TRANSCRIPTION
What did you want to become when you grew up?
I am not too sure what I wanted to become when I was growing up. I just remember as a child seeing other kids with their fathers. In other words I guess I wanted to be the best dad that he could be since I did not have a father figure in my life.
How tough was it coming to the United States?
It was fairly easy it was not hard at all I would come back and forth that's how easy it was, the hardest part was leaving my family back in Mexico. I remember coming to the United States when I was in my mid-twenties. When I first crossed from Mexico I had to swim across the river during the nighttime so the border patrol wouldn't see me. After I crossed the river I go on a train that brought me to San Antonio, Texas.
How was life growing up in Mexico?
As a child I remember it being really tough for my mother and siblings growing up since my father was never around. We would wake up early in the mornings even before the sun would come up to head to work. We worked at a place making bricks out of mud and as children we would have to mix cold water with the dirt. We would then have to step on it so it could mix and all I could remember is that my feet would be really cold when stepping in the cold water. It was hard for my family and I, we had to work hard to get food on the table and many times we only had enough money to buy beans.
What was your fist job once you got to the United States?
When I first got to the United States I really didn't know what kind of job I wanted, I just wanted a job that would help me make some money. I had an Uncle that was already living in San Antonio and he would go to Michigan several times a year to pick strawberries. So I had no choice than to go with him to Michigan and I remember not getting paid so well since I was an immigrant.
How much were you getting paid to work out in the fields picking Strawberries?
They did not pay me much at all. I would get paid about 45 cents an hour and I really wouldn't have money to send to my family whom was back in Mexico. It was really hard knowing that I wouldn't make much to make a living in the United States.
Did you ever live anywhere else other than San Antonio, Texas?
Other than going to Michigan to pick strawberries I have lived in San Antonio the whole time I have been here, I love San Antonio I wouldn't be able to see myself anywhere else.
Did you ever get deported back to Mexico?
Yes I go deported back to Mexico only once while being seen in front of my house by the border patrol. If they would see you outside your house they would go in there and get you. It was difficult to be out in the streets knowing you can be deported back.
How did you became a citizen of the United States?
While living in San Antonio I got remarried to your Anne Valenzuela whom was born in the United States. So she helped me become a citizen and I was really grateful for having her in my life.
Do you ever plan on moving back to Mexico?
I'm not too sure if I would move back to Mexico since I have most of my family here in San Antonio, Texas. Since my mother just passed away I really don't know if I would be able to be there since she was the reason I would go to Jalpa but I would like to go back to visit the rest of my grandchildren who I have not met yet.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview?
No es todo