Running Head: Immigrant Interview

Running Head: Immigrant Interview
Eric Hufford
Immigrant Interview
04/12/2017
It was the summer of 1970 when a young Louis Manuel Garcia had just
immigrated to the United States from Cuba. A country known for its cultural
diversity, Cuba boasts influences from the French, Asian, and Spanish
cultures. Born in Havana, Louis says he can barely remember life on the
island. I remember feeling like I could never escape the sound of music,
says Louis. Louis also talked at great length about the architecture that can
be found in the city. He discusses how from its buildings to its cars Havana
was certainly a place that appears to be lost in time. Using words like exotic
to describe its landscape Louis maintains the stance that it is the most
beautiful place he has ever been to this day.
When asked about his reasons for immigrating to America Louis talks
about his mother Esperanza. Esperanza aspired to work in the medical field
as a radiologist and had recently been accepted into a program in Chicago,
Illinois. So her and her husband decided moving to America was the most
reasonable choice to make. Louis recalls his father saying that since Louis
and his brother Ivan were young enough that the move wouldnt affect them
in any major way. Louis does not remember the process of actually
immigrating to the U.S. but he said it felt as if they had just packed up and
moved, leaving friends and family behind. Louiss mother was required to
request a visa for her two children and the entire process of becoming a U.S.
citizen took Louis about a year and a half. He remembers feeling devastated
since Cuba was all he knew but the tall, modern buildings of Chicago sparked
his curiosity. That coupled with his fathers promise of opportunity eased his
transition into the new world.
At a young age Louis recalls life in America as extremely difficult since
he spoke very little English. Living in a lower class neighborhood while his
mother went to school and his father worked brought many hard times. His
expectations for America were of a free and kind country that offered
equality for all people no matter the race. This was true in many aspects yet
Louis still dealt with racism and was bullied as a child for being Cuban. His
expectations were not met at first and he spent most of his time missing
home.
As the years progressed his mother became a certified radiologist and
after achieving this certification the family moved to Miami where Louis
spent the remaining years of his childhood. Once in Miami my life changed
drastically for the better, Garcia recalls. His mother got a job at a local
hospital and his father continued working manual labor. His family was able
to move to a better neighborhood and Louis began to excel in school. I
finally started to understand the beauty of America, Louis declares. He goes
on to discuss how it was possible for his mother to move from a different
country and completely change the lives of her family for the better. He
discusses how the hard work aspect of the American dream is rarely talked
about but is the key to success. Talking about the long days his mother spent
working at the laundry mat while going to school.
I asked Louis to conclude this interview with a comparison of the two
countries and which one he prefers. He first starts by talking about how he
revisits Cuba occasionally to see family. It still feels like home, Louis said
going on to state that the land, the atmosphere, and mainly people just feel
like home. Though it feels like home to Louis he still is happy his mother
decided to immigrate here. It allowed him to join the military and travel the
world. He has an outstanding sense of patriotism because of everything
America has done for him. The living conditions experienced in the U.S. far
exceed anything his family that stayed in Cuba could have ever experienced.
He talks of how a lot of people are quick to criticize and turn on America but
most of them are unaware of how wonderful they actually have it here. He
also discussed at great length the difference in perception of poverty. He is
constantly reminded every time he revisits Cuba how privileged American life
can be.

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Running Head: Immigrant Interview

beautiful place he has ever been to this day.

as a radiologist and had recently been accepted into a program in Chicago,

transition into the new world.

At a young age Louis recalls life in America as extremely difficult since

As the years progressed his mother became a certified radiologist and

to move to a better neighborhood and Louis began to excel in school. I

finally started to understand the beauty of America, Louis declares. He goes

working at the laundry mat while going to school.

I asked Louis to conclude this interview with a comparison of the two

world. He has an outstanding sense of patriotism because of everything

also discussed at great length the difference in perception of poverty. He is

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