The White House recently unrolled their newest immigration plan, granting preference to well-educated, highly skilled workers who can speak English, pass a civics test and preferably have a job offer. Preferences would be reduced for extended family members.
If this had been the policy in the early 1900’s, my grandparents, who emigrated from Sicily, would not have been welcome, nor my great-grandmother and great-aunt. They spoke little or broken English, were not highly educated, and more than likely, had no clue about American civics. But, they worked hard and persevered, learning some English and eventually earning their citizenship. Like many immigrants, my grandparents opened up a family business: a small store where they sold ice cream and soda in Washington, DC.
My grandparents also cared for my great-grandmother who lived to be 99 and my great-aunt, who made delicate flowers made of tissue paper. How sad it would have been if my great-grandmother and great-aunt had been left alone in Sicily; how lucky we were to have known them.
Like any immigrant family, their children – my father, aunts and uncles – learned fluent English and thrived. They became pharmacists, bankers, teachers, business owners and a doctor. Their grandchildren went into medicine, law, business, nursing, teaching, psychology, the arts, and non-profit work. One grandson served in Vietnam. And their great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren have continued, and will continue, their tradition of hard work and perseverance.
Imagine all the immigrants that have crossed these shores – the Irish, who were conscripted upon their entry, to fight in the Civil War; the Germans, who introduced kindergarten, the Christmas tree and Easter bunny; the Chinese, who helped build the railroads. Think of the wonderful diversity of our restaurants: Thai, Ethiopian, Indian, Italian, and Mexican and so many more. Look at the fusion of native and international music, dance and the arts. The impact immigrants have had on movies, literature, athletics, academics, politics and business.
Most immigrants who came to these shores did not speak English well, nor were they highly educated, but they worked hard and their children benefitted. Their children and grandchildren did learn English. Many went on to higher education and professions. They served in war and government, farmed our land, worked in our factories and built our homes and schools. Immigrants – whether well educated or not, highly skilled or not- have made valuable contributions and will continue to do so. To limit entry into the United States to only a few does them, and us, a disservice. We must recognize immigrants’ extraordinary contributions and the incredible diversity that distinguishes our country and strengthens us as a people.