Immigration in Rockland County, NY

Immigrants in Rockland County

Rockland County, NY is home to more than 300,000 people, 21% of whom were born outside of the United States. Prominent towns include Haverstraw, Spring Valley, and New City. Immigrants in Rockland County come from a variety of places including Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. 

Some towns in Rockland County are particularly recognized for their substantial immigrant communities. Haverstraw, for example, has a strong and sizable Dominican community, with many Dominican restaurants and bakeries along Main Street. One such establishment, Vilma’s Bakery, serves up delicious Dominican treats such as dulce de leche (caramelized milk) and guava (a tropical fruit). Patrons can order specialty Dominican cakes for special occasions, such as weddings and quinceañeras (a girl’s 15th birthday celebration).

The Haitian Diaspora

Rockland County is also known for being home to a large number of Haitian immigrants, who began arriving in about the early-to-mid 20th century. Spring Valley, Suffern, Monsey, Chestnut Ridge, Hillcrest, New City, and Nanuet are all home to several hundreds and even thousands of Haitians, with more than 6,000 Haitians living in Spring Valley alone.

Many Haitian middle-class and upper-class professionals started to immigrate to Rockland County during the reign of Haitian president “Papa Doc” Francois Duvalier in the 1960s. Seeing no future at home, they moved to cities and regions across the U.S. including Miami, Brooklyn, and Rockland County, where the cost of living was lower than in nearby New York City. 

 Each year in May, citizens of Spring Valley celebrate Haitian Flag Day with a parade, celebrating Haitian history, culture, and gastronomy. 

Family-Based Immigration

Now that Rockland County is home to so many established immigrants, thoughts inevitably turn to how to sponsor family members back home to immigrate to the U.S. Some immigrants choose the fiance visa, perhaps sponsoring a childhood crush or a family friend. Others decide to get married back home and proceed directly to the marriage petition, which is usually faster and simpler. 

A number of parole programs are also available, such as for family members in Haiti, as well as Ecuadoreans with an approved petition (family reunification parole).

Rockland County Immigration Lawyer

If you live or work in Rockland County and are exploring your immigration options, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney. Please get in touch today: +1 845-288-2435 / beaconimmigrationlawyer@gmail.com.  

Beacon Immigration PLLC is a law firm located in the Hudson Valley of New York at 6 Eliza Street, Suite 5, Beacon, NY 12508 (Dutchess County).