By Alejandra Garcia
Page Editor
When people think of an immigrant, they often envision someone who has traveled from another country to the U.S. seeking a better life. However, many also view immigrants as strangers, dangerous or even ‘dirty.’ In recent years, these harmful stereotypes have unfortunately become more common. Living as an immigrant is already challenging, especially when trying to understand a new language. Yet, political views have made it even harder for immigrants, knowing that they are often seen as threats.
Now, imagine what it’s like to be a child of immigrant parents, witnessing the disgust or hatred in people’s eyes as they look at your parents. A first-generation immigrant is the child of one or two parents who have immigrated. People usually focus on their parents because they bear the brunt of judgment, but as a first-generation immigrant, I can attest that we face challenges too.
While some believe that children of immigrant parents have it easier, and in some cases that’s true, we still bear the burden of knowing how much our parents might be hated simply for their skin color. Many assume that society has moved beyond such prejudice, but unfortunately, it persists — albeit in more passive ways. Now, the burden often falls on the children.
Children of immigrant parents often become translators at a young age, learning things they shouldn’t yet need to know. They face unneeded pressure, being exposed to complex matters like finances, taxes or even civil courts. These children might even have to interact with police during high-pressure situations because of language barriers, knowing that a mistake in translation could make life much harder for their family.
This responsibility can strain the parent-child relationship, making children feel like they were born as tools rather than individuals with their own freedom. In some cases, these children become caregivers for their parents, further blurring the traditional roles.
As a result, children of immigrant parents often mature quickly and are forced to navigate adult situations. This can leave them feeling isolated, as their experiences are not relatable to their peers. Some may feel like they don’t belong — in the U.S. or in their parents’ home country. Both places feel unfamiliar and foreign, causing them to doubt their self-worth and even their belief in themselves and their capabilities.
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