One of the asylum seekers already in Dutchess County says he wants to make a better life for himself in this county.

Daniel Rodriguez just arrived in Poughkeepsie from Manhattan, after a long journey from Venezuela. He tells News 12 his life was difficult there, from crumbling education, scarce jobs, and mistreatment for his sexual orientation. And now in New York, he says he is thankful for the team of people helping him with his papers. "I want to learn to speak their language of English, and at the same time, I want to be in class. I want to work in construction because it's fascinating to me and being able to build bridges - it is a dream" Rodriguez says he is in the U.S. for the next 18 days and with the help he's already received, he's hopeful he can pave the path to his American Dream.