To the Editor:
Every one of us has a unique immigration or migration story. Unfortunately, sharing that story isn’t too easy because we fear rejection and we want to be accepted. I feel more comfortable about sharing my immigration story after I watched a movie in Facing History and Ourselves course and U.S. 2 course, I Learn America. The students in the movie went through the same struggles as me and most of them worked really hard to achieve their goals. Lately, immigrants are being called criminals, drug dealers, and even terrorists; this is not the truth. Some immigrants are even bullied just for being who they are. Immigrants are the ones who made America what it is today. We should welcome them with love and kindness. As Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” America is full of diversity which makes it unique. Diversity is one of the reasons why I like living here. I get to learn about different cultures, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Sometimes we try to change ourselves to make others content, but we forget that the people who care about us will accept just the way we are. The school the students in I Learn America went to was full of people with different nationalities, cultures, religions, and backgrounds. It was truly heart touching to see how accepting some people are. Sure racism exits, but not everyone is a racist. I know what it feels like to be an outsider. When I came to American and started fifth grade, I was the only Pakistani Muslim in my classes. Some people gave me nasty looks and rolled their eyes at me, while others were nice and kind to me. We all learn from our experiences. Everyone in every school should be shown this movie. You feel inspired by these students and you realize how many similarities you share with them. Almost everyone can relate to it in one way or another. We should be embraced to be who we are, not discouraged.
RABIA SANDHU