For decades, immigrants arriving in the United States have searched for the “American dream,” which promises opportunity, education and a better life for their families. But the path to success is not always linear and is rarely easy.
For Senior Anaiya Saxena’s grandparents, their path to success did not come without struggle.
“My grandparents had a very good life in India,” Saxena said. “But when they came to America, it was not the same. Life was a lot more expensive, it was harder to find work, and they didn’t have family close by.”
Saxena’s grandparents decided to leave India to improve their lives.
Despite these challenges, Saxena’s grandparents persevered in pursuit of their dreams.
“I think especially at the time it was the land of the free, where anything was possible and where there was unlimited opportunity,” Saxena said.
Her grandmother, arriving at nineteen without knowing English, navigated hardships with her husband.
“She didn’t know what to expect,” Saxena said. “But she has always been very open to learning, determined and persistent, so she studied on her own and learned English.”
Saxena’s grandparents also encountered administrative obstacles in their path to citizenship. Because of issues with their documentation, they were deported to Canada and forced to repeat the immigration process. Despite the setback, they ultimately completed the process through legal channels and gained their citizenship.
For senior Aahana Jabulee, who also immigrated from India, her transition has been shaped more by social changes. Jabulee moved when she was in her junior year for her dad’s job. She applied directly to Hockaday after deciding not to attend boarding school in India.
“I think it’s an eye-opening experience,” Jabulee said. “For me, the biggest change was my friendships. You’re suddenly removed from your entire circle and placed in an unfamiliar place.”
Jabulee also noted that immigration stories are often generalized, even though they vary widely.
“There are a lot of different immigrant experiences,” Jabulee said. “Mine is much more privileged. I didn’t move here to create a livelihood or escape from a bad situation, but instead for my dad’s job.”
She also said immigration impacts a country’s economy.
“From an economic standpoint, immigration is very important,” Jabulee said. “It’s really important to bring more money into countries.”
According to a study by the American Immigration Council, immigration contributes $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy. Yet beyond the economic influence, many students say immigration has shaped their personal identity.
Senior Mimi Davison, who immigrated from Australia, has grown up in multiple countries due to her parents’ jobs, which has influenced her sense of identity.
“I think the hardest thing about immigrating when you’re younger is knowing who you are and being true to yourself even though the places around you are different and changing,” Davison said.
She said cultural differences are prevalent in day-to-day life.
“There are so many things that you overlook every day, such as slang terms, jokes or mannerisms, which can be so different from place to place,” Davison said.
Through experiences such as trying new foods and learning different languages, Davison said immigration has broadened her outlook. Davison also sees immigration as an important source of perspective.
“I value diversity a lot,” Davison said. “Growing up with people who are so different from you makes you focus on your similarities rather than differences, while still celebrating them.”
