I am an immigrant. I have lived here for almost three years and am still learning new things every day. When I first moved here, I did not speak the language, I did not know the laws of the country and I did not have any friends. I was challenged in all aspects of my life.
My husband and I moved because we wanted our children to learn the language. We wanted our children to meet people that were not like them. We wanted a life for our children that we did not have.
It is scary being in a new country. Your heart starts to pound when police stop you because of what you look like. You go to the grocery store and there is different food on the shelves with names you don’t understand. You don’t know how to pay your bills – do you send it in the mail, do you go to the office to pay? The driving is different – roads, signs, maps – something supposedly universal is still difficult. What is the best school for the children? How do I get cable tv? Why isn’t the internet working? Who do I call for help?
When I speak to people, I have to ask my son to speak for me. He has to translate the words others are saying because they speak too fast for me or I can’t understand at all. I sometimes feel I am watching a movie of my life – and I am hoping for that miraculous moment when the language comes to me and I fit in just like everyone else.
I now have friends in my new country, but most of them speak my language. They are truly wonderful people, and it is nice to be able to talk about problems and see what solutions they can offer. I don’t have to think about how my words are translating – and it’s in my comfort zone. But these days, I have been reaching out to people who do not speak my language. They have shown me patience and understanding. They correct me when I need it and have helped me learn the customs. I am lucky to have these people in my life.
I am not an immigrant to the U.S. I am an American living abroad. But I think I understand some of what immigrants to the U.S. are facing today. I have been very fortunate to meet people who will talk to me in English and help me learn their language. They have immigrated for some of the same reasons – a better life for their children – but some reasons are more significant. I recently met a wonderful friend from Venezuela. She loves her country deeply (you can hear it in her voice when she speaks), her family lives there (6 brothers and sisters and her parents), and yet she wanted to move because of the political turmoil. Many immigrants have different reasons for coming to the U.S. – and I am not saying that illegal immigration is right – but, maybe a little understanding and empathy would get you the full story.
The reason I write this today, is because I recently read a post that bragged about mocking a new co-worker that didn’t speak English. The “razzing” was so bad that it forced this person to quit “on the spot.” Now, I don’t know the full story, but is this behavior something we want to be proud of? I am happy when I am able to make a connection with a person who seems so different from me and yet, is the same. Looking to care for their children, put food on the table, provide a home and most of all love. The only difference between us is the language.
In the United States, we were all immigrants at one time. A little kindness and compassion would go a long way – no matter who you are.
Sincerely,
Terri Goodness
Escazu, Costa Rica
