Jahaida, 31, from the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. emueses/Flickr

Almost 10 years ago, Jahaida, a 31-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, immigrated to the United States. This is her story, in her own words.

“I don’t think I am your typical immigrant. I actually came here because of a boyfriend. We met in the Dominican Republic, moved first to Spain together, and then came to New York because we thought we’d have more opportunities here.

“Later we broke up, but I stayed. In almost 10 years of living in New York City my main struggle has been to find affordable and decent housing, a place to reside in an to call my own. A place to belong to.

“In the Dominican Republic I lived in the same neighborhood from birth until I was 22; I went to primary school, high school and the university in the same area. In New York I’ve already lived in more than 10 places in different neighborhoods throughout the city, with all sorts of roommates.

“In this city I am everywhere and everyone. It has nothing to do with having company or support, but I lack that sense of belonging to a specific community. After almost a decade living here, I still belong to none.”