The lure of riches in a foreign land, the potential of awesome new opportunities,
dreams of what might be – all these sometimes entice people to immigrate
to a different country. Being reunited with a loved one or just longing
for adventure are also strong reasons for immigrating. Sometimes, rather
than being drawn to a new country, one is pushed: religious persecution,
starvation when the crops have failed, escaping unbearable family situations.
Certainly wars, revolutions and political unrest have caused thousands
to try to find a peaceful existence elsewhere. And decades ago, many were
forced against their will to live in a new country as slaves or as prisoners.
For all who move on, pulling up roots from their homeland can be traumatic.
It truly is not an easy decision to make, and today about 15% of those
who leave their native country choose to return, finding that adjusting
to a new society is too difficult.
The easiest transitions occur when the immigrants can find a community
made up of people from their native home. They can keep a lot of their
old customs while integrating the new country’s language, values
and culture. Experience seems to indicate that to be happy they need to
wholeheartedly try to assimilate the new ways and not begrudge the environment
being different. Home is where the heart is! Home needs to be wherever
we are!
While planning to remain permanently in the new country, most find work
and strive to own a home of their own. They learn the new language (sometimes
laughingly) and educate their children in the new ways, without having
the children cut the bonds that tie them to their native roots. To honor
both countries with love is the goal!
Immigrants have made enormous contributions to the economies and cultures
of their new countries, yet these are often made with tremendous difficulty.
Newcomers face many challenges in being accepted, and when they arrive
from being ‘pushed’ to the new country, rather than ‘longing’
for it, the transition is even harder. Sometimes those original dreams
just don’t come true.
The immigrants who make a very good living in the new country and are
able to send money home to relatives in the native country are usually
glad they made the transition. Some are able to establish business links
with the businesses back home, helping to ease the problems that are faced
there. Other immigrants finally retire and return to their native land
for their old age, only to find that it, too, has changed.
Ultimately we each have to learn to cherish where we are. The old saying,
“Where ever I go, I go, too!” still rings true.
About the Author:
Paul Babs is the owner of Citizens Stopshop which tackles all immigration
issues. For more information, go to: http://www.yesimmigration.com
Read more articles by: Paul
Babs
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
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