Just as single immigrant mothers raise their children in New York City, single Mexican fathers do as well, and with success.

"You never think of the effort it takes to run a household and raise children until you end up living that reality," said Oscar Rojas, a single Mexican father from the state of Puebla, who has taken the reins when it comes to managing the home he shares with his children. Rojas is one of many immigrants who, for various reasons, have taken on the role of mother and father.

"It means doing a little bit of everything: cooking, making sure the clothes get washed, helping them with their homework, taking care of them when they get sick, focusing on school, devoting your time to them, watching them grow up and making sure they mature into good people," explained Rojas, a radio salesman for a program that he runs on the weekends in Chinatown.

Rojas said that many Mexican men in the Big Apple find themselves in the same situation, and affirmed that it raises their awareness of the importance of family.

"No matter what the circumstances, whether it is separation or one of the parents passes away, there will always be an empty space," Rojas continued, "That's when you most appreciate how essential family is, and that a mother or father is a very significant part."

Taking a risk

Other single fathers like Camilo López say that numerous immigrants take on the role of a single father.

"In my case, my wife wanted to return to Mexico. I asked her to leave our son with me. I take care of him as best I can because he relies on me and I'm the only one he has in this country," said López, who works from 6am to 2pm and takes care of his 7-year-old son afterward, and helps him with his homework and other needs.