The fabric of New York City life includes vendors selling candy and fruit on subway platforms, often migrant women accompanied by their children. NBC News approached some of these women, who were hesitant to speak due to fear of repercussions. However, with the help of Algun Dia, an outreach project for migrant vendors, they were able to connect with Lorena, a woman from Ecuador who arrived in the U.S. with her husband and young daughter, seeking asylum and work authorization. Lorena sells fruit on the streets while carrying her daughter, earning about $50 a day, despite knowing that food vending without a license is illegal.
Selling food in New York City without a license can result in fines of $1,000 or more, and more than 3,000 summonses have been issued to unlicensed vendors this year. Lorena continues to sell without a license because it is the only option her family has, following a difficult journey to the U.S. that included dangerous encounters. Despite the risks, Lorena remains hopeful for a better life for her daughter. Numerous other migrant families face challenges as well, with more than 47,000 families with children staying in shelters set up by the city.
To alleviate some of these challenges, a city-run program called Promise NYC partners with local organizations to provide free child care to migrant children through subsidy payments to child care centers. This program, which includes children who do not qualify for other child care support due to immigration status, has an approved budget of $25 million for the next year. Despite the resources available, many families are unaware of these programs, highlighting the need for better outreach and communication to connect families with support services.
Algun Dia’s survey found that many migrant vendors are selling out of necessity due to lack of child care options, making it difficult for them to work and care for their children simultaneously. After NBC News connected Lorena with Algun Dia, they were able to find a place for her daughter at a nearby day care center. This news brought Lorena to tears, as she questioned why she had not known about these services sooner. Algun Dia aims to inform migrant families about the resources available to them, helping them to believe in the possibility of fulfilling the American dream.
The challenges faced by migrant families in New York City highlight the need for support services and outreach programs. While food vending without a license is illegal and poses risks for these families, many have no other options for earning income. Providing child care support can help families overcome some of these challenges, enabling parents to work while their children are cared for. Programs like Promise NYC show that there are resources available, but more work is needed to ensure that families are aware of and able to access these services.
Overall, the stories of Lorena and other migrant families shed light on the struggles they face in adapting to life in New York City, while also highlighting the resilience and determination to provide a better future for their children. Through partnerships with organizations like Algun Dia and city-run programs like Promise NYC, efforts are being made to support these families and connect them with essential services to help them thrive in their new environment.
