This Fourth of July, America celebrates 250 years of independence. But for millions of immigrants, their American story didn’t begin in 1776; it began the day they arrived.
Today, more than 47 million people living in the U.S. were born in another country. Behind that number are stories of risk, reinvention, and the hope of something better.
What does America mean to you? Three men from three countries share three very different stories of their journeys to America.
“America means to me the opportunity that I couldn’t get in my country,” said Marcelo Santo, who escaped Argentina’s economic collapse. “One people in three people have pain in your stomach because they don’t have anything to put on the table for the food.”
Rodrigo Alvarez left Chile with his wife and daughter, selling everything to build a future in America.
“The American dream for my kids,” said Alvarez.
Manuel Tabata, on the other hand, had to leave his family behind in Venezuela.
“When I got here, I found a beautiful country, beautiful people,” Tabata said. “The first two years was the worst part.”
While immigration remains one of America’s most divisive issues, a recent Gallup poll found a record-high 79% of Americans now say immigration is a good thing for the country.
But starting over isn’t easy for those who choose to come to America, and what Americans have grown up with and often take for grante, these immigrants cherish.
“The law is respect for all peoples,” said Alvarez.
“You have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association,” explained Santo.
And they’re honest about what still needs work …
“The access to the healthcare,” explained Santo.
And for all three men, the American dream turned out to be more than opportunity. It became home.
“I love pancakes,” said Tabata.
“I eat turkey every Thanksgiving,” said Santo.
“I love the Green Bay Packers,” said Alvarez.
At 250, America is still arguing over who belongs, who gets in, and what the dream really means. But for Alvarez, Santo and Tabata, the answer is simple.
“The American dream is still alive,” said Santo.
“America is the land of opportunities,” explained Tabata.
“It’s the best decision in my life,” said Alvarez.
Immigration is also a story of numbers.
Pew Research estimates about 14 million unauthorized immigrants live in the U.S. today.
For those coming legally, the road to citizenship can be long. Most immigrants must first become lawful permanent residents, then generally wait at least five years before applying for U.S. citizenship or three years if they’re married to a U.S. citizen.
And even then, the application process itself can take more than a year.