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Stalled immigrant? I don't think so!

I am an immigrant who came to this country legally 12 years ago with nothing more than hope. I believe I speak for the silent many who do not wish to be part of the digruntled, downtrodden immigrant cadre who cling on to their collective misery instead of celebrating all the amazing opportunities that America presents.

I truly believe that there is no other country in the world that offers as many opportunities and options for any of its inhabitants, including immigrants, as long as thry are willing to cast off the martyr mantle and embrace those opportunities.

Yes, things are not perfect, but as an immigrant you are only here because it is better than where you came from so stop whining and get on with living.

I came here with my eyes open and never expected the US to owe me anything with respect to understanding me, my culture or to make exceptions for any of my "cultural peculiarities", duck sacrifices or other... I also had no expectations of handouts, special considerations or any special treatment. Why should I? People are drawn to successful societies because of hope. Many times hope can be unreasonable, unrealistic and just downright ridiculous because of the dream of the green grass over the fence, but if it so bad here why is there a continued influx?

I am so tired of hearing about all that is wrong in the US from the "weary pilgrims" fresh off the proverbial boat. If it is so bad go home! America is not an ancient society that requires strict conformance to millenia of ridgid norms. It is more like the fondue pot of the world and if you want to be successful here and I do not mean that just financially, then you need to throw your lump of cheese in the pot and melt. By doing so you will add to the flavor and complexity. Pebbles and others are not going to become part of the mix, they will just fall to the bottom and make a noise. Why should immigrants come here and try and change the current social fiber? I say add to it and grow with it, if you want to change something go "home" and start there.

Enjoy and be proud of your ethnic and cultural history it makes you who you are but if you are here by choice, and most are, then integrate, assimilate and be American. Just like the millions of Europeans, Africans, Australians, New Zealanders, Persians, Scandanavians et al who currently make up the cultural weave of this grand country. If you cannot do this then you are missing the point and should go and find it where you can, life is way to short to spend moaning about your adopted country.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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