STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New Brighton resident Alhaji Nyallay immigrated to the U.S. alone from Sierra Leone more than 12 years ago, arriving with no money, job or higher education. Today he is a successful business owner. But he still vividly remembers his struggle growing up in the African country plagued with poverty, high crime rates, and political instability.

When Nyallay was 2 years old, his father died. And for much of his formative years he was juggled around among family members because his mother needed to work extensive hours just to put food on the table.

But everything changed when he was 24 years old. Nyallay said he “hit the jackpot” with an opportunity to immigrate to America. And he didn’t let that go to waste.

He put himself through college, obtaining a master’s degree i

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