“Congratulations and Welcome to the United States of America.”
The moment my dad arrived here in the United States of America, he quickly learned why it was called the ‘American Dream.’ These were the words of freedom.
Coming from one of the most democratic countries in the world, my father Antonio was never given the opportunity to embrace the idea of living in a constitutional republic. While living in Italy, his dream of living in a nation where he would not only have access to unlimited opportunities, but with full protection under a government that did not control almost every part of his life was only an aspiration.
But, all of this had changed when my father made a decision that would forever change his life; the decision to leave his country with $200.00 in his pocket and to work hard enough to become a citizen of the United States of America.
It all started in the 1980’s. Growing up, my father was instilled with important traits that he would forever carry with him.
The traits of hard work, dedication and following the letter of the law gave him the strength to believe that he would become a citizen.
My father knew if he did not abide by the law to become a citizen, he would not have access to proper employment, protected rights, the right to bear arms, and a sense of freedom he would only be able to experience here in the United States. These traits also helped him understand that if he chose to have a family, they, too, could be sent back to his homeland at any given time.
But above all, he knew to create his version of the American Dream, he had to learn English instead of assuming the United States would cater to his services.
Prior to becoming an American citizen, my father only understood one life – the life of big government. Due to this, my father struggled to find and keep a job that would allow him to earn more than the measly four-hundred euro per month he was earning.
He only realized how detrimental this form of government was the day he landed in the United States and found a job only a few days later. But as a child of a legal immigrant, here is what makes me most proud. Instead of assuming he was going to be an executive of a major company, he knew he had to start at the bottom, just as the American Dream is known for.
With that being said, his first job was a seasonal job at the factory, Coleco Factory, making Cabbage Patch Kids, while working at Pizza Hut occasionally prepping vegetables, and cleaning toilets. Rather than feeling entitled to more or looking for an easier way out, he persevered and switched jobs countless times, eventually becoming supervisor of one of the largest transit companies in Upstate New York.
My father’s American Dream still has not ended.
Having the opportunity to live in the United States of America has changed my father’s life indefinitely. This country has provided endless possibilities to pursue dreams that would not have been possible if he chose to live his life in Italy. I have the honor to share my father’s story not because he felt that the United States owed him something, but because he felt that he owed it something.
As a child of a legal immigrant, I have only seen how our country has benefited my father’s life, only while following the law. Nobody said acquiring the American Dream would be easy, so before you ask me to change my views, please remember my father’s story and why I have never been more proud to be a daughter of a proud, legal immigrant. And more importantly, a proud American.
