Escaping a homeland marred by political turbulence, a man named Jackson Villamarin Villegas sought refuge in the United States, leaving his beloved family behind. Despite his financial progress in New York, sentiments for his family continue to resonate within him. His new dwelling is a modest third-floor apartment nestled in Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay, where he sleeps on an air mattress, and draws comfort from its familiarity.
Sharing this third-floor sanctuary with another Venezuelan immigrant, Jackson found his corner of the world in March. The room isn’t spacious; it also serves as a living space for the landlord who sleeps behind a curtain in the living area. Despite the confines, for Jackson, 42, the room is ‘sufficient for my needs’. His aspiration is a ‘roomier and more relaxed’ living environment.
Jackson is one of 150,100 migrants who ventured into New York within a stretch of less than two years, leading to an immigration influx that Mayor Eric Adams termed a humanitarian crisis. This could potentially have a $12 billion impact on the city’s budget over three years. With high hopes, Jackson has requested asylum in the United States.
Jackson’s asylum application reveals grave threats against his life from the Venezuelan government owing to his political dissent. His activism saw him behind bars for over a month. ‘Since 2008,’ recalls Jackson, he received chilling threats both at home and work, propagating fear for him and his family. Incarcerated in 2015, he endured a life-altering ordeal where an explosion caused the loss of two finger tips. After regaining consciousness in a military hospital, the government released him.
Having endured a harrowing journey from Venezuela, Jackson crossed into Texas soil in 2022. However, acclimating to New York’s bustling life proved challenging. He relied on his cousin to finance his flight from San Antonio to La Guardia Airport. However, navigating the labyrinth of the New York subway system proved daunting, leaving him wandering aimlessly for four hours before a local police officer guided him to a shelter processing center.
Jackson was designated a room at the Sleep Inn Hotel in Brooklyn with a fellow roommate. His stay there lasted for two years, an interval that granted him the ability to secure jobs, despite lacking appropriate documentation. Three months into his stay, he managed to land a position with a junk removal service.
Being a newcomer, Jackson initially worked without official employment status. But by May, he held a work authorization card, as stated by Mr. Uzcategui, the CEO of Fundavenyc. Jackson has since sought employment with the Department of Social Services in New York, where he aspires to assist fellow migrants residing in shelters.
Jackson’s familial sentiments, despite the geographical boundaries, never wavered. Living in Caracas, his three children continually tug at his heartstrings. Regular video calls soften the agony of separation. However, Jackson harbors no ‘regrets’ as he understood his ‘life depended on it’ and that his journey away from home was backed by his family.
In his room, a cherished Super Mario doll he bought from Mexico rests on his desk. Since childhood, Mario has held a special place in his heart. Border patrol officers confiscated it during his immigration process, only to return it a day later. Now, the doll acts as his confidant and best friend, serving as a beacon of comfort, especially during lonely times.
Fundavenyc played a significant role in assisting asylum seekers like Jackson. Mr. Uzcategui stated that their organization helped him in his asylum application and work authorization, among other things. Additionally, they also provided him with English classes, information about his rights, mentorship from fellow immigrants, and a $600 grant.
In a bid to promote independence from the shelter system, encouraged by Fundavenyc, Jackson moved out, choosing to stay at a friend’s house briefly before finding his place in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood. His experience has been slightly more positive than many other recent immigrants. Mr. Uzcategui attributed this to Jackson’s optimistic attitude, which helped him surmount the language barrier and develop connections.
Jackson maintains a private life in New York, which sometimes leaves him feeling secluded. On his days off, he usually rests, prays – reflecting his Catholic faith, and recoils. The new apartment, however, offered him the chance to rekindle his love for cooking. Back in Caracas, he co-owned a food cart called ‘Honor a mi Familia’ with his sister, selling customary Venezuelan dishes. New York has given him access to a simple yet complete kitchen, enabling him to recreate beloved dishes from his homeland.
An array of flat-rimmed hats decorates Jackson’s room – a growing collection, which now features almost 30 hats representing various American sports teams. This habit traces back to his childhood days, watching Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association games on television, dreaming of being in those arenas one day. Upon arriving in New York, he had the joy of attending a Mets game at Citi Field in April, an experience he recalls with teary happiness.
His heart fills with joy every time he cooks; Jackson admits he’d love to resume his profession as a cook. ‘Cooking is my work. It makes me incredibly happy. It makes me feel wholesome and healthy,’ shares Jackson. He also adds, ‘Watching the stadium and its fantastic facilities brought tears of joy to my eyes.’