The topic of immigration has long been a subject of controversy in the United States, and it continues to be a prominent issue in political discussions as policymakers weigh the economic, security, and humanitarian concerns. Millions cross the American border every year, searching for better opportunities and a dream of building a new life. For them, the elusive American dream is as captivating as ever.
Nevertheless, the reality of being an immigrant in the US has proven to be considerably more demanding than people anticipate. Whether they have legal documentation or not, immigrants face countless challenges, spanning from navigating the intricate legal systems to overcoming linguistic barriers.
These hurdles can be tough to overcome, and they often slow down the transition process into a new culture and environment. Moreover, the recent political debates surrounding immigration and the inability of Congress to reach an agreement on comprehensive immigration reform have fostered an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a distinguished mental health professional and the founder and CEO of Care Counseling Center, has experienced the hardships of life as an immigrant first-hand. Inspired by her life journey as a child of immigrants who moved from the Dominican Republic to the US, hoping to secure a better future, Dr. Rodriguez has devoted her career to helping immigrant families transition to their American lives more smoothly.
“There are a lot of emotions involved when transitioning from one country to another. Feelings of loneliness, embarrassment due to not knowing the language or mispronouncing words, and not fitting in are the most common ones,” Dr. Rodriguez explains, adding that fitting into a new culture can be particularly difficult for immigrant children and teenagers who often face a lack of support and understanding from their new peers.
While the language barrier is one of the most significant obstacles immigrants face, the issues of obtaining a work permit and citizenship, finding housing, and having access to medical services are critical. “The process is long and exhausting, and without guidance from the community and professionals who can offer expert advice, establishing a life in a new country can be incredibly overwhelming.”
Immigrants are the most vulnerable group regarding housing since they face severe setbacks when trying to find safe and affordable homes. However, these issues go far beyond the homeownership statistics.
Many recently settled immigrants can’t afford to pay rent since they don’t have a job waiting for them. In addition to that, the cost burden for illegal immigrants is much higher than for their legal counterparts.
“It’s a vicious cycle. People want to be here legally. They want to work, find a house, and build a better life for their families. But, many can’t afford a house since they don’t have any money, and they don’t have money because they are jobless, and working without a permit is extremely risky,” Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes.
Dr. Rodriguez further highlights that families with small children are especially vulnerable among immigrant communities. She had experienced numerous difficulties growing up in the United States, from racial and gender discrimination to a lack of access to certain essential services.
Still, Dr. Rodriguez maintains that the curveballs life had thrown at her made her stronger and more resilient. Her unique position as an immigrant and a bilingual and highly educated professional has allowed her to help countless others navigate the intricacies of the American legal system.
By providing guidance and specialized services tailored to immigrant families, including essential mental health, Immigration, and Social services, Dr. Rodriguez empowers immigrant communities to overcome their hardships more easily.
“I know first-hand that the journey of an immigrant is arduous, but with resilience and support, everyone can turn their dreams into reality,” Dr. Rodriguez says. “I encourage everyone to view their challenges as an opportunity for strength and growth. Together, I know that we can build a rich society where diverse talents and stories can thrive.”
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