In New York City, migrant women often sell candy and fruit on subway platforms, struggling to make ends meet while fearing potential fines for vending without a license. NBC News highlighted the story of Lorena, a migrant mother from Ecuador who sells fruit to support her family as they await asylum and work authorization. Despite the risks, Lorena continues to sell without a license because it is her only option after a dangerous journey to the U.S. City officials estimate that over 47,000 migrant families with children are in the shelter system, facing numerous challenges. Promise NYC, a city-run program, offers free child care through subsidy payments to help migrant children, but awareness of the program among families like Lorena’s is a key challenge. After finding out about Promise NYC, Lorena was able to enroll her daughter in a day care center nearby, bringing her to tears of relief. The program aims to provide support to migrant families and help them achieve the American dream. Algun Dia, an outreach project, found that many migrant vendors are selling out of necessity due to a lack of child care options. The city’s continued funding for Promise NYC, reaching $25 million for next year, ensures that more children like Lorena’s can access the support they need.
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