU.
En México, mi pueblo era muy pobre y muy rural. No había oportunidades para comer algunas veces. Los Estados Unidos me ha dado lo que México no me dio: una familia grande, y una vida de mucho trabajo pero con progreso. Mi familia y yo podemos tener 3 comidas al día y un automóvil. Nunca pare de pelear para arreglar mi situación en este país. Inicialmente, me daban permiso para estar en los Estados Unidos. Yo seguía solicitando año tras año, y por fin conseguí la residencia. Siempre hemos respetado a los EE.UU. como a México.
Por alrededor de 30 años, trabajé para dueños de diferentes negocios. Siempre miraban el esfuerzo que uno ponía y por eso es la razón por la que he progresado. Ahora tengo mi propio negocio de comida en camión.
Siempre tuve buenas relaciones con las comunidades de las cuales era parte. Uno siempre trae el espíritu de trabajo porque uno entiende que tiene que ganar cada dólar y centavo. En todos mis trabajos anteriores, siempre hubo respeto entre mis empleadores y yo, aunque el pago era bajo.
Me considero parte de este país, y por eso, respeto la cultura y las tradiciones. Tengo que entender que mis hijos nacieron aquí y que las tradiciones ahora también son de ellos.
Estoy muy agradecido a este país porque me abrió los brazos. Los tropiezos que he tenido han sido mínimos. Aprecio lo que los Estados Unidos me ha dado. Los amo tanto como México.
Essential workers, many of whom are immigrant women, provide life sustaining work through their labor. Yet, many of these community members are denied basic rights and face challenges such as unfair wages and workplace harassment. Such challenges are greater for immigrants in low paid industries, such as the food supply chain, who many times lack access to physical, mental and legal support. Workers in the food supply chain are among the 5 million undocumented essential workers in the United States who have always done essential work. Join us in not only celebrating their contributions to our community, but working together toward a world that treats all workers with dignity and respect.
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