A street in the Queens district of New York has received a new name in honor of Peru. The inauguration ceremony attracted local leaders and community authorities from Jackson Heights, an area known for its diverse population, with nearly half of the residents originating from different countries.
According to Canal N, this initiative was led by the Peruvian Civic Center, with support from the Consulate of New York. A representative from the consulate expressed their joy, noting that around 25,000 Peruvians live in the neighborhood.
This project was made possible through the efforts of Estefano Navarro, a war veteran, and Liz Islas, both members of the Peruvian Civic Center. Navarro shared his pride about the recognition, stating, "It’s a beautiful feeling. This is something we have fought for over the years, to achieve historic and tangible things for the Peruvian community."
Another expatriate highlighted that “Peru Street in Jackson Heights is a testament to Peruvians making their mark far from their homeland.” Islas also reflected on their long-awaited plan, which they have been working on since 2018, emphasizing that they have fulfilled their promise.
As part of the celebration, a mural was unveiled to celebrate Peruvian identity and culture. The mural includes significant imagery representing the indigenous peoples, the Incas, and the concept of Pachamama—Mother Earth. Following the unveiling, attendees enjoyed traditional Peruvian music and dance.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, announced efforts to reduce wait times for visa appointments on July 19. She emphasized the aim of facilitating travel for more Peruvians to the U.S., whether for tourism, work, or business, with a keen focus on speeding up the processing times for applications.
In an interview with Canal N, Syptak-Ramnath stressed that reducing waiting periods is a priority for the embassy. She expressed optimism, saying, “It’s a dream we all want to achieve,” while underlining their commitment to improving the process.
The ambassador also noted the strong bilateral relations between Peru and the United States, acknowledging recent participation by President Dina Boluarte and Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea in significant ceremonies. She conveyed her belief in the friendship between the two nations and mentioned the high demand for visas among Peruvians, promising to expedite processing.
The embassy categorizes visas into Non-Immigrant and Immigrant types. Non-Immigrant visas are designed for tourism, business, temporary work, studies, and medical treatment, while Immigrant visas are for those looking to settle permanently in the U.S. Certain groups, such as holders of diplomatic passports, may qualify for fee exemptions for specific categories, though this is not automatic and depends on certain criteria.
The embassy advises applicants to begin the visa application process early, as it can take several weeks to complete. For more information about U.S. visas, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/peru/2024/07/22/nombran-una-calle-de-estados-unidos-en-honor-al-peru-estara-ubicada-en-el-emblematico-barrio-de-jackson-heights-en-nueva-york/
