NO MONEY, NO PROBLEM

Immigrants in the Big Apple take economic crisis in stride
Thursday, February 12, 2009:
(Source: AMNY)

By Sheila Anne Feeney

Not everyone is fretting about their lost investments, bemoaning the imminent or actual loss of their job and despairing about their foreclosed future.

Many visitors or U.S. citizens from other countries, while not in denial about the severity of the economic crisis, continue to enjoy time with loved ones, appreciate the arts, music and culture, pursue their hobbies and, yes, dance.

Most Spaniards, for example, “don’t go to therapists or cry,” during times of adversity, says Guzman Libran Aleman, 26, a Madrileño who is living in Washington Heights while learning English.

Spain’s 14 percent unemployment rate is nearly double that of the U.S., he notes, but Spaniards still go out dancing in (no cover) discos, converge at cafes and savor life’s pleasures. “You don’t need money to enjoy your free time, your friends and your family,” he says.

These New Yorkers who hail from other countries often are more resilient to financial crises than American-born denizens, observes Michael A. Cohen, director of the graduate program of international affairs at The New School.

Europe and Latin American immigrants “have much more of a social safety net,” Cohen explains. Thanks to socialized health care, the norm in most developed countries, you will never lose your home or go bankrupt “as a result of getting sick,” he notes. It’s true that in countries where health care is guaranteed, mortgages are rare (most people pay cash for their homes), education is free or inexpensive and investments are far more regulated, people have less cause for anxiety.

But even immigrants from impoverished countries often see their struggles here in a positive light: Any adversity encountered in the U.S. pales in comparison to greater suffering at home.

“Americans are blessed so much, but they don’t see it,” says Rezie Asprah, 34, who was trained as a dentist in the Philippines, but works as a dental assistant in Queens and as a film extra on her days off.

There is always a way for industrious, entrepreneurial people to turn a dollar, adds the debt-averse Marina Recalde, 25, an Argentinean filmmaker. “You just can’t sit around and wait for someone to hire you,” says Recalde, who started a documentary film business with her husband and survives on a cluster of part-time gigs.

IMMIGRANTS’ ADVICE TO AMERICANS:

Change your attitude,
“Be grateful for all the little things you have and don’t ask for so much,” says Rezie Asprah, 34, of Astoria, who is originally from the Philippines.

A little global perspective
“There are a lot of people with problems much worse than mine,” reasons Guzman Libran Aleman, 26, a Spaniard living in Washington Heights.

Focus on your goals
Don’t become distracted by the hail of bad news around you, and enjoy the arts, counsels Lucas Garzoli, 23, a Harlem resident and film student from Argentina: “I worry about myself — not the financial situation of the world.”

Take action
“Think about what you can do instead of complaining,” says Marina Recalde, 25, an Argentinean residing in New Jersey. “If you play the drums, offer to give low-cost drum lessons.”