Photo credit: The Hill
It’s a dream come true for Israel Gomez Estrada, a Cuban immigrant who left his home and family searching for a better life in the United States.
Gulf Times reports that he is legally settled in Grand Island, Nebraska. He said, “Some of my friends have suggested that I move to another state, but I’m not leaving.”
His friends advised him about the smallness of the city, which has a population of 50,000, the frequency of tornadoes, and the harsh winters.
He received the coveted green card in March, which entitled him to work. Cubans may apply for a green card a year after getting to the United States. Their case is unique because other immigrants must wait several years to get the card.
Although he had difficulty speaking English, he quickly found a job in a food processing plant. He will soon be joined by his wife and children.
He said immigrants come to America intending to succeed and with a vision. It’s not difficult for us “because we know how to work hard.” Another advantage he has is that Nebraska is short of labor, so immigration is a solution for employers.
Before leaving Cuba, Estrada said he had consulted online job offers and found many opportunities. He then left his country and his family, which was a tough decision to make since his father has prostate conditioning, and the medicine is not available in Cuba.
He flicked through pictures on his phone to show his parents, wife, and teenage children. He also showed the parties he had missed since leaving home.
Since he has a green card, he can visit them in Cuba. However, the plane ticket is expensive.
He lives in a small one-bedroom apartment at the end of a long white wooden house that has been divided into several flats. Other Cubans live there, too.
Before coming to the US, he said he had spent 13 days crossing Central America’s unpleasant jungles and rivers. On getting to Nebraska, he was supported by the congregation of the Local Destiny Church. The church is just a building made of corrugated iron painted grey and orange, perched on the side of a road. He was given accommodation and a car for several months. Thus, he was saved from the seven-kilometre walk to the grocery store.
