Welcome to America's workforce

Seattle, like most large American cities, is a magnet for immigrants.

Of the city's 563,000 residents, about 17 percent (about 95,000 people) are foreign-born, according to the 2000 U.S. census.

Facing the challenges of a new language and culture can pose huge obstacles for the newcomer. But the opportunities they find here often outweigh that.

"There is enough work in Seattle," said Horacio Briceno, 43, a handyman from Venezuela who was interviewed in the cafeteria at the Millionair Club Charity in Belltown, where he works as a day laborer.

"I am happy to be here but I'm an immigrant so I must work 50 percent harder just to be even. So I will do that."

Here are the stories of six other immigrant workers representing China, Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and India.

Haifeng Wu

Age: 51

Where from: Shanghai

Years in America: 15

Job: Licensed acupuncturist.

Pay: "I average around $40,000 a year."

His story: "Things are better now in China. But when I left, there was very little freedom. It was very hard when I came to Seattle because I hadn't studied English in China.

"But I study English very hard at Shoreline and Bellevue Community College. I think of this as my country now.

"I think Americans respect my knowledge very much. I help to keep their bodies healthy.

"It is difficult for many of my American patients when I tell them that the food you eat is the first property of Chinese medicine. They want medications instead."

Olga Kotelnikov

Age: 20

Where from: St. Petersburg, Russia

Years in America: 3

Job: Day manager and cashier of Piroshky Piroshky Bakery in Pioneer Square.

Pay: "About ... $10 an hour."

Her story: "I came to this country to study English and go to school to learn accounting. I am a student at Bellevue Community College.

"For me the most difficult thing was learning the language. And finding friends. I think Americans look at me with less respect ... like something that came from Russia, rather than someone.

"I like working in this country because I am always paid for the work I do. And if I work hard, I will get a raise.

"In Russia there are a lot of false promises when it comes to salary. I love my job. Anyone can find something to love in Russian food.

"But I don't know how to explain our food to someone who wants pizza or burgers. I try to get them to taste our food. If they smile, that makes me happy."

Ali Bani

Age: 38

Where from: Iraq

Years in America: 9

Job: Taxi driver.

Pay: "I lease a car for $350 a week; I keep anything over that amount."

His story: "The most difficult thing for me, at first, was the language. And the culture. Americans don't have the good manners I was used to. I don't really like this job but I'm grateful to have it. In Iraq, I was a doctor. I have two college degrees.

"But now after 9-11, no one will hire me. But I want to stay because there is little or no opportunity in my country right now. There is no work."

Aziz Rahmani

Age: 53

Where from: Kabul, Afghanistan

Years in America: 23

Job: Property-rehabilitation specialist, or "property inspector," for the city of Seattle.

Pay: $24 an hour.

His story: "Because I know English and housing code, I help low-income homeowners monitor contractors. I left Afghanistan because I didn't feel safe.

"As an inspector, the political environment left me only two options: answer to the government, which means take bribes and be corrupt, or oppose and be in serious trouble. So I came to Seattle to do honest work and to be compensated fairly.

"But I only knew about stone, mortar and mud. I had to learn about drywall, wood framing, concrete, all of it.

"My greatest challenge, still, is how different the culture is. Since I was a very young boy, I was taught to lower my gaze and not to look into the eyes of any woman other than my wife. Now I work with women every day."

"This is still the land of opportunity because, compared to my country, there are not as many obstacles. In Afghanistan, a working man has only one day off a week, never two. This gives more time for family.

"In my yard, I have goats and chickens. I want my children to know about Muslim tradition, to not take this plentiful way of life for granted."

Layla Cabdullahi

Age: 31

Where from: Somalia

Years in America: 5

Job: Jewelry saleswoman.

Pay: $12.40 an hour.

Her story: "My father knew an American businessman who helped get me out of Somalia (where a civil war has raged since 1991). I would never return to Somalia. They shot my father. I love America. I like Americans. They are very kind to me.

"As a woman, I like the freedom and opportunities I am allowed. You know ... Muslim countries underestimate a woman's abilities. We are not thought of or taught to be equals. I will leave it at that."

"Someday I want to open my own business. A day-care center so I can take care of children and provide jobs for other Somali women. Or for any women who want to work."

Chandru Narayan

Age: 42

Where from: Madras, India

Years in America: 19

Job: Information-technology architect for Crane Aerospace and Electronics, based in Lynnwood.

Pay: $110,000 annually.

His story: "I am lucky because I studied English in India.

"I came to this country with far fewer emotional scars than a lot of immigrants.

"I came to attend university (Clemson University in South Carolina) for my master's in mechanical engineering.

"In India there is little opportunity to pursue research beyond a certain point. I came on full scholarship because I was to do solar research under (President) Carter.

"I moved to Seattle because of employment opportunities and because this city, unlike many American cities, has many parks and full access to the coastline.

"What was most difficult was finding friends.

"Americans are more friendly initially but are less apt to invite you to their home....

"If you are a businessman in India, you would not be encouraged to have an artistic hobby.

"I like in America I can work at more than one thing. I can be creative."

Seattle Times news researcher Sandy Freeman contributed to this report.