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Post #4 

Every year in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, federal employees swear in America's newest citizens.  After years of living here, having their background scrutinized, and passing a fairly rigorous citizenship test, these longtime residents are invited to raise their right arm and swear an oath of loyalty to the United States.

Immigration and immigrants' rights have been hotly debated in our country since its founding.  Since few of us have Native Americans as our ancestors, we are probably descendants of immigrants.  Whether our arrival in the States was many generations ago... or very recent, most of us are proud and very grateful to be living here.

After this year's naturalization ceremony, I chatted briefly with some of those who had just been beautifully welcomed in a speech by Gaithersburg Councilmember Jud Ashman.  Among those I met were new Americans who had come here from India, Peru, Liberia, Jamaica, Ghana, Brazil, Belgium, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.  I would love to have heard their stories.  Had they fled war, famine, or economic hardships?  Had they come here to follow their heart, to reunite with family, or accept a job opportunity? 

As surprising as it may be in our increasingly diverse County, some people don't often cross paths with people of a different ethnic, linguistic, or economic background.  In addition to sampling foreign food and appreciating the music from another country, we could try to begin from a place of curiosity.  Why did they come to the States?  What do they miss?  Do they have family elsewhere, and can they visit safely?  Perhaps we can explain some of the more confusing American customs that may be new to them.  Invite them to neighborhood events where they can make new friends.

The United States has always been a great nation, in great part because we learn and grow as we have embraced other peoples and their cultures.  Policy differences aside, let's welcome the people who live in our community.  Their kids are in our schools, they patronize our businesses, and they share many of our hopes and dreams for their future.  Let's do our part to make their transition an easy one.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you have an opportunity to interact with new Americans?  What has (or has not) worked in those relationships?   Send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#4) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.