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Reflections on Immigration
The challenges we have faced recently regarding myself gaining a visa to live in the US with Jess seemed to stretch out for an age. Thankfully, the hard part is behind us now and we can start building on our lives together. Yet, as hard as it seemed, the difficulties pale in comparison to those endured by many others seeking to immigrate. The process encouraged me to reflect on the situations of people in less fortunate positions than ourselves and what may possess them to leave their home in search of a better life elsewhere. It also reaffirmed that as travelers too, we can provide insight to people back home who perhaps don’t see the whole picture.
Back home in Australia there is a certain bumper sticker which makes me cringe every time I see it. It is simply a map of the country with the words “F— Off, We’re Full” written below. I think it sums up the narrow and selfish outlook of some of my fellow countrymen. Without wanting to get into the debate of immigration laws, which continues to rage on and on, can’t they recognize what it must take for someone to jump on an atrociously overloaded and rickety old boat for countless kilometres of bumpy seas with only the faintest hope of reaching the mainland let alone being granted refugee status there? Of course, these sentiments aren’t confined only to Australia.
I think people are entitled to a sense of pride in their country and culture. Unfortunately though, I feel that much of the anti-immigration sentiment stems from the threat of loss of national identity that is perceived to be the result of an influx of foreigners. This isn’t necessarily the problem for me. What I find hard to take is the complete lack of compassion, the “go home, you don’t belong here” attitude.
What we can do. I think the best thing we can do is educate. As travelers, we have often ventured into poverty stricken nations, witnessed the desperate situations firsthand. I spent a year teaching in Honduras. It was unusual to speak to someone who actually wanted to stay in Honduras. These people had very little to look forward to. Unemployment soared, corruption was rife and poverty everywhere. It was difficult to see reasons why they wouldn’t want to leave. We can offer personal insights such as these and offer explanations as to why these people have chosen and will continue to choose to risk it all. Tell a story. Recommend a book. Or better still, inspire someone else to travel. Understanding is the key.
A couple of books that I would encourage everyone to read are What is the What by Dave Eggers and Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario. Both are based on the lives of young men, the former from Sudan and the later from Honduras. The stories document the boy’s lives prior to their immigration attempts, as well as the arduous and extremely dangerous journeys they both took to finally arrive on US soil.
What is your take on immigration, both legal or illegal?
First off, welcome to the US of A. Can you taste the freedom?! Tastes a little like a McRib sandwich doesn’t it?
Kidding aside, I think this is such a thoughtful post. You really captured a sentiment that Kent and I fully share.
We are often trying to get others to think about the conditions that many immigrants are fleeing. These are human beings that simply want to share in the same privileges, freedoms and – let’s be honest – luxuries we enjoy in the “first” world. We try to get people to think, “Wouldn’t I do the same for my family? Wouldn’t I do whatever I could to make a better life for my children?”
Let us not forget that the US and Australia are largely founded on immigration. Let us also not forget that the land so many want to build “walls” around didn’t even belong to us (save native americans and aboriginals). We are all immigrants, many first and second generation. Our families came to the US to provide a better life for us. How callous and selfish to take a “we got in so let’s close the gates” attitude.
I am happy to argue the merits of thoughtful immigration laws, but that is not what many are talking about. They are using policy and “patriotism” to mask fear and xenophobia. Frankly, its disgusting.
*wiping brow and stepping down from soap box*
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Jamie, this is something I thought about right after Osama bin Laden died. Immigration can bring a lot of positive things to a country – if both sides are willing to accept and understand the other.
In my opinion, immigration in the US is very much an economic issue. In Europe and other places, seems as if they are dealing with issues that the US dealt with in the 60s.
My post called “Is immigration a bigger threat to the world than terrorism?” is actually the most popular post on my site – and the most controversial. However, I share some of the same sentiments as you – http://www.budgettraveladventures.com/blog/why-immigration-is-a-bigger-threat-to-the-world-than-terrorism/
It’s great to read a perspective on this outside of the US and Europe as well.
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Illegal immigration is something that India faces and is a big threat to our national security. Illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan are really a headache for us… Not good at all.
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Jamie, I am on a similar boat. Currently a legal working alien in the US and in the process of applying for a greencard through my employer. And it’s a long process. I have endured a lot of challenges and still hitting a lot of road bumps. At times, I feel the fear of uncertainty and not knowing whether or not I can stay in this country and continue the new life that I have worked so hard to start from scratch. I also feel helpless at times since at the end of the day I can still be denied the privilege to stay in this country. So I really feel for a lot of immigrants. Although I don’t think I would condone illegal immigration. But sometimes there are extraneous circumstances that make people take this risk.
So glad to know that things are working out for you and Jess!
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