Editor’s Note: This article is the perspective and opinion of the author and does not reflect the views of Her Campus at Cal Lutheran or Her Campus Media. Thank you.
Coming into the new school year I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write more “political” articles or not. However, with the new administration and the outpour of different opinions, I wanted to share my own opinions regarding the immigration process and the experience of being an immigrant in the United States. Now of course these are my personal opinions and experiences, and therefore this is not to generalize or to say what is true for every immigrant.
As some of you may know, I was born in Iran, but my family moved to San Diego when I was about 4 years old. I moved around a lot as a child and never found my one true home. My entire family, besides my mom, dad, and aunt still lived in Iran. I went from growing up with tons of people around me to growing up as a single child with my mom. I am beyond thankful for all of the new experiences I have been fortunate enough to gain from moving to America. I don’t want anyone to think I am not grateful, because coming to America is one of the scariest decisions someone can make. Imagine leaving the country you have known as your home for your entire life. Imagine moving somewhere like America, one of the biggest countries there is. Imagine leaving your family behind and not knowing when you will be able to see them next. These were all of the things going through my mother’s head before deciding to come to this new country.
These are all of the aspects of moving that you have to think about, if and when you get a Visa to move to the United States. In general, it is extremely hard to get a Visa, but it is even harder to get one from Middle Eastern countries due to the negative connotations that arise when someone mentions it. As a kid, I was called a terrorist, an illegal alien, I was held up at airports for “random” searches, and I was even asked if I was in the Taliban. Personally, I don’t identify with one specific religion. So, not being Muslim and being called all of these things just because I am from Iran was confusing as a child, and frustrating as a teenager. Now, as an adult, it enrages me when anyone is called a terrorist or an illegal alien. No one has the right to call someone illegal, because no one is an illegal human being. And no one has the right to call anyone a terrorist due to their origin.
People need to understand how beyond hurtful and traumatizing it is, but the sad part is that it is probably their intent. For so many years, I felt like I didn’t have a home. People in America were telling me to go back to my country. But when I would go to Iran, I was known as the “American cousin.” I am able to speak the language, but I do not know how to find my way around or how to live in “my country.” Iran will always be my homeland and my mother country, but America is my country. It is the country I was raised in, went to school in, learned to drive in, and have worked in. I have worked so hard to build my resume and gain work experience- a lot harder than some of the people I grew up with and have met since then. Immigrants aren’t taking away jobs from other people. If you are the most qualified person for a position, then you will get that job! Please stop blaming immigrants for a lack of work experience. If you aren’t blaming immigrants, then thank you, but when you do see or hear people blaming immigrants, stand up for them and don’t be a bystander.
Being an immigrant hasn’t been easy. I faced some bullying as a child because I grew up looking different than everyone in my first schools, I had to learn English as a child, and I proudly represented my Iranian culture. Now that I am older I don’t let it get it to me and I use my privilege to help those who are vulnerable. I am always an ally to anyone who needs me. Additionally, growing up as an immigrant, I knew I had to work much harder than everyone else. That’s why it boggles my mind when people say we “come here and take away jobs.” The reason we come and obtain jobs that others might not, is because we work that much harder and think we need to put in at least five times the effort. Putting in that much more effort allows us to get the jobs, because our qualifications are beyond what is asked of us. So, rather than blaming immigrants for things, focus on yourself and work on yourself.
Sincerely,
An Immigrant
Editor’s Note: This article is the perspective and opinion of the author and does not reflect the views of Her Campus at Cal Lutheran or Her Campus Media. Thank you.