Belizean woman builds new life in New York amid rising asylum seeker influx

By Horace Palacio: As many Belizeans look to the United States in hopes of finding refuge and a fresh start, New York State has become an increasingly popular destination. In just the last year, about 140,000 people have made their way to New York, each seeking a safer and more promising future.

Among these seekers is Andelina, a 36-year-old from Belize who, in June 2022, made the pivotal choice to leave Belize. Confronted with domestic violence, she felt compelled to find a more secure environment, even though it meant leaving her loved ones behind.

Her first stop in the U.S. was Louisiana, where she encountered a lifestyle drastically different from what she was used to in Belize. “It was hard to move, really difficult for me to move. I was like, way farther from the city, and the livelihood was totally different,” Andelina recounted during an interview with Spectrum Local News.

However, Andelina’s journey didn’t stop there. She eventually moved to New York, where she obtained the legal right to work and is now employed in the kitchen of a restaurant. Despite facing numerous challenges, she found strength in her situation: “I feel a little, like, scared at the same time, but I was brave enough,” she said.

Daniel Woodham, a worker at the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, pointed out that many immigrants tend to find jobs in less desirable sectors such as dishwashing, landscaping, house cleaning, or construction. “Most people don’t want those jobs, you know, and so these are the jobs that are available for people because they don’t pay much,” he explained.

The increase in immigration has led to a rise in demand for services like those offered by the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network. The organization sees 35 to 40 new families at its food pantry every month and is working on developing new programs and systems to better aid these newcomers.

A poll by Siena College revealed mixed feelings among New Yorkers about this influx of immigrants. While 46% see migrants as an economic burden, 54% view the situation as a serious concern. Woodham, however, believes this outlook is misguided. “No human is illegal, and we like to say that because people are uprooting for reasons,” he remarked.

Today, Andelina is thankful for her new life in New York, living independently with stable employment. She even harbors dreams of starting her own business one day. Looking back, she feels a strong connection to her new surroundings: “It’s totally different now. I feel like it becomes a home for me. I get to know a lot of people around,” she said.

Andelina’s experience not only demonstrates the courage and strength needed to start anew in a foreign land, but also brings to light the complex issues and discussions regarding immigration in New York and throughout the United States.

Photo credit: Spectrum Local News

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