Jackson Heights Queens and the neighboring communities of Elmhurst and Corona is the home to 110, 740 Hispanic immigrants from Latin America. Nearly 70% of this Queens community immigrated from Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina in the past twenty years. Most are foreign born, many undocumented.
They have brought their strong cultural identity with them to this newly formed community under the shadow of the 7 train. Most live in constant fear of La Migra (the immigration officers), and other authorities that might compromise their lives in the United States. As their section of Queens flourishes with Latin oriented businesses and overflowing attendance in the local churches and community centers full of spirit and celebration, deportation creates constant angst for these residents who have created a life under the radar.
