Frequently Asked Questions

I wanted to share my family's story of immigrating from Haiti to America and overcoming many challenges to build a successful life here. Though our journey was difficult at times, it represents the resilience and drive of so many immigrants looking to improve their lives in a new country.

We dealt with a lot of poverty and lack of access to education and jobs. My parents worked tirelessly just to provide food and shelter for us, but they dreamed of a better future where my siblings and I could get a quality education and have more opportunities. The unstable political climate and natural disasters in Haiti were also motivators for seeking a more secure life abroad.

It was a long process that took many years. My dad was the first person in the family that came to America in 1970. He applied for the visa lottery program and was luckily selected. But then it took several more years of paperwork, interviews, medical checks and money to finally get approval for the rest of the family to come to America. It was a complex, difficult journey but we persevered through faith and determination.

I was filled with equal parts fear and wonder. Everything seemed so big, busy and unfamiliar. I didn't know any English, so I couldn't understand what people said. But I also remember being awestruck by things like grocery stores filled with endless food, electricity that never went out, and being able to drink water straight from the sink without getting sick. It was a dramatic adjustment.

It was very challenging at first. After many false starts, I persevered, and with faith and hope, I saw the Promised Land. In high school, I worked from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM each weekday, taking a bus and a train to get home after midnight. I'd then wake up early to get to school before 8:00 AM. Each Sunday, I drove a taxi from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM, leaving me only Saturday off to attend church services. My success required a lot of hard work. Soon after we arrived in America, my dad returned to Haiti. My dad worked multiple jobs and made a lot of sacrifices to bring us to America. I spent long hours studying English and picking up a few words in the streets. Gradually, I learned the language and customs, and the support from teachers and immigrant communities made a huge difference in my acclimation.

I want readers to understand the incredible resilience, work ethic and optimism of immigrants seeking better lives in America. My experiences aren't defined by hardship, but rather by the determination to overcome challenges. If I can achieve my dreams, others can too with enough courage and perseverance. Remember to never give up even if you fall several times.