Immigrant Values are the American Dream

The US has always been known as the land of opportunity - where anything is possible if you work hard enough. Our country is built on the principle of welcoming people from diverse places to join together and create something new. Our own motto, E pluribus unum, Latin for "Out of many, one" summarizes this core value well. 

As a first-generation American, I’ve seen firsthand that no matter the current cultural state or how ‘united’ we feel as a union, immigrants tend to get a bad wrap. Used as a talking point, as a statistic and scare tactic, and sometimes even horribly locked in cages. 

Just this month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new immigration bill into law cracking down on undocumented workers. The law bans Florida municipalities from issuing IDs to undocumented people, and even criminalizes US citizens who provide work or transportation to them. In response, videos are circulating online showing empty farm fields, construction sites, and even a call from truckers to boycott operations in Florida. This sweeping move isn’t the first act of immigrant-targeted cruelty from lawmakers recently, specifically DeSantis himself – in 2022, lawmakers including the Florida Governor made headlines for abruptly and inhumanly transporting migrants from the Texas border to Democrat-run cities.

Empathy may not have a place in politics, but immigrants should be able to find safety in our country. I’d argue, in fact, that the immigrant spirit, in fact, of hustle, of chutzpah, and of being resilient are in fact what it takes to achieve the American dream. 

The concept of the American Dream has evolved over the years. In the past, it was about owning a home, having a steady job, and being able to provide for your family. Today, it probably means something different for everyone. Some people, like me, may think it’s about being able to start your own business. Others may believe it’s about being famous, or making a difference in the world. The one constant in achieving the American Dream, however, is hard work and determination.

Immigrants who come to America bring with them a unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences that make them valuable contributors to our society. They often face obstacles and challenges that native-born Americans don’t, such as language barriers and cultural differences. But their resoluteness and willingness to work hard is something we should all be inspired by.

We should all be proud to live in a country where anyone can make something of themselves, regardless of their background or social status. For centuries, people from all over the world have come to America in search of a better life and a brighter future. The spirit of these immigrants, their values of hustle, hard work, and family orientedness, is what today defines the modern American Dream, and is part of why we should be more kind to those who come here in search of a better life.

Imagine the mental resolve it takes to leave everything you know - your comfortable, familiar surroundings and family, in search of better economic opportunities and a brighter future. 

Immigrants embrace the belief that success is not handed to them, but earned through diligent labor and tenacity. This strong work ethic has proven to be a driving force behind the achievements of many immigrants, propelling them to make significant contributions in various fields and industries. Some of the values immigrants bring to our nation include:

Hustle and Hard Work

One of the defining characteristics of the immigrant spirit is hustle. Immigrants are often willing to work multiple jobs, long hours, and sacrifice their free time to achieve their goals. They understand that success does not come easy and that hard work is necessary to achieve their dreams. This hustling mentality has helped many immigrants succeed in America, from Andrew Carnegie to Jackie Chan. Hard work is a true cornerstone of the immigrant experience. 

Family Orientedness

Another value immigrants bring with them is family orientedness. Immigrants often prioritize the well-being and success of their families above all else. Family ties are strengthened through close-knit relationships, support networks, and a deep sense of duty towards one another. The concept of "family" extends beyond immediate relatives, encompassing extended family members and even close friends. This emphasis on family provides a strong foundation for emotional support, cultural preservation, and the passing down of values from one generation to the next. 

Many immigrant communities even live in multigenerational housing, and embody the expression ‘it takes a village to raise a family.’ Multigenerational homes not only promote strong family bonds, but also foster a sense of shared responsibility and intergenerational learning. Older family members provide wisdom, guidance, and childcare assistance, while younger generations contribute energy, support, and cultural adaptation. This creates a vibrant ecosystem of diverse perspectives, shared experiences, and mutual growth.

An Emphasis on Community

Whether it is within their ethnic communities, neighborhoods, or places of worship, immigrants understand the significance of coming together. They seek solace, belonging, and a sense of identity by engaging with others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. 

These values were evident in my own family. Growing up, my home served as a safe landing place for people looking to get their start in the U.S. My parents were always hosting newcomers, helping them find work, introducing them to the community, and creating safe spaces for people to feel like they belonged. 

Being a hub for the community led to many family parties, filled with numerous other Latino-Americans who had a shared sense of longing for the friends and family we all had left behind. As a kid, I thought I had so many Tíos! But they were really just part of the beautiful community my family had created. 

I love that immigrant communities foster a spirit of camaraderie, providing mutual assistance, cultural enrichment, and a support system for newcomers. With our sense of community, we really add value to the social fabric of our new surroundings.

Immigrant values have a profound impact on our nation. They are pillars that shape the American experience and contribute to our pursuit of ‘life, liberty, and happiness.’ By embracing and understanding the strength of these values, we can foster inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and appreciate the immense contributions that immigrants bring to our societies.

We still have so much work to do as a nation, but with empathy for our neighbors, and by integrating these immigrant values into our daily lives, we can all work to achieve the American Dream.

The image in this article is by Tim Mossholder.