ABC 7's Project Immigration investigates the living conditions some Central American immigrants are facing in the U.S.

Oscar Pena waits on the same street corner ever morning looking for work. "Everyday there's more and more competition on top of a tough economy. It's getting harder and harder out here," he said through a translator.

Home for Oscar is a cramped, stuffy two bedroom apartment he shares with five other adults and eight-month-old Carlito. They were strangers just months ago, now, they are forced to live like a family, under one tiny roof.

"We had to have a lot of people stay in one room, it was the only way we could afford the rent." ABC 7/ NewsChannel 8 reporter John Gonzalez couldn't believe it, "So 4 people sleep in this small room?" "Yes, for now," he said.

Pena, a Salvadoran immigrant, is learning the hard way that finding the American dream is not easy. Eleven years ago he left behind a pregnant wife and a toddler. He said he couldn't wait to see them again and to finally meet his 10-year-old son.

"I would love nothing more then to love them, hold them, every morning kiss them goodbye before school."

The rent for the apartment is $1,100 a month plus utilities. He said it was getting tough to afford groceries and the group is desperately looking for another roommate, even though they are already out of space.

"One mattress, how do you do it,"asked Gonzalez.

"At least two people on the mattress, one on the floor and another in the living room," Pena said.

When one of the roommates can't find work, they all chip in. They even help by sending money to other worker's families, they will probably never meet.

"We always make sure everyone can make their rent, pay their bills and of course, still have enough to send home," said Pena.

As the rent due date approaches again, Pena is hungry and broke. This month, he may need his roommates more than ever.

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