Immigrants hurdle language barrier with help of Cuban-Americans

This couple, who came here from Cuba, remember how difficult it was for them to learn English and learn how to live here. They are helping other immigrants who are going through the same things. - - Donna Poisl

By Sarah Einselen

Holed up in an office in the Diamond District of Manhattan, Luis Iza laid aside his work with a diamond engagement ring to fill in the blanks on a worksheet of English vocabulary. He chatted and laughed with a client, as he got ready to leave his office, carrying the worksheet in his briefcase. But he was not ready to go home yet. He was headed for a small Spanish-speaking church in Dumont, New Jersey.

Luis Iza and his wife, Maggie, volunteer their time to teach English as a second language (ESL) to Bergen County immigrants, where Luis was going to use the worksheet as an answer key for language exercises. One Anglo lawyer joins the Izas and several other Latinos to teach classes at the Iglesia Bautista Resurreción on Washington Avenue twice a week. The Izas learned English as their second language and are helping fresher immigrants do the same.
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