Nearly every year, I find myself crossing paths with someone who immigrated to America. With packed bags, they moved away in hope of a better life.

But it’s not just some common story. It is the story of my ancestors, and many more like them.

For many immigrants, hope is all that exists. Their hope would be America, to have the common rights of man: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I recall a time when I met a man who only had $2 to his name when he stepped onto American soil. And my heart sunk, I felt my arms begin to weaken, to see the light he had in his eyes just to be stuck in a soup kitchen.

For him that was all the glory he needed. He was filled with joy and humility.

“Llegué a los Estados Unidos; todo va estar bien.”
“I arrived in the United States; everything will be okay,” he said, as he called his family in his native country. I didn’t dare ask his name. This moment is so vivid in my memory even today. How could a man with so little be so content?

But there are many more untold stories like his. The past generations in my family are made up of immigrants just like this nameless man, but today, I say with pride and honor that I am American.

My ancestors fought like many others so that I may have the right to belong. Blood dripped down from my great-grandfather’s face and sweat filled his clothes as he ran for his life to cross the American-Mexican border. He came and brought the foundation from which my family was formed.

And even more so today, people cross that same border to form a foundation for their future generations— that they might have the chance to live a life of freedom, safety and security.

But nothing is given that easy, and hard work must always be instilled. America is just the bridge that helps a person prosper. The person must have the initiative to walk across that bridge.

So when I hear the phrase “America is not the greatest country in the world,” I feel nothing but anger and frustration.

For me, the world would not be where it is today without her. I have seen so many people grow in love, maturity, and success with all the opportunities that this land has to offer. People like my ancestors come here because nowhere else in the world can you go from picking cherries and fruits to being at the zenith of a respected profession.

The problem is that many people don’t take advantage of the opportunities that are offered here. Thus, they are unable to see just how giving and hope-filled America really is. So my question is, why do thousands of people come every year risking their lives?

And yet, others can only complain about the flaws here. In a recollection of history, I gather my deepest gratitude for my country. If it were not for the American blood and strength that was shown throughout Europe as we the people fought against Nazi Germany, where would we be?

The truth is that the freedoms that Americans have are often overlooked.

Many Americans are ungrateful and don’t see how blessed they really are. There is a reason why people die to come here.

Our Constitution works. Our Bill of Rights work. Prosperity is seen when America is mentioned in the eyes of those immigrants.

I wonder if people could see the sweat of their own ancestors, would they have a different perception of America.