Coming to the United States 3 months ago I had an opportunity to
observe day-to-day life and make a brief psychological analyze
of immigrants, trying to answer questions I was asked. Many
American people are wondering why do foreign people come to
United States? Who they are and where is their patriotism?
Aren't they homesick? What is the main reason they come to a
foreign country and make all the efforts to study foreign
language?
Many people come to the United States in hope to find freedom,
which they did not have before in their motherland. However, the
word "freedom" can be understood in different ways - for some
people it's freedom to buy a lot of food, household items or
clothes. Having a lack of opportunity to buy goods in their
homeland due to high prices, unemployment and low salaries,
these people become "happy" very soon, since they are able now
to buy almost everything they think they want.
But for others freedom means possibility to grow personally and
professionally, to make contribution to the society, being able
to study, gain scholarships or assistantships, make scientific
research in spite of difficulties with foreign language,
expensive education, and absolutely unfamiliar environment. This
type of immigrants becomes good professionals in various fields
such as medicine, mathematics, physics, construction, psychiatry
and so on. They realize themselves personally, making
contribution to the society where they live and increase their
level of psychological self-actualization. This is not an easy
way for immigrants, but the American society also has a lot of
benefits for them and their children. Even the possibility to
work, be valued and fairly paid is part of freedom, sought by
people around the world.
Most of immigrants are homesick, have difficulties in
understanding foreign language and it is not easy for them to
realize all the rules and laws of the new country. That is the
reason why immigrants often get very confused during their first
several years in the United States, causing depressions,
frustrations and even break-ups of families. Very often recently
immigrated parents misunderstand their children who get used to
the new life-style very quickly.
However, in spite of all obstacles many immigrants do achieve
success. I have tried to understand what is they key to success,
talking with people from Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan,
Puerto-Rico, Ethiopia, and Uzbekistan. Together we understand,
that the most important way to succeed for immigrants is to
realize their goals from first days in United States. Immigrants
should ask themselves: Why did I move to this country? What am I
expected to do here? And how can I contribute to the society? It
is important to have life orientations and values directed to
contribution to the society. It is also important to learn more
about history and laws of the country, have friendly attitude
and some day the American society will reward and treat you with
respect you deserve.
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