Testimonial 2

Where are you from?

Colima, Mexico

What was the year that you came to the US?

1980

Why did you come to the US?

Looking for work.

Did you have to leave family when you came to the US?

No.

Explain your experience on crossing to the border?

Strange and uncomfortable.

Did you get over the first time you attempted to?

No.

What your experience with the Border Patrol once you got caught?

They caught me in the mountains while I was crossing the frontier. They put me in a holding cell and then they threw me back into the Mexican Border.

When you were over what did you do first once you were over?

I had planned to look for my friends who had already crossed and were living in LA.

Was it hard for you to communicate the first months you were in the US?

Yes and frustrating.

Once you were settled did you try to bring some of your family?

My younger brother came.

Are you a American citizen now?

Yes

If yes, how long did it take to become a citizen?

Ten years. (1990)

Can you speak and understand English?

Yes, learning in my work environment but then later going to night school.

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