Fear and uncertainty haunt migrant vendors in New York subway selling fruit and candy.

Migrant women in New York City, often selling candy and fruit on subway platforms illegally without a license, shared their stories of harrowing journeys to the U.S. with NBC News. Lorena, a mother from Ecuador, arrived with her husband and young daughter and sells fruit to support her family while waiting for asylum. She faces potential fines and legal consequences for vending without a license, but continues out of necessity. The city’s Promise NYC program aims to provide free child care for migrant families, but awareness and access remain challenges. After Lorena’s story was featured, her daughter was able to enroll in a nearby day care center, bringing tears of relief to Lorena. The program continues to grow in funding and reach, supporting more families like Lorena’s to navigate the challenges of starting a new life in the U.S. Algun Dia, an outreach project, found that many migrant vendors are selling out of necessity due to lack of child care, highlighting the importance of programs like Promise NYC to support and uplift migrant families in need. Lorena’s emotional journey reflects the struggles and resilience of many migrant families in New York City, highlighting the need for support and resources to help them thrive in their new home.

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