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The Common Thread Between First Generation Americans
The topic of immigration within the US has become the hot topic over the past few years (specifically spiking from 2016 onward). Incidentally, the proposed laws revolving around immigration have created a great divide within society. For me personally, the topic of immigration has always been a sensitive one as I feel that I straddle between the lines by being a child of immigrant parents.
Being a child of immigrant parents, aka a “first generation American”, has played a huge role in my identity, my core values, and my cultural views going into adulthood. I never spoke much about it when I was younger, but now that the conversation is officially on the table and out in the open for people who are similar to me to talk about, I feel a strong sense of duty with inserting myself into that conversation.
Growing up, most of my friends were white. That wasn’t in any way intentional, that’s just how things panned out. When I looked to my left and my right within my friends circle, I always knew that I looked different from them. I knew that my family was a bit different from theirs. I knew that my home life was a bit different from theirs. But, I tried to never let that interfere with my relationships. However, it became especially difficult whenever I felt that I needed someone to talk to, but couldn’t.
