I’m a bit worried about my most recent series of blogs about immigrants. In our increasingly divided world, few issues get stronger reactions than immigration. Even though we all can trace our roots to somewhere else, the concept of immigration has come to mean different things to different people. I’m well aware that there are people who come to America from other countries for the wrong reasons. Some come illegally or to take advantage of social welfare programs, but I’d be shocked to find any large, heterogeneous group of people that all do the right things for the right reasons.
In my coaching practice with my native-born friends, and in observing Americans in general, I see differences in attitudes toward opportunity. One attitude type comprises those who were not born here but arrived to try to make something of themselves. The other type includes those who – perhaps because they never knew any other way of life – don’t naturally possess the spark that pushes them forward, regardless of the outcome.
A study by the Harvard Business School showed that the history of immigrants in the United States is one of taking their destiny into their hands. Italian, French and Irish immigrants came here and started businesses in places like New York and Boston, and those of Russian and Asian descent helped create the economy in the Western states. Whether immigrants came here 100 years ago or two days ago, America’s history is replete with people who moved here from elsewhere to follow their calling and make their success.
A recent article in Inc.com profiled immigrant business owner, Dr. Ximena Hartsock, who created a company that connects Washington lawmakers with their constituents. Dr. Hartsock gave five reasons why she likes having immigrants work for her.
Immigrants are survivors.
Immigrants are grateful.
Immigrants are great for culture and foster a new sense of learning and innovation.
Immigrants are adaptable and flexible and therefore are great fits for startup companies.
Immigrants are risk-takers.
It’s hard to disagree with her on any of these points. Immigrants have a different mindset, and it can disappear within a generation. When people go from years of wondering if they will ever be safe and worrying about where their next meal is coming from, to a job that helps sustain their family in a safer environment with many more options, it's almost unbelievable to them — even after it has happened. Most understand how lucky they are to get the opportunity and are determined to make the best of it. Unfortunately, a lot of the American workforce knows if they lose a job, there are social programs that can help take care of them until they find another job. That’s all the security they feel they need.
I didn’t want this series of blogs to come across as bashing Americans in any way. Had those who migrated to this country five or six generations ago not done such a fantastic job of building this country, immigrants today wouldn’t have the opportunities afforded to them.
My hope is people recognize what a remarkable country the United States of America truly is at its core.
You can be born in Chicago to incredibly rich parents or born in the Congo to parents you were taken from — but in America — you’re able to make your own destiny and write your own future.
The key, of course, is to follow your calling.