Immigrants Share How The Word Doesn't Define Them

With immigration being a major part of the next election, and also a topic on everyone’s minds internationally, BuzzFeed UK’s video titled "I’m An Immigrant, But I’m Not..." couldn’t have come at a better time. It seems like there is a negative connotation to immigration these days, and as an immigrant myself I find it really disheartening that people are still stuck in a very archaic mindset.

All we have to do is listen to Donald Trump’s ideas on immigration to realize that many people in the United States seem to have forgotten their own origins. As someone who immigrated to America, I have faced my share of stereotypes. It was really refreshing to hear other voices speak on the issue and dissolve some of misunderstandings.

I love this video because, unlike Donald Trump, the people talking are actual immigrants. They have been through the experience of moving away from what they know best, to a new place filled with possibilities. I hope that many people watch this and not only relate, but take time to change their perceptions. This world is big enough for everyone and we should just need to open up a little. Below are some of the most powerful moments of the video:

1. Immigrant Is Just A Term

I completely relate to this concept. Maybe at the start of my move to America, I felt like an outsider. Now I feel like a blend of my culture and American culture makes up my identity. Immigrant is just a legal term. It does not define you.

2. People Are Still Scared Of Us

There seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding on how the job market works. Also, just like... how the world works too. You see the amount of problems this planet is facing? And you still think we wont have enough jobs to go around?

3. Stereotypes Are Really Hurtful

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, "Oh, you're Russian? I guess you're a spy!" or "You must drink a lot!" I would be Richard Branson rich. You clearly have a warped perception of what an immigrant from that region is like. I would recommend reading more before using generalizations.

4. We Are All Immigrants

This was the most powerful moment for me in the video. At the end of the day, history has been a map of migration by people of any region. Our ancestors have always moves from place to place. That is our nature! So hearing it being used in a negative way makes me laugh. Our history is traveling.

Watch the full video below!

Images: YouTube (5)