Every day, people around the world make one of the most important decisions in their lives: to leave the country they were born in and start a new life elsewhere. This movement is often motivated by a desire to pursue greater economic opportunity or to join family members living abroad. But it’s also a reaction to the ravages of war, natural disasters or large-scale human rights violations. Since the earliest days of our existence, people have sought out a new home – sometimes for a few years, others for generations.
The United States is a country built, in part, by immigrants, and we are fortunate to continue to welcome many people who bring new skills, knowledge and perspectives to our communities. However, the decision to migrate isn’t easy, and it comes with a host of challenges.
Some people choose to migrate for work or study opportunities, while others are forced to leave due to poverty, political instability, gang violence or environmental factors. The terms refugee, asylum seeker and migrant are used interchangeably in the news and on social media, but they all refer to people who have left their homes for the sake of survival. Whether they are refugees, asylum seekers or migrants, they are all making brave and courageous choices to build a better future for themselves and their families.
There are numerous benefits to immigrating to the United States, including access to high-quality education, affordable healthcare and a rich cultural heritage. Immigrants are also more likely to be employed, which has a positive impact on the economy. They can provide much-needed labor in industries such as agriculture, construction and food service. In addition, their children are more likely to be well-educated and become leaders in their fields, bringing prosperity to their communities and the nation as a whole.
One of the biggest pros of living in the US is its incredible array of outdoor activities. From endless deserts to impressive mountains and lakes, there is a lot of nature to enjoy in the United States. This is especially true if you live in an area that has a moderate climate. However, the US can experience extreme weather conditions like blizzards, tornadoes and hurricanes.
As we continue to navigate challenging times, it is important to have discussions about immigration grounded in facts. As the city of New York and the country as a whole continue to welcome people fleeing persecution, it is imperative that we support policies that allow them to thrive here and that we remember that they are not alone. The grass may not always be greener, but the freedoms and opportunities of a prosperous and diverse society are available to all. If you’re interested in learning more about immigration, please visit our Immigration Fact Sheet. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest immigration updates.