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
Business
Dominican Immigrants Weigh Risks of Job Market
It is Sunday 8 a.m, and the streets are quiet and empty as Steven Ramos fills his van with boxes of oranges to deliver to his father’s fruit and vegetable business in New Jersey. “Who said being in college was all fun and games,” he says in a mocking tone. Ramos, 22, a senior at City College majoring in Economics, moved to New York from the Dominican Republic 3 years ago, … [Read more...] about Dominican Immigrants Weigh Risks of Job Market
Chino-Cubano Restaurants Fade Away
On an unseasonably warm and misty October afternoon, Michael Yip, 56, sits alone at the back of La Caridad 78, his family-owned restaurant since 1970, wiping down menus. He takes a break to gaze out the window and quietly observe the crowds rushing along Broadway. He then turns his attention to the restaurant floor, where half of the tables are occupied. As he returns to … [Read more...] about Chino-Cubano Restaurants Fade Away
Leaving DR, Keeping Property
Robin Gomez, 20, embodies the American Dream. Born to poor family in the Dominican Republic, he moved to America when he was 10 and just recently became a citizen. He was the first in his family to graduate from an American high school and will be the first to attend college next semester. He works to help his family with the bills and and, according to … [Read more...] about Leaving DR, Keeping Property
Dominican Degrees Carry Little Weight
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