Reflection on Children of Immigration

    I was interested to read about the experiences of children of immigrants in Suarez-Orozco's Children of Immigrants.   One of the first points that stood out to me was the initial optimism and energy that many immigrants experience, particularly related to schooling and education.  The authors discussed how many immigrants see education in America as one of the major benefits for immigrating in the first place.  They are even likely to describe American schools that leave something to be desired in our minds, as wonderful in comparison to what their own city or country may have had.  This energy is something that needs to be used to motivate and liven up the classroom.  If harnessed in the right direction, this excitement about education could be infectious for other students.  

    On the other hand, I found it profoundly sad to think about how these children, who are at first filled with optimism and excitement about school, are quickly discouraged by factors such as poverty, racial segregation, racism, or lack of resources.  Another disturbing factor in this equation is the teachers themselves.  Suarez-Orozco refers to a superintendent in one of the largest districts in the country describing his biggest problem as convincing teachers and principals that immigrant and racial minority children are "teachable." (p. 127)  How can anyone expect a student to be taught, when the person who is supposed to be doing the teaching thinks they are "unteachable?"   It's impossible.   This is good reminder that we can never predict someone's potential, no matter what.  

     Another interesting discussion point in this book related to whether or not bilingual education really threatens American mainstream culture.  This is a fear that I have heard echoed in many different people over the years.  I'm not even exactly sure what people mean by stating this fear  What aspects of our culture might be "threatened" by people being educated in their own language while they strengthen skills in a new language?  It seems that this fear simply stems from people being afraid of what they don't know or understand.  Furthermore, I've found that people are most ignorant and rude when they have no personal context.  In other words, people who are most likely to express negative views of immigration, likely do not know anyone or have ever heard any personal stories from people who struggle to "make it" in a new place.  Without ever hearing someone's personal story, it is difficult for some people to empathize.  

     In the epilogue of this book, the author's state, 

    "A renowned historian once said that the history of the United States is fundamentally 

the history of immigration.  Throughout history, U.S. citizens have ambivalently

 welcomed newcomers.  The fear then, as now, focused on whether the immigrants 

would contribute to the American project.  The gift of hindsight demonstrates just 

how essential immigration has been to the making and remaking of America.  

Welcoming and supporting new generations of immigrants to the United States will

ensure that this vital legacy continues." (p. 161)

It seems to me that it is vital to remember that our country has always been made up of immigrants, and this blending of people from different places is at the heart of what it means to be the United States.