New beginnings: Tales of an immigration experience

Introduction

Before taking this course, my understanding of immigration was limited, but I have gained a better understanding while completing this assignment. I interviewed my family friend Mohammad Zayed. The reason I thought of and interviewed Mohammad Zayed was because I recall how he briefly shared his immigration story. I knew that he had grown up in Jordan but I wanted to learn more about his journey to the United States. When I asked him if I could interview him, he gladly accepted. Throughout my interview, I learned more about his culture, family, and community dynamics, along with his life story. Hearing his story helped me better understand the immigration process and shed light on the obstacles that can affect an immigrant’s journey in America.

Early life

Mohammad was born and raised in Jordan. His mother has consistently worked as an educator, primarily teaching Islamic courses, while his father currently pursues a career as an accountant. Mohammad was raised on a farm and recounted his experience of tending to the farm animals. Because of this, they were able to make many homemade meals. He described how in Jordan there was not a lot of schoolwork.  Jordan was more family-oriented than his experience living in America. He shared how here, in America, many people move out at 18. He described how “Over there, you move out when you get married- that’s the normal.” The differences in age expectations reflect broader cultural practices and values regarding family structure, independence, and the timing of life transitions. Different places hold different beliefs and cultural norms shape individuals’ perceptions of what is considered normal or acceptable. Mohammad explained how he had the flexibility to pursue his activities rather than adhering to a rigid school schedule. He and his brothers participated in farm work and assisted their father in his shop, gaining valuable practical skills. His mention of the cultural differences between Jordan and America reflects the cultural adjustments that individuals may undergo when immigrating to a new country.

In class we learned about “push and pull” factors that contribute to migration. The forces in sending societies that promote out-migration are push factors. The forces in receiving societies that create a demand for immigrant workers are pull factors. When I asked Mohammad why his family immigrated to America he stated “We came here for a better education and a better life.” The desire for a better education is a significant driver of immigration. Many individuals and families migrate to access educational opportunities that may be more diverse than those available in their home country. Another example of a “pull factor” is the prospect of employment. Mohammad shared how his family was able to find jobs pretty easily. He shared how his grandparents had migrated to the United States before them. The help of social ties and resources are considered to be “pull” factors. After considering these factors Mohammad’s family applied for a visa to go to the U.S., and a couple of years later, their visa was accepted. In class, we learned how push factors will take priority over pull. Mohammad did not express to me any specific push factors that contributed to their reason for leaving. 

When Mohammad arrived he resided in Virginia and he spoke no English. He described how when he went to elementary school “There is a thing called English as a second language, and it’s special classes where they separate you from the other children for a while, where you’ll learn more English.” Mohammad’s initial lack of proficiency in English upon arrival is a common challenge faced by immigrants. The mention of enrolling in the “English as a second language” program in elementary school indicates efforts to overcome the language barrier.  Mohammad stated, “My family doesn’t speak a lot of English because they never learned it- they just work around it.” When Mohammed communicates to his parents whether that be at home, calls, or texts it is always in Arabic. While his family may have managed with limited English, this can affect their ability to fully engage in the broader English-speaking community, potentially limiting access to certain opportunities or experiences. 

Ties to Home Country

Photo by Anton Lecock on Unsplash

I asked Mohammad if he had the opportunity to visit Jordan since moving to the United States. He shared that In high school; he used to visit every two years, but ever since his junior year of high school, he has not due to the demands of his college commitments. I asked Mohammad if there were any cultural traditions or celebrations that he missed from Jordan. He shared Eid. He said he continues to celebrate it here, but it isn’t the same. In Jordan Eid is a huge event where many people celebrate it, he says “I just missed the big scale aspect of it.” Over here he described how the holiday is a lot smaller and mainly his family. Aspects of cultural events and traditions may hold significant importance and contribute to a sense of cultural identity for immigrants, even if they attempt to maintain these practices in their new environments. He described how Arabic food is a large part of his culture. He states that his mom makes it every once in a while, and it can be nostalgic, reminding him of his hometown. Food often serves as a powerful cultural anchor for immigrants, connecting them to their heritage and offering a taste of home.

Integrating

I asked Mohammad if he feels integrated into the broader society of the U. S. He shared how George Mason has other immigrant students he connects with, even from Jordan. He shared how there’s a lot of diversity there, which he likes. Educational institutions play a large role in fostering diversity and providing a supportive environment for individuals from various cultural backgrounds to connect and share experiences. Mohammed shared how he has worked three jobs since being in America. He worked at an arts and crafts store, as a mechanic assistant, and at Home Depot. He shared how they all were great jobs and he believes his immigrant status has not hindered his ability to find a job. 

Hardships

Mohammed is a first-generation college student. He has come a long way and is pursuing a degree in engineering. I asked Mohammad if he had experienced any discrimination while being here. He explained how in elementary school when he first moved kids didn’t know any better and they made fun of him because he looked different from them. Mohammad shared how there can be misconceptions and stereotypes about his home country. He stated “It’s normal, I don’t really get bothered by it. You’re gonna get made fun of, people are going to look at you differently but it shouldn’t bother you, and should just keep going.” This resonated with me. This was upsetting to hear because this should not be “normal”. This quote by Audre Lorde is powerful “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”- Audre Lorde. I love this quote, we should embrace our differences, and refrain from discriminatory attitudes. Promoting cultural understanding, educating people about different backgrounds, and encouraging open conversations can help break down stereotypes and misconceptions. Mohammed’s story highlights the importance of acknowledging the existence of discrimination while also emphasizing the need for positive change. I asked Mohamed about his thoughts on the immigration process and he shared how it is very long. It took them a long time for them to get their visa. But he shared how he understands why because of safety measures and in the end it worked out. 

Moving Forward

When I asked Mohammad about his future plans, he shared how he wants to stay here, have a job as an engineer, and raise a family. He said “I want my kids to be able to speak Arabic. I’m going to take them to Arabic school, teach them Arabic, and about my religion as well, which is Islam.” Mohammad’s aspirations for his future family reflect a desire to preserve his cultural identity and pass it on to the next generation. By emphasizing the importance of teaching his children Arabic and sharing aspects of his faith, he is contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within his new community.

I asked Mohammad if he could give a piece of advice to someone who’s about to go on a similar immigration journey. And he stated they should “stay dedicated to learning the language.” Because his parents put that off, and now they feel like it is too late for them, as they barely speak any English. Mohammad’s advice about staying dedicated to learning the language is valuable and speaks to the importance of effective communication in navigating a new environment. Language proficiency not only facilitates interactions but also opens up opportunities for education, employment, and social integration. Lastly, I asked if there was anything he wanted to say that I did not cover in the interview and he shared “It’s not as bad as people think. At first, it gets really hard, but it’s definitely worth it. It’s a lot better than where you’re coming from.” Mohammad recognizes that the early stages of immigration can be difficult. This can involve the process of adapting to a new culture, navigating unfamiliar systems, or facing initial challenges in a new environment. Despite the initial hardships, he shares that the immigration experience is valuable and worthwhile. This can include personal growth, improved opportunities, better quality of life, and more.

Conclusion 

This interview with Mohammad provided an insightful look into the journey of an immigrant. His story illustrates the role push and pull factors play in migration decisions. His family’s pursuit of better education and improved quality of life, coupled with the support of social ties in the U.S., reflects the web of motivations that lead individuals and families to embark on immigration journeys. The interview shed light on the cultural adjustments Mohamed faced upon arrival, from language barriers to the preservation of his cultural identity. His resilience in the face of discrimination, along with his commitment to maintaining his heritage, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and fostering understanding. The hardships Mohamed encountered, such as the initial challenges of discrimination and the long immigration process, underscore the need for continued efforts to create an inclusive environment for immigrants. Looking ahead, Mohamed’s aspirations for his future and his advice to future immigrants highlight the ongoing journey of adaptation and integration. His emphasis on the importance of language proficiency resonates as a valuable lesson, emphasizing the role it plays not only in individual success but also in contributing to the broader fabric of society. In sharing his story, Mohamed contributes to a broader narrative of diversity, resilience, and the shared human experience of building a better future.