Families face many barriers when migrating from Mexico By ROBBY LUCKE Staff Editor’s note: This story is the second in a series on Hispanic families in Alleghany County and the agency representatives who work with them. "My husband said it was okay that we started at the bottom," said Marisela Rodriguez. "It made us feel good to better ourselves." Coming to Alleghany County was an important part of the Rodriguez family’s efforts to seek a better life for themselves and their children.

Marisela Rodriguez is shown at home with three of her four children: (from left) Miriam, Jovani and Lizbeth.

Sandra Pollard, who interpreted for the interview with Rodriguez, is coordinator for the Alleghany school system’s English as a Second Language (ESL) and migrant programs. Her job was created in response to the dramatically growing number of Hispanics, particularly school-age children. She began working via a contract arrangement about three years ago, working full-time for the first time this year.

Speaking of the growing Latino population, Pollard said, "I see them as a positive addition to our community. I think our world is becoming something of a melting pot.

"Our children have the opportunity most of us didn’t have as children, to learn about another language and culture."

Each autumn sees a huge influx of Hispanics who come to work in the Christmas tree industry. "A lot of this group will not bring their families with them. They work, move on and send money back home to their families," said Pollard.

However, "Some have come here and settled down, have their children here with them. They have become part of the community."

One such couple is Marisela and Salvador Rodriguez. They live in the Glade Creek community with their four children: Salvador, 14, Jovani, nine, Miriam, five, and Lizbeth, who is three. The family moved to Alleghany three years ago, after spending five years in California.

Marisela Rodriguez’ native city is Ciudad Acambaro, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, an area famous for mummies. Her husband began coming to the United States to work when he was 16. The couple married when he was 20. For about five years, he divided his time between Mexico and California.

Then, said Mrs. Rodriguez, "He decided he wanted to have the whole family there."
 
 

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News!

Email: news@alleghanynews.com