DEPARTED FROM
La Vega, Dominican Republic
ARRIVED IN
Queens, New York
YEAR
1989
AGE
19
NOW LIVES IN
Queens, New York
TRANSCRIPT
My name is Rafael Caba. I’m from Dominican Republic, La Vega. You know, when I was a little boy, I always had that feeling like I want to work for a movie theater or network television when I was 14 years old.
And I had an opportunity to get in, and to be a student. And then when I was 17, I had the camera right on my shoulder.
When did you arrive in the United States?
I arrived in the United States, in New York, in 1989.
What were your reasons to come here?
Because coming to United States, especially to New York, you have very opportunity, you can make it go the way you want it, it’s great.
Did you like the United States when you arrived? Did you like how it looked?
In the beginning? [Yeah.] In the beginning it was a little difficult because I don’t speak English very well. And then, most of the people that I met at that moment they speak English, they speak better than me, you know, it was difficult.
Did you take classes to take learn [the] language?
Yes, I went to Queens College and Baruch College.
Where do you live now? What is this place.
Right now, I live in Queens, New York.
What are you doing now that has made you different from the past?
Oh… right now, I’m a… cameraman, since I was 17 all the way to now. I’m doing, I started to do weddings… 23 years ago...
What kind of transportation did you take?
I take the train, always.
And how was your trip?
From where?
On the train?
On the train? I love the train.
Why do you love the train?
Because it’s easy.
Do you regret coming to the United States?
No, never.
Why not?
Because this is a perfect place… the United States is the most beautiful and comfortable place in the whole planet.
So you’re saying you recommend this place for others?
For everyone, all over the world.
