We’re all immigrants

We’re born. Somewhere. A geographic location. Maybe move because our parents move. Then we grow up and set out on our own. Often that’s coupled with heading off to college. Another move.

Today it’s rare to find a person who was born, lived and died all within a 25 mile radius (excepting the occasional trip farther away). They do exist. But we are a mobile society. Moving 100s of miles away is not considered a big deal.

We may even move to another state. It’s not like you need an immigration permit to move from Arkansas to Texas (even if they claim to be “a whole other country”).

Celebrating immigrant heritage

The U.S. is a country that celebrates immigrants in many ways. Folks proudly trace their ancestry to someone who came over on the Mayflower. We have heritage festivals. Irish, Scottish, Swedish or German day.

Or we proudly tell how a grandparent or great-grandparent came to this country. Often with next to nothing with them, except the desire to start fresh and build a future for themselves.

I’ve taught Swedish language and culture to Americans (including a university president) who wanted to learn more about their origins in the “olde country”. Again, they were proud of their immigrant roots and heritage.