Migrant Vendors Park Carts as Their American Dreams Slip Away
Samy’s garage in Manhattan is usually empty in the afternoon, while the 30 food carts that park there are on city streets offering halal food, hot dogs, peanuts, and Icees. But that changed the week before President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Most of the carts remain inside now as owners and workers, the vast majority of them undocumented, sacrifice their incomes rather than risk potential run-ins with law enforcement that could drag them into deportation proceedings.
"Some vendors we work with are in their homes behind locked doors now, too scared to leave," said Samy, the 34-year-old garage owner and second-generation New York City vendor. The immigrant from Egypt is an American citizen, but asked to be identified only by his first name out of fears that his business would be targeted for immigration enforcement.
"We can’t just keep the door open like before anymore. We always keep the gate closed and installed cameras to check on who’s knocking," he continued. "Everybody is expecting a raid at any moment now, and it’s terrifying for most of us."
‘Very Scared’
"Oh my god, you know, I am very scared," said Lola, a 45-year-old street vendor who sells seasonal accessories on Junction Boulevard in Corona, Queens.
The Cuenca, Ecuador, native, who asked to be identified only by her first name, came to New York with her children four years ago and is now facing a deportation proceeding she says is the result of missing immigration paperwork.
‘Even My Bodega Guy Is Nervous’
Samy is concerned that his own family’s American Dream may be slowly slipping away before his eyes.
"My family constructed their Manhattan garage themselves in 2017, after finally saving up enough money," he recalled. "We did much of the construction work ourselves, side by side with workers who were themselves immigrants from Egypt and Mexico, folks who look like me and my family."
Conclusion
As the Trump administration’s deportation agenda continues to unfold, migrant vendors and workers are left to wonder if their American Dream is slipping away. With the threat of deportation hanging over their heads, many are forced to sacrifice their livelihoods to avoid the risk of being caught in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement.
FAQs
- What is the current state of street vending in New York City?
Street vending in New York City has always been a contentious issue, but the current climate has made it even more challenging for vendors. With the rise of the Trump administration’s deportation agenda, many vendors are too scared to venture out, leaving their carts and businesses to gather dust. - What is the impact of the Trump administration’s deportation agenda on migrant vendors?
The Trump administration’s deportation agenda has sent shockwaves through the migrant community, leaving many vendors feeling anxious and uncertain about their future. With the threat of deportation hanging over their heads, many are forced to sacrifice their livelihoods and livelihoods to avoid the risk of being caught in the crosshairs of immigration enforcement. - What is being done to support migrant vendors?
Several organizations, such as the Street Vendor Project and Immigrant Defense Project, are working to provide support to migrant vendors. These organizations are advocating for policy changes and providing legal assistance to help vendors navigate the complex and often treacherous landscape of immigration enforcement.
