AN IMMIGRANT’S TALE

 

Most people would agree that the more you get to know someone, the more human they become. As you learn about someone’s background, struggles, and motivations, the less bias is placed on their ethnic background, political views, or quirky personalities. In our divided tribal nation, simply having a pleasant conversation with others in the community who hold opposite political views can reveal shared connections and a new perspective.

This same principle holds true regarding the complex issue of how immigration should be viewed. Getting to know a recent immigrant’s individual journey in coming to America and efforts to build a life for their family is an important component in calming the angry rhetoric and divisive tensions that have developed. 

The nation’s broad policy discussions on immigration normally focus on history, the law, economics, and the prejudices of white America. There is minimal consideration of individual immigrants and their incredible stories of hard work, sacrifice, and willingness to assimilate to become part of a shared future.

It is not surprising that urban areas often label themselves “sanctuary cities” while rural communities are more on board with the Trump administration’s efforts to indiscriminately round up millions of immigrants and to deport them. Many recent immigrants have set down roots in our cities and are an important part of urban life. They have become “human” as they participate in workplaces, schools, and houses of worship. They have developed close community ties. 

On the other hand, immigrants in rural areas are far fewer and often appear only seasonally to pick crops or to work at temporary construction sites. These immigrants rarely become an integral part of the community. Accordingly, rural residents often rely on Fox News, spewing out MAGA rhetoric, as their only frame of reference on immigration. 

In this commentary, I will share an immigrant’s tale of the woman who married my brother. Her story has done more to shape my views on immigration than any Congressional policy paper or cable news discussion. If all of us could experience a similar situation, immigration policy could be resolved in a more humane and responsible fashion.

Bhavani (affectionately called B) was born in the tropical city of Madras in southern India. She was an outstanding student who found her passion in the field of science, graduating with a top national scholarship award for her academic achievements. She followed in the footsteps of her scientist father and worked as a young businesswoman in the medical field.

My brother and B met through family and were married in India in the early 90s. B obtained her “green card” and left behind her family, business, and friends for a new life in America.

Despite her extensive training and experience, B worked in a day care center for several years. During this time, she applied for accreditation equivalence and took specialized courses at local universities on the newest techniques in her field.

Recognized for her talent, she was offered positions in biological research at three different companies. In 1998, she began working as a research scientist at a large biopharmaceutical company in NJ that focused on the research, development, and commercialization of therapies for hematological cancers and immune-inflammatory diseases. B applied for and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.

One of the most prestigious annual competitions for scientific excellence in New Jersey is the Edison Awards where winners are chosen as the “best of the best” within their respective categories. The awards honor excellence in new products, service development, and innovation.  After 15 years of research, at a black-tie dinner, B’s team was presented with an Edison Award for their discovery of a novel cell therapy to treat leukemia patients.

B currently continues her research where there are unmet medical needs. Her projects are confidential and require long hours and dedication. Her work never missed a beat during the pandemic and was considered an essential occupation. 

This immigrant’s tale has made a difference that should not be taken for granted. Most of her team members over the years were born and/or educated abroad. She has worked with research scientists from Japan, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Korea, Egypt, Ireland, Israel, Estonia, France, and Germany. B gave an enthusiastic shout-out to the skills and dedication of all these researchers who emigrated to America. 

Since Trump came to office, he has drastically cut science research budgets at major universities and has restricted immigration of bright foreign scientists like B. Two additional MAGA agendas are to punish research universities for their liberalism and to curtail research at federal health agencies for their views on pandemics and vaccines. This brain drain will quickly degrade our nation’s innovative engine that has produced cutting edge discoveries that save lives. 

According to the New York Times, “In the American defense industry and in fields like engineering and life sciences, at least half the workers with doctorates are foreign-born.” Europe and China have started massive recruitment campaigns to relocate our nation’s best foreign scientists, who are no longer able to complete their research here.

B is concerned about the loss of university research funds and of its talent pool. For decades, collaboration between private companies and universities has strengthened both entities. 

Before reaching conclusions on immigration, take a recent immigrant to lunch and hear your own tale of sacrifice, success, and of love for our country. You will gain a new perspective.