Member-only story
What Being an Immigrant Taught Me About Happiness
As a legal immigrant to the United States, I have great sympathy for the people at the southern border who are desperately trying to enter the United States. Legal or not, I know exactly what is driving them. Trust me, we immigrants are all the same.
Even at its best, immigration is a process that constantly reminds you that you do not belong at the destination you chose; that you are not needed and that the request to live there is purely unidirectional. In fact, you may see it as contributing to a new society, but you are looked upon as someone who is trying to take away from what belongs to the legitimate inhabitants.
But what makes us willing to swim through rivers, walk across deserts or whatever is needed, is that it is a process which not only promises Life and Liberty, but is a giant leap in the immigrant’s pursuit of happiness.
There are more, but ten aspects of happiness stand out over the past few years that will culminate in the joyous day later this year when I will — with my hand on my heart — say: “I pledge allegiance…” O, happy day!
1. Happiness is About Purpose
It may be to avoid persecution or for a better life, but to be able to go through the process, an immigrant must have a strong purpose for doing it. Your decision…
