Immigrants come across problems such as cultural adaptation and economic hardship, but they contribute essential diversity and talents. Recognizing their humanity and goals is critical. While preserving strong borders, the United States should work toward an honest and equitable immigration system to create a more inclusive society.

Immigration is a hotly debated topic. The lessons from "The Buddha in the Attic" are more relevant than ever. We must strive to create a society that not only welcomes but also values and supports all its members, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our diversity and our shared human experiences.

Reflecting on my own experiences, a previous class assignment significantly influenced my perspective on U.S. immigration. We watched a video depicting an older brother and his younger siblings fleeing their country in hopes of finding safety and opportunity in the United States. The video was disheartening and eye-opening. It initially changed my perspective on immigration, as it showcased the dire circumstances and immense hardships many face in their pursuit of a better life.

Growing up in a sheltered environment, I was largely unaware of the realities of immigration. However, as I've matured and become a parent myself, I can no longer ignore these issues. I empathize deeply with the children in those stories, understanding that all they desire is a chance for a safer, better future. This realization has profoundly shifted my views.

After reading the "Buddha in the Attic" and as an immigrant myself, it really opened at how much crueler immigration was then, but also finding parallels between the difficulties now. Many aspects of American culture comes from immigration and diversity, yet immigrants have been demonized and exploited for years. Families get torn apart constantly, connections get muddied. Not to mention the difficulty of assimilating the culture and being accepted after the difficulty of entering the country. I think there needs to be more empathy and humanity within the immigration process and our society as a whole, whilst still maintaining security.

There were also more discussions in the "Buddha in the Attic" around the immigrant woman identity which I am not used to seeing (but was really happy with). Typically, media puts us under one umbrella and one struggle regardless of our background. But that is far from the truth. In the book, women were exploited not just by the country they thought they would build better lives in, but their own communities too. And this dynamic still exists to this day. It is imperative to acknowledge intersectionality between these two identities so we can learn. This learning is a start to build better empathy so things can change.

There are a couple of reasons why it’s good to have immigrants here. First, they bring diversity, enriching our culture with new perspectives, traditions, and ideas. This diversity makes our society more vibrant and dynamic. Second, immigrants often fill essential jobs and contribute significantly to the economy. They work hard and often take on roles that are crucial for our communities but may be less desirable to others. This hard work helps drive economic growth and innovation. Overall, welcoming immigrants who are legal and contribute positively to society is beneficial for everyone.