Migrants resort to distributing meals to survive in New York

This Manhattan hotel, turned shelter for single male migrants, has opened an exclusive space for parking motorcycles and bicycles on the avenue. These belong to many of the newcomers and have become their informal work tool, since the procedures to obtain work permits take more than a year.

“I’m only three weeks old and so far I’ve really made the day on this platform. The person has to work constantly for a month to be able to get a top and thus receive more shipments and generate more income. I had to invest in a motorcycle and buy my equipment such as a helmet, a suitcase”, says José Salazar, a Venezuelan migrant.

In addition to pedaling or driving through unfamiliar streets, migrants face labor abuses, says Rafael López, a Venezuelan migrant who distributes water through the streets of the Bronx.

“It is a bit disappointing since they abuse the need of the person, I have had to work more than 12 hours, without any day off and only to earn 500 dollars, since we are definitely in a country that is expensive.”

The weather has also taken them by surprise and they do not have the resources to deal with unforeseen events.

The city’s mayor has asked to expedite the processes for work permits and federal funds to deal with the immigration crisis. Ángela González, Voice of America, New York.