July (ish) 2009.
“You can’t act too nice, they’ll get suspicious. But you don’t want to be stiff either, they’ll think you’re hiding something.”
These words of advice were directed to me for my interview. I was applying for my student visa to the United States.
I was 19. I smiled and nod my head in reply, as if I knew what this somber advice actually meant. Not really.
“Oh,” the advice continues, “you shouldn’t smile too much. That will look like you’re trying too hard and that will make them —“
Suspicious. Of course.
The day comes and here I was, in line with about a hundred other people. After a couple hours, it was my turn. I handed over an envelope with all the requirements. The man behind the glass wall looks at me and asks me a few questions.
I answer robotically.
He then cracks a joke and before I can crack a smile, I stop myself.
It’s a trap!
This man is suspicious!
Before I can further process all of this, it’s over. I’m out the door, next person in line.
Was not laughing at a joke a sign of bad English comprehension which makes me a bad candidate as a student… Or was not laughing at a joke a good sign of a serious student?… Maybe it wasn’t even really a joke?!
I got the visa.
I therefore conclude that the joke was a trap and that NOT laughing at it was a sign of a serious student with serious intentions. Let me now pass on this vital piece of information to anyone who cares to listen.
Shake your head. Roll your eyes. You might think this story, especially the conclusion is ridiculous. Or maybe even a little funny.
If so, then you are right.
And yet as ridiculous as this conclusion was, this is how immigration is often viewed all over the world today:
- Often based on stories / hearsay you can’t prove or disprove.
- Point of views that are often supported by “facts or proof” which could have been, at best, supporting evidences, or at worst, merely coincidences. (Regardless, it is at this point, a “statistic” is born)
- A vicious cycle of suspicion birthing more suspicion. (A statistic is spread)
- Quick, sensationalized headlines and news that prey on our emotions without much weight or depth or research. ( A statistic is made viral)
- Which in turn creates conclusions that are very rarely intelligent or rational (A stereotype is created)
- Which is scary because these not-thought-out conclusions are dictating public opinion (A stereotype is weaponized)
- Which is dangerous because these very flimsy social sentiments are being used to support laws and regulations that does not and cannot actually serve the greater good. (A stereotype is legalized)
If you read / hear nothing else on this post, just hear me out on those 7 things and carry them with you as you go about your day.
At 19, I’ve lived in the Philippines for almost all of my adult life. Most of the people around me were pretty similar to me — religion, language, skin color. Although I am half-Egyptian, in a lot of ways I grew up fully Filipino. I was very much in the majority.
I only understand now how that in itself is a privilege.
Concepts like diversity, race, social & cultural justice were not something I really thought of. I didn’t think nor cared about immigration.
And yet moving to the US when I was 20 y/o—amidst a kaleidoscope of people, flipped a lot of my world view.
At 30, I find that slowly but surely the word “immigrant” has now become very closely attached to my identity — whether I liked it or not.
It’s all cool. I actually do like it.
I mean if you subscribe to the mainstream religious story, Abraham was an immigrant.
I also recently read how young Buddha left the comforts of home to see life and seek enlightenment.
Scientifically, the very first people on earth, said to be from Africa, also moved. They walked, very possibly to find food and survive the extreme temperatures.
So what is immigration? I think, very simply, it is the movement of people.
A tale as old as time. Well, actually, probably older than our concept of time.
Of course you might also know that birds migrate, so they do it too. They move.
So… let’s first and foremost, not mistake immigration as a modern human invention.
People, or just plain, living beings, move (and have always moved) for so, so, many different reasons.
It’s not a political statement. It’s just a fact of life.
Way before a few men started chopping up the world. Way before a few men started drawing lines.
What *is* political is demonizing such a natural urge and condemning that very human survival instinct.
I’ve thought about immigration quiet a lot for the past few years. But I never really spoke about it because I never felt I can contribute much to this sticks & stones conversation.
So everytime someone spoke of this topic, I tried to listen. I also kept silent.
But then 2016 happened. And Brexit happened… And it is quite something to realize that in a huge way, (whether people cared to admit it or not) — a statistic I am part of ( which is the “issue” of Immigration) — has tipped and molded a lot of these historical events.
So here I am…
Because if there is one thing I will always remember in my US citizenship exam, it is that one of the main reasons for the American Revolution is this: “No taxation without representation.”
(Taxation — Aha! The Pandora’s box of the documented and undocumented immigrant.)
Hold up, that’s for another day :)
This July 4th though… I think about you, a human being, whether you stayed or moved, your decision is yours. I respect and trust that you know this to be your path and made it with the best possible intentions.
And to you, who like me, is now called an Immigrant/Expat (documented or not), I tip my hat to you with a special shoutout.
Whether you’ve been forced to migrate because of circumstances outside your control or did it willingly — I celebrate you.
It really is impossible to put into words what it takes to pack up and move. The amount of risk, misgivings, doubt, daring, courage, fear, vulnerability, ignorance, faith, and most of all, hope… to pack up and say, “I am going to survive and find a better life. Whatever it takes.”
What is more human than that?
I will always advocate and encourage people to find their place in this world — whether that means putting down roots or uprooting yourself, if necessary. Because I truly believe that once you find your place, I am all the better for it. And once I find mine, you are too.
Look at the map 200 hundred years ago. Look at the map today. Borders change like shifting sand. Countries colapse and rise. Politicians come and go.
What remains constant? The brotherhood and sisterhood of people, reaching across the globe, spanning centuries into the past and the future . (And the constant efforts of the power-hungry to cut these ties and undermine this one thing that unites us all).
What remains constant? The unending quest for knowledge and progress and liberty. (And to this end, the unending vigilance we all need against confusion, regression and shackling)
What remains constant is the pursuit of freedom…
Until every single one of us is free at last, free at last. ✌️
Have a good 4th ‘Merica! ♥️
