Why "Immigrant" Is A Bad Word | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why "Immigrant" Is A Bad Word

Let them in.

545
Why "Immigrant" Is A Bad Word
Krysteen Ribeiro

Immigration: /noun/ the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country.

Immigrant: /noun/ a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Thanks, Google!!

These two words are always tossed around in the fast-paced world of politics and pop culture, and yet, they seem to be dirty words. People act as if these two "trigger" words should be avoided at all costs, as if every time this word is mentioned, people suck in their breaths and tighten their jaws. Why?

I'll tell you why. It is because these two simple ideas caught some bad reputations. People tend to think that "immigrants" are bad people and that "immigration" is a plague to the United States... a lie that has been disguised as a truth. Sad, really. How a word can be so risqué and intolerable to a population is far too hard to comprehend, especially when this country was built on "immigrants."

Why are people so scared of "immigrants?" Why are people so scared of other people from a foreign land, people who bring new ideas and culture to our "melting pot" of a country? These people, these "immigrants," are the reason why America is a diverse land. They brought their customs, their cuisine, and knowledge along with them. Without "immigrants," America would be as plain as milk and would probably look like it, too. I know many immigrants, or children of immigrants, and it is hard enough living in the United States already. Trying to make a living for themselves while working towards citizenship and receiving an education is taxing and yet, people do this every day. "Immigrants" do this every day.

Those who say that "immigrants" should be kicked out perceive "immigrants" as lazy. One question for you guys: how? I mean, seriously. "Immigrants" are hard-working people, some performing jobs that no one else wants to do. These people came to this backwards country for a better future, despite acknowledging the hardships and abuse they will endure. These people who left their country to come and live here deserve major applause. Instead, they are received with finger pointing and sneers. But they still persevere.

To those who are embarking on a painful and hopefully rewarding journey to the United States of America, good luck and God bless you. I mean it. Celebrating the Fourth of July with you guys is an honor. Independence Day was always a symbol of America and freedom.

To those who are pointing their guns and comments toward the mentioned, I wonder how your ancestors would feel about you acting the same as those who bullied them when they had to migrate to the USA. Because again, the United States was built on the backs of immigrants. Just ask the indigenous people how good of a job the first wave of immigrants performed.

"Immigrants" are people too. They are not illegal.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

27 Things 'The Office' Has Taught Us

"The Office" is a mockumentary based on everyday office life featuring love triangles, silly pranks and everything in between. It can get pretty crazy for just an average day at the office.

967
the office
http://www.ssninsider.com/

When you were little, your parents probably told you television makes your brain rot so you wouldn't watch it for twelve straight hours. However, I feel we can learn some pretty valuable stuff from television shows. "The Office," while a comedy, has some pretty teachable moments thrown in there. You may not know how to react in a situation where a co-worker does something crazy (like put your office supplies in jello) but thanks to "The Office," now you'll have an idea how to behave ifsomething like that should happen.

Here are just a few of the things that religious Office watchers can expect to learn.

Keep Reading...Show less
Grey's Anatomy
TV Guide

Being pre-med is quite a journey. It’s not easy juggling school work, extracurricular activities, volunteering, shadowing, research, and MCAT prep all at the same time. Ever heard of “pain is temporary, but GPA is forever?” Pre-meds don’t just embody that motto; we live and breathe it. Here are 10 symptoms you’re down with the pre-med student syndrome.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

Books were always about understanding for me, about learning the way someone else sees, about connection.

465
High School And College Sucked All Of The Fun Out Of Reading

I keep making this joke whenever the idea of books is brought up: "God, I wish I knew how to read." It runs parallel to another stupid phrase, as I watch my friends struggle through their calculus classes late at night in our floor lounge: "I hope this is the year that I learn to count." They're both truly idiotic expressions, but, when I consider the former, I sometimes wonder if there's some truth to it.

Keep Reading...Show less
school of business
CIS Markets

Coming from someone majoring in business at a school that thrives off of business majors, I know how rough it can be sometimes. Being a business major can be awesome, and awful, simultaneously. We work our tails off to be the best, but sometimes the stress can just tear you apart. Here are some struggles faced by business majors that will sound all too familiar.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

1728
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments