Origins

Stories from New York Immigrants

Latest Stories

In New York, Dreaming of Mexico

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  Stephanie Ortigoza   Mexican Immigrant Dreams to Return to His Homeland     Every afternoon, Ignacio Hernandez sits on his black rolling chair by his window and watches the news on his plasma TV sitting atop the small brown furniture that also contains souvenirs his family and friends brought him on their trips. His favorite souvenir is the bobble … [Read more...] about In New York, Dreaming of Mexico

A Colombian Immigrant’s 49-Year Road to Happiness

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While the frequenters of  the Upper-East Side’s Dresner's have a great familiarity with one another, nobody knows the customer base better than the friendly staff, especially waiter Javier Giraldo. One can’t help but think of Dresner’s as a real life version of the hit TV show “Cheers'” hangout, as the patrons are so well acquainted with one another, that whispers of questions … [Read more...] about A Colombian Immigrant’s 49-Year Road to Happiness

Philippines Exports Nurses to US

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by Darren Castro “I hate that qualifier,” said Dan Santos, a first year nursing student at Hunter College. “I hate ‘male’ nurse. I’m going to be a nurse, period." More than 100,000 Filipino nurses are produced by the Philippines each year and the profession is one of its most prominent exports. For Filipino families emigrating to other parts of the world, the profession … [Read more...] about Philippines Exports Nurses to US

Dominican Degrees Carry Little Weight

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Many well-educated Dominicans come to the United States hoping for a better life but end up finding no decent jobs, and working years only to realize they haven’t accomplished much. Even those with degrees end up living a harsh life not worthy of their education or the experience they have amassed. Niurka German has lived in the Bronx since 2008, a college graduate with a … [Read more...] about Dominican Degrees Carry Little Weight