Editor’s Note: The following interview was done by Marjorie Stoneman on behalf of Whitewater Unites Lives.

Juana Barajas is an American citizen and has owned La Tienda Mexicana “San Jose” in Whitewater for 22 years. “I love living here.  It is really nice and peaceful,” she said. 

However, the 1990’s were hard, because many people were first coming to Whitewater from Mexico, and she experienced discrimination here.  She says at first she didn’t speak English, but she taught herself and that has helped tremendously.

“If I am here illegally or legally, I’m still a person,” she said.

She recommends that newcomers learn and respect the laws and learn English to thrive.  She remembers the first time she heard the English language being spoken, and she said, “I love this language.  One day I’m going to learn it.”

She encourages newcomers to learn the language by listening and asking for help.  She said “Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat their words in English.  That is how you learn.”

She said it would benefit everyone involved if all people could apply for licenses to drive.  People would know the rules of the road, which would be safer for everyone. Being able to drive safely with a license is vital to people with jobs.

She knows many newcomers who came here from Nicaragua, and she said 99 percent of her business now serves them.  She calls her business the “mini Nicaragua.”  It has been challenging to find the food that they request, because foods and spices are different in Nicaraguan cooking and Mexican cooking.  She works hard to meet her customers’ needs.

She said the newcomers are hardworking people who have a vision to come to America, work seven days a week and then leave in a few years.  Their goal, she said, is to raise money to send back to their families.  Family is a priority for most newcomers, and they miss their loved ones in Nicaragua.

She knows that the United States needs immigrants to do hard jobs, and wonders what would happen if every immigrant were deported.  She thinks America would be drastically affected if the work force were to leave.

 “American people do not need to be afraid or worried about these people,” she said.

She also said that, unless people are Native American, everyone in America had family that came from another country.

Her store, La Tienda Mexicana “San Jose,” at 148 W. Main Street in Whitewater, sells a variety of foods as well as offering prepared meals.  “We do give the best service,” she said.  No matter where they are from she treats people with respect and tries to meet their needs.

She encourages people to try her food and all of the spices that are included.  She said if people just want meat and cheese they should try a local chain restaurant.  But, if they want a true Mexican dish, they will enjoy the onions and cilantro that accompany their food created at San Jose.