An Immigration Story-> (still) The Land of Opportunity

On my TV, news and reality shows about immigrants are about illegal’s. 
They cast a poor reflection on all immigrants. 

I must reach way back to remember the stories from my
Grandma Mary Cahill Cronshey Kohn, who told me about her great
grandparents coming from Sweden. My Dad’s family
emigrated from Ireland.   

For a moment I wonder what it would be like as an immigrant today.

So on Sunday, Chapel Hill Realtor Claire Billingsley called me saying she has
clients who need to be mortgage pre-approved today or Monday (July 4th), as
they all work during the week.

More importantly, both interpreters were available this weekend.
So we met the morning of the 4^th.

After our application….
I was impressed.
Maybe moved.
Certainly admiring.
Let me explain.

Asian Immigrants.

Mom and Dad, both working.
Three working daughters.
One working son.
Two younger children at home.

The daughters speak some English, and
liked the practice and communication when we met.

The FAMILY saved for down
payment and closing costs.
With more than enough left over.

Their income is “family income.”
All members.  

They all have Green Cards.
They all have Social Security Cards.

From my desk, they are a very together family.

I was curious about them.
After the mortgage application I asked the Father how
long they have been in the USA?

After the interpreter asked the question he looked at
me and said “ 2007.”

And all faces in the room lighted up with big smiles.
And I think I saw gratitude.
And pride being in America.

Then one said “from Thailand.”

I remember reading about the refugee path from Asian countries, to Thailand,
and eventually the USA. Documentaries are made about these journeys.
Was it Angelina Jolie who visited one of the refugee camps in Thailand?

So, less than 3.5 years in the USA, and they are buying their first home.
They all have jobs.
They are independent.
No local or fed government assistance.

Though I can’t confirm, I bet they are not caught up in the daily barrage
of bad economic news.  (OK, the language barrier may have something to do with that.)

They are too busy making their dream come true.

They didn’t ask about:
First Time Home Tax Credits.
Or, down payment assistance.
Or, special loan programs for immigrants.
Or, low income housing.

They came to the USA for a better life of their own making.
And for opportunity that is nowhere else.
For their family.
For themselves.
No excuses.
They just did it.

I believe this is the people and attitude that makes the USA a
leading destination around the world. 

And what makes America great.