This paper presents research on the immigration, employment, familial, and social experiences of Colombian women in New York City. The data discussed are derived from both a literature review and extensive interviews with Colombian women residing in the city during recent years. It is hypothesized that Colombian women's perceptions of their actual conditions, as well as their consciousness and social awareness, are mediated and limited by their past experiences in Colombia. It is further argued tht differences in income between the two countries, the greater restriction of the husband to the family sphere in the United States, and less direct family repression of women's behavior (so long as they are single or separated) contribute to these women's positive evaluation of migration. Anecdotal as well as statistical data are given on marital status, income, legal immigrant status, and employment level, among the population studied. Appended to the paper are the texts of interviews with several women. (GC)