A few weeks ago, I spent a Thursday afternoon catching up with a close friend over Dairy Queen Blizzards. We talked about our high school adventures, our plans for college, and our families. Eventually, the topic of our conversation shifted towards her father becoming a United States citizen after migrating from Mexico. I was ecstatic. When an individual overcomes the stigma associated with an immigrant status, it is extremely noteworthy. Eventually, I resolved to contact my friend’s father, Mr. Jose Herrera, to conduct an interview in order to spread his unique story and raise awareness of the certain circumstances that prompt an immigrant to search for a life in the states.
Q: How long have you been a citizen?
A: For about two years now.
Q: How long did it take to become a citizen, from the first time you stepped foot in the United States to the day you were officially granted citizenship?
A: 24 years. I stepped foot in the states a very long time ago and I was even here illegally for a bit until I decided to go through the legal system.
Q: What motivated you to immigrate to the United States?
A: A better life. I lived deep in Mexico where my job was to work on a farm with an alcoholic father that didn’t care about me or my siblings. I wanted to go to school but wasn’t allowed to; therefore I only finished middle school. Life was hard. I didn’t want this for my kids. I knew I had to go to the U.S. to make something of myself.
Q: What were some of the biggest obstacles that you faced before becoming a citizen?
A: The language was a huge obstacle. I didn’t know English. Also, the legal situation in general made it impossible to find a job and I felt obligated to hide at all times. Living in the shadows meant never having sufficient money in my pocket or food on the table for my wife and kids. It was hard but we overcame.
Q: When you were a child, what did you envision for your life? How does it compare to your life now?
A: Sadly, I never envisioned anything for my future because my economic situation was so poor, I couldn't concentrate on anything else. All I desired was a better life. Now I feel like I have a better life. Now I'm focused on giving my children an education that I never had and I feel so grateful for everything I have earned in this life.
Q: What message would like to pass on to the general American public?
A: As immigrants we are so important in the American system. Whether it is in an economic or social aspect, our contribution is crucial for this country. Don’t reject us, humiliate us, or act like you’re superior to us. At the end of the day we simply want the same as you, and sadly, some of us even work harder than you.
As Mr. Herrera stated in the last question, those who travel across the border fill a vital social role in their communities. Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, attend schools, live in our neighborhoods, work to earn money, and raise their families with values that do not greatly differ from the values of native citizens. Furthermore, they add cultural dimension to our communities and foster growth in a nation built on diversity.
On the other hand, heated dialogue concerning the negative social effects of immigration has persisted. One specific element that tends to dominate this discussion is crime rate. According to anti-immigration individuals, an increase in undocumented immigrants can be linked to an increase in crime rates. However, the census conducted in 2000 challenged this assumption by exposing a large difference between the incarceration rate of foreign born males (0.86 percent) and their native born counterparts (3.51 percent). This stark contrast in rates may be attributed to the fears that undocumented immigrants face on a daily basis. As Mr. Herrera mentioned, immigrants may find themselves “living in the shadows” and avoiding behaviors that have the potential to separate them from their families and disrupt any hopes of progress.
The economic role immigrants fill is equally, if not more, significant to the communities in which they live. For example, when Arizona enacted S.B. 1070 in 2010 the state’s economy took a massive hit. In total, the state lost $86.5 million in earnings, $253 million in economic output, and $9.4 million in tax revenues. In addition, litigation has proven to be another costly consequence that has shaved off more than a million dollars. With this in mind, it is no surprise that states such as Utah, Indiana, and South Carolina have gradually backed away from the implementation of laws similar to S.B. 1070.
The harmful rhetoric that exists in our nation promotes a hostile environment for an already burdened minority group. When looking back on Mr. Herrera’s responses, it becomes clear that each individual who migrates from another country has a unique story. More often than not, immigrants come to the United States to escape a number of different circumstances that prevent them from leading fulfilling lives. The moment we acknowledge that every immigrant cannot be painted with a broad brush, we liberate ourselves from negative suppositions and regain our humanity.
