by Kamela Qirjo MA, LPCC, NCC
America has long been hailed as a land of opportunity, a melting pot where people from diverse backgrounds come together to create a richer, more vibrant society. Yet, when the topic of immigration arises, the narrative often skews toward simplistic views that overlook the profound contributions and complex challenges faced by immigrant families. As a first-generation Albanian immigrant whose family moved to Texas with little more than a dream and a green card, I can attest to the resilience, strength, and determination that immigrant families bring to this country—qualities that truly make America great.
The Immigrant Journey: Courage and Sacrifice
My family’s journey to America was not one of convenience or mere aspiration; it was a matter of survival and hope for a better future. We left Albania during a period of intense civil unrest, driven by my parents’ desire to secure safety and opportunities for their children. The decision to uproot our lives and move to an unfamiliar land where we didn’t speak the language was a monumental act of courage. It’s a decision that thousands of immigrant families make every year, often leaving behind everything they know and love in pursuit of a safer, more stable life.
This journey is not without its hardships. My family was fortunate enough to be granted a green card through the lottery system, a rare stroke of luck that opened the door to a new life. But this new life came with its own set of challenges: discrimination, isolation, and the ever-present acculturative stress that comes with trying to fit into a society that often views you as an outsider.
The Strength of Immigrant Families
The strength of immigrant families lies in their ability to persevere and adapt despite these challenges. The common perception that immigrants should be grateful simply for the opportunity to live in America is a narrow view that fails to recognize the complexities of the immigrant experience. It’s easy to overlook the emotional and psychological toll of leaving behind one’s homeland, culture, and community, only to face racism and xenophobia in a country that is supposed to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity.
The Sacrifices of the Immigrant Journey
When people ask why immigrant families don’t simply return to their home countries if life in America is so difficult, they reveal a profound ignorance of the deep sacrifices involved in the immigrant journey. For many, returning is not a realistic option. The fear of violence, political instability, or economic despair in their home countries makes staying in America, even in the face of adversity, the only viable choice. To return would often mean facing the very threats they fled or enduring conditions that offer no hope for a better future.
For my family, who lived with their suitcases packed for a full year after moving, the thought of going back was laden with the fear of shame and criticism. Being seen as the only family in our city to return would have been a devastating blow, not only to my parents’ pride but also to the dreams that had driven us to make such a monumental leap in the first place. That year, my parents made the ultimate sacrifice, locking away their physical and mental well-being, setting aside their own aspirations, and pouring all their hopes and dreams into my brother and me. Their relentless drive wasn’t just about surviving in a new land; it was about ensuring that we, their children, would have the chance to thrive.
Like my parents, many immigrant parents sacrifice their lives in the hope that their children will access opportunities that were denied to them—a hope that is often the driving force behind the decision to immigrate. This hope becomes the anchor that holds them steady through the storms of struggle and uncertainty in a foreign land. It is a hope rooted in love, resilience, and an unyielding belief that the next generation will do better and live better than they could. For these parents, the journey is not just about finding a new home; it’s about planting the seeds for a future where their children can flourish, even if it means enduring unimaginable hardships in the present.
The Impact of Acculturative Stress
Acculturative stress, the psychological impact of adapting to a new culture while maintaining one’s cultural identity, is a significant yet often overlooked aspect of the immigrant experience. Immigrant families frequently navigate a delicate balance between preserving their cultural heritage and assimilating into American society. This balancing act can create a sense of alienation and confusion, particularly for children who may feel torn between two worlds—the culture of their parents and the culture of their peers.
The pressure to succeed in a new country can also lead to a generational rift, where parents’ expectations for their children are shaped by the sacrifices they’ve made, and children feel the weight of those expectations. This dynamic can result in a range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and identity struggles. It’s crucial to recognize and address these issues, not only within immigrant families but also on a systemic level, to ensure that the contributions of immigrants are fully acknowledged and supported.
How Immigrants Enrich America
Despite the challenges they face, immigrant families play an indispensable role in enriching American society. They bring diverse perspectives, unique skills, and a profound work ethic that drives innovation and economic growth. Immigrants have historically been at the forefront of American progress, contributing to fields as varied as technology, medicine, the arts, and entrepreneurship. Their willingness to take risks, coupled with a deep-seated determination to succeed, has been a driving force behind America’s evolution as a global leader.
Moreover, immigrant communities often serve as cultural bridges, introducing new traditions, cuisines, languages, music and ways of thinking that enhance the richness of American life. This diversity is not just a benefit; it is the very fabric of what makes America strong. The fusion of different cultures creates a dynamic society that is constantly evolving, learning, and growing. Immigrants also bring a deep sense of resilience and adaptability, often having navigated complex challenges in their homelands before making the journey to the United States. This resilience is passed down through generations, fostering a spirit of perseverance that permeates American society.
In addition to their economic and cultural contributions, immigrants play a crucial role in building communities, often revitalizing neighborhoods, and contributing to the social fabric through civic engagement, volunteerism, and public service. Their stories of triumph over adversity inspire others and serve as a reminder of the enduring promise of the American Dream. In essence, the presence of immigrants not only strengthens the nation’s economy and cultural diversity but also reinforces the core values of hard work, hope, and unity that have long defined the American experience.
Moving Forward: A Call for Empathy and Cultural Competence
As we reflect on the journey of immigrants and the profound impact they have on America, it becomes clear that the narrative of immigration is not just one of struggle but also of extraordinary contribution. Immigrants do more than survive in a new land; they shape it, enrich it, and propel it forward. Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience are woven into the very fabric of this nation, reminding us that the strength of America lies in its diversity and its capacity to embrace those who seek a better life within its borders. In celebrating the contributions of immigrant families, we acknowledge that their presence in this country is not merely a footnote in the American story—it is a central chapter.
In our work as therapists, it is essential to approach the experiences of immigrant families with deep empathy and a commitment to cultural competence. Understanding the unique immigrant journey of each family requires us to go beyond surface-level awareness and truly appreciate the complex layers of identity, culture, and emotional challenges that shape the lives of our immigrant clients.