Newly arrived migrants to the United States spoke about their journey during a panel discussion Friday in Rockland County.

Spring Valley Haitian nonprofit Konbit Neg Lakay hosted the event in partnership with the Rockland Immigration Coalition.

Migrants shared what motivated them to come to America and how they've since settled into their new home.

Community stakeholders and others were there listening.

"We are not here because we choose to. We are here because we are being forced to leave our country to come to America for a better life, for a better future," said the nonprofit's Renold Julien.

A video that showed immigrants' journey from Chile to the U.S. was also shown at the event.