Recently, I was waiting in a queue at a grocery store counter, when the person standing behind me chose to start a conversation.
It started out something like this: Him: "Where are you from?" Me: "I am from X," (where X is my birth country.) Having been routinely asked this question by every Tom, Dick and Harry, I already knew where this conversation was going. Him: "What brought you to the U.S.?" Me: "I go to school at Auburn." Him: "Are you going back to your country after school?"
I could already notice a hint of contempt in his eyes, betrayed by his upper lip folded up on one side. I replied anyway.
Me: "I am not sure. I may choose to work here for a while before I decide if I want to stay back." Him: "\0x1DThat is one American job lost to a foreigner."
At this point, I didn't know how to reply. I tried to give him a wry smile; thankfully, the awkward situation was diffused used as my turn came up at the counter. I paid for my stuff at the counter and left hurriedly.
\0x1DThe American South is known for its amiable people, soulful food, country music and football craze, which is why many people from across the world who initially arrived here for better opportunities in life, such as education or job, eventually decide to call this their home, raise a family and remain productive citizens of this society. However, there is a small, yet non-negligible, fraction of people here that considers foreigners as the root cause of all problems plaguing them and their brethren, starting from unemployment, strained health care system, higher crime rates, rising deficit, higher taxes and commodity prices, right down to practicing their religion freely.
To such people, I'd like to say the following: Come on folks, are you serious? Get a life! This is the 21st century where the world is getting flatter with each passing day. We are operating in a global economy where the creative, competent and resourceful get to make the most of their lives and build the best societies around them.
So the next time you see a xenophobe ridiculing a foreigner or expressing anguish over foreigners stealing American jobs, remind him or her that America is a land of immigrants and occupies a preeminent position in the world, much to the credit of many generations of immigrant families. If America has to sustain this position, she has to embrace foreigners and the diversity they bring with them, rather than fear or alienate them.
Suraj Sindia
Graduate Student
Electrical and Computer Engineering
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