Immigrant Student Reflection

I first moved to Texas and in particular to South Texas on the summer of 2001. Immediately after I got here I enrolled for classes for the Fall Semester at the University of Texas Pan American as an international student. On the morning of September 11, 2001 while I was getting ready for class I watched with horror on television, as many Americans did that day, the terrorist attack that unfolded in New York city, as well as the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. At first, the sheer destruction and the astounding amount of casualties was what I remember vividly, but that event will have a direct effect on me without even knowing it at the moment. You see, when I first came here, I came with a student visa, just like the terrorists that boarded the airplanes that were involved in the terrorist act.

Being an immigrant and first generation college student, I took the time to think about what I want. My counselor recommended SCU because of the high quality of the education. SCU is a very competitive college in California. I was looking for the school that offer good engineering major, a comfortable learning environment, and location; SCU provide what I need. Because San Jose is close to my home in Seattle, I can continue to help to family. For example, if necessary I can fly back to help my parents with their medical needs. In addition, SCU will provide me with the space and environment for personal growth. Furthermore, being in the Silicon Valley, SCU has plenty of internship opportunities in the heart of high-technology. My adviser with

It was my family’s legacy of determination, dedication and perseverance that had fueled me to face and overcome the stereotypes that were imposed on me in high school. During my junior year, I enrolled in AP Calculus with the indefatigable support and encouragement of my parents. Initially, this class was a nightmare due to the academic expectations and amount of assignments. I often doubted in my own ability to succeed in the class. I found inspiration and internal motivation to continue the battle by observing my industrious and diligent parents.

The issue of undocumented immigrants and undocumented children has hardly been out of the news these past few years. The hot topic affects everyone from immigrants themselves to policymakers and US citizens. Undocumented immigrants have typically entered the United States without permission and have no legal right to remain in the country. Undocumented immigrants could be people with expired visas or paperwork, or immigrants in deportation procedure.

My most rewarding accomplishment consists of my ability to overcome the fear and weakness that was conceived upon my arrival to the United States from Mexico, in addition to a newly evolved character which allowed me to achieve academic, professional, and personal success. Nearly seven years ago, my mother and I immigrated from a harsh economic climate in Mexico that was plagued with unemployment. Additionally, our family faced bankruptcy. While holding onto our faith, we left our hometown with only what we could carry and bought two one-way bus tickets. With nothing more than fear, two bags, and $50 in each of our pockets, we set out for what would be the most challenging journey of our lives.

Throughout time diverse regions have considered other societies to be barbaric, causing them to have the desire of “civilizing” them. Likewise, During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the American nativist groups, possessed a similar perspective towards immigration. Nativist’s opposed immigration, as they believed that it would negatively impact the United States socially, morally, politically, and economically. Socially and morally, the nativists feared that foreigners were a threat to the American society, as they were culturally inferior, possessed many ailments, and committed crimes. Politically, the ethnocentric nativists believed that immigrants would corrupt the government and negatively influence American politics.

at wages lower than any national would except. Large cities also tend to have immigrant

The essay’s thesis is, “that we can have an immigration policy that both strengthens our borders and welcomes immigrants.”. In my own words I would restate it as, “Our country should have a better system with letting immigrants with good intensions into our country, and the treats outside of our country, while never discriminating any immigrants.”.

I'm from the Dominican Republic and I have 4 years living in the United States. When I came to the united states I was 13 years old, it was not easy for my brother and me to start a new life in another country without our mother. Learning another language was the hardest things I have ever done in my life.

For many immigrant families moving into the U.S the culture shock is significant. Families can easily be overwhelmed by their need to fit into their new surroundings. This is especially true for children in these families. It is easy for children to get caught up in the American way of life, and that can cause the original culture to be forgotten. That is why the adults in these families have to enforce their native culture on their children, so the adults can make sure that those customs are not forgotten.

Hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants fleeing war or seeking new lives have flooded into Europe. Many countries are struggling to cope with the crisis.

Why consider opposing viewpoints? "The only way in which a human being can make some approach to knowing the whole of a subject, is by hearing what can be said about it by persons of every variety of opinion, and studying all modes in which it can be looked at by every character of mind." - John Stuart Mill, British philosopher. The book Immigration Opposing Viewpoints discusses the Historical Debate: should immigration be restricted? Is immigration a problem for the U.S.? How can illegal immigration be controlled? Lastly, how should U.S. immigration policy be reformed? This purpose of the this book is to not change your opinion about immigration but rather inform of others opinions. “ Those who do not know their opponent’s arguments do not completely understand their own” (David L Bender, Publisher) So think of others perspectives, is it a problem for the U.S., can immigration be controlled?, immigration restriction, and how should U.S. immigration policy be reformed?

Reflecting on my development as a first-generation immigrant, I can attribute a large portion of my characteristics and aspirations to my experiences growing up and to the role model whom I have admired, my mother. More specifically, being exposed to the tireless work ethic of a single parent who had to overcome the dual pressures of assimilation and poverty has imparted in me a respect for the ideals of continual self-improvement and advancement. My mother’s sacrifices have always been to better our family’s situation and to provide me with the best education opportunities. Recognizing my mother’s hard worked and what she has given up for me, I put my best foot forward in every situation to honor her. Looking back at the hardships such as racial discrimination and language barriers my mother had to transcend, as

When this summer is done, I might go back and volunteer at the shelter during my time here at Western. The total experience (or what is so far) was not bad, yet the only thing I did not like from volunteering was the smell of cat urine seeping into my clothes, but petting the cats was fun. I only say maybe because I do not know what my future schedule looks like, but if I ever had the time then I will try. I am not making any promises nor any guarantees. There are other great options and opportunities to volunteer at other local organizations too, so I do not have to limit myself to only

Over the course of 9th and 10th grade, I volunteered on occasion at the San Francisco Food Bank. I did not volunteer on a consistent schedule, but the experience was valuable nonetheless, as I knew my work