A Personal Story of Immigration by Maria-Paz

Over the course of the last few months, Lia and Mateo have learned about many stories of migration – from Austria’s Hapsburgs who came from Switzerland to the Irish going to the United States during the Potato Famine, to the Jewish fleeing their countries to safety during World War II. Immigration is deeply ingrained in our world’s history and throughout scripture. And today I want to share one story that is near and dear to our hearts.

I am the proud daughter of first-generation immigrants. From an early age, I knew I was different. I repeated kindergarten at the age of five because I did not know English. My family was confronted many times by our racist next-door neighbor, and it was not uncommon to find my brother or me translating for my parents while growing up. When it comes to immigrants, we so often hear about the most remarkable ‘American Dream’ stories. But let me tell you about a much humbler and more personal story of a new American – my mom. After almost 50 years as a hard-working resident in the US, my mom became a US citizen just last month.

On March 23, 1979, my mom flew from Montevideo to Washington DC with not much more than one suitcase, a few dollars, and a bilingual assistant degree from Uruguay. Determined to find work before her tourist visa expired, she applied to the Pan-American World Health Organization and was hired less than 15 days after her arrival. She worked there for twelve consecutive years and then went on to become a very successful executive assistant at the World Bank for an additional thirty years. During this time, she met my dad, got married, and had my brother and me. She worked hard, she contributed to her community, and she earned the privilege to be an American.

But this story isn’t just about her accomplishments, though quite impressive. It’s about so many immigrant stories, however modest they may be, that together make countries, like the United States, unique and prosperous, and that propel it to strive for more. It’s what truly makes America wonderful – different cultures, inspirational stories of achievement, and our celebration of differences. It’s about the communities of Americans that received newcomers like my mom with open arms and open hearts and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. It's about acceptance and treating immigrants like my mom with dignity and respect, whether they’re pursuing a dream, seeking safety, or a place to call home. None of it could have been possible if my mom had not been welcomed into this country and offered a chance and opportunity to succeed. And for me, it’s the lens through which I will always see immigration as a Christian – an opportunity to love our neighbor, offer hospitality and treat newcomers with eternal dignity that exceeds their earthly circumstances and origin.

We are all immigrants in one way or another and brothers and sisters in Christ. Let's celebrate! Congrats mami!