This I Believe

THIS I BELIEVE.

Recently it was Super Bowl Sunday and being an alien who knows absolutely nothing about Football, the only reason I know this was because the Rolling Stones were the half time entertainment and with the new advertisements, the only part I actually watched. Apologies to all fans, teams and sponsors. But what did interest me was the next day’s commentary not about the game but about the pre-game singer’s interpretation of (The Star Spangled Banner). Where in the world does an individual have the right to choose not only how you want to sing something so sacred but also the right to actually perform it that way in public and not get arrested and or executed? By some commentary I think the singer should be very pleased this is a civilized society!

Which brings me to this. I am a legal alien. I am a white African born woman who is trying to become an African American. Going through legal immigration processes is a very taxing, trying and tormenting experience even discarding the monetary costs. My husband and I are a league of nations and are currently living the process in the (Land of the Free).

Why do people risk life and limb, indebt themselves and their families forever and give up everything they had, to make, in many cases, a horrifying journey to live in America?

In the course of our travels and living in this limbo status, I have met many people who have made the legal transition and some who are illegal.

America is made of immigrants who have over the generations made this their home through their blood, sweat and tears. Americans have fought many wars over the last hundred or so years and currently still fight to defend the intrinsic right of Freedom of Choice in a democratic society.

Moving from a third world country to a free, civilized and democratic western society is one of the most liberating experiences. And this is why so many people swim the Rio Grande, hide in containers and sneak in any way they can. And why those who think they can, pay a small fortune for the privilege of being a legal alien.

I believe everyone has the right to choose to live and support their families in a just and equitable society with consideration and tolerance for all. It is with this reasoning that we do not understand how someone can kill themselves and innocent others. It is this reasoning that wars will still be fought. It is this reasoning that makes parents bring their children across rivers and through deserts so they can provide a better future.

It is this reasoning that America will always be the land of the free and the home of the brave and I look forward to the day I can proudly say the Pledge of Allegiance.

We want to be here to live the American dream. This I believe.