Quotessence
Home / Topics / Immigrant Experience Quotes

Immigrant Experience Quotes

Browse 83 quotes about Immigrant Experience.

Immigrant Experience Quotes

“I made many decisions, some awful and others brilliant, but I found ways to keep that openness in my soul that meant more to me than breathing. I told them over the years what I was doing, how I was trying what no one in my family had ever tried to do. When I was failing, I admitted that as well, and they listened politely. I also knew that’s all they could do. One lonely night in Connecticut, I pulled myself from a window’s ledge. No one else next to me. Another day I chose to do something someone like me should have never accomplished, and yet I did, and kept going. I learned to recognize when others, like Jean, were much better than me, because they had faith in my soul. I believed in very little, but I kept going until I would get tired or defeated, and then I would take time to discover another wall to throw myself at. I was, and I am, and I will be, a peculiar kind of immigrant’s son. I got old, and that made everything better, including me.”

StoriesImmigrantsStoryShort StoriesImmigrant ExperienceSergio TroncosoImmigrant FictionShort Story Writing
Book:A Peculiar Kind of Immigrant's Son
Create image

“It was so incomprehensible how a man could fail to see it. Here were all the opportunities of the country, the land and the buildings upon the land, the railroads, the mines, the factories, and the stores. All in the hands of a few private individuals, called capitalists, for whom the people were obliged to work, for wages. The whole balance of what the people produced went to heap up the fortunes of these capitalists. To heap, and heap again, and yet again. And that, in spite of the fact that they and everyone about them lived in unthinkable luxury. And was it not plain that if the people cut off the share of those who merely owned, the share of those who worked would be much greater? That was as plain as two and two makes four, and that was the whole of it. Absolutely, the whole of it. And yet, there were people who could not see it. Who would argue about everything else in the world. They would tell you that governments could not mange things as economically as private individuals. They would repeat and repeat that and think they were saying something. They could not see that economical management by masters, meant simply that they, the people, were worked harder, and ground closer, and paid less. They were wage owners and servants at the mercy of exploiters, whose one thought was to get as much out of them as possible.”

HistoryCapitalismSocial JusticeSocialism20th CenturyAmericanImmigrant ExperienceThe JungleMuckraking
Book:The Jungle
Create image

“When immigrants arrive in another country, we experience a lot of stress. We learn a new language, go to school, and work in a new environment, which is most likely some survival or transitional job initially. We probably lose social and professional status, and the overall experience is unpleasant and stressful. It sucks. I’ve been there myself. We also have less time compared with locals. For example, we have to spend time learning English - they don’t. Most likely, they can get a job with a higher pay. In our case, we most likely get a minimum-paying job first, which means we have to work more and longer hours. This means that if we want to progress in private and business life at the same rate as locals, we need to be better organized, more efficient, and more disciplined and use more effective and innovative tools and approaches. There is no other way around it. Therefore, I wanted to emphasize that we immigrants need our unique approach to dating.”

Immigrant ExperienceImmigrant ValuesImmigrant Romance
Author:Max Smirnoff
Create image

“Again, this week as I walked on Broadway, in front of giant photographs of voluptuous supermodels at a Victoria Secret mega-store, who was rebuilding the sidewalks? With sweaty headbands, ripped-up jeans, and dust on their brown faces? Their muscled hands quivered as they worked the jack-hammers and lugged the concrete chunks into dump trucks. Two men from Guanajuato. Undocumented workers. They both shook my hand vigorously, as if they were relieved I wasn’t an INS officer. I imagined how much money Victoria Secret was making off these poor bastards. I wondered why passersby didn’t see what was in front of their faces. We use these workers. We profit from them. In the shadows, they work to the bone, for pennies. And it’s so easy to blame them for everything and nothing simply because they are powerless, and dark-skinned,and speak with funny accents. Illegal is illegal. It is a phrase, shallow and cruel, that should prompt any decent American to burn with anger.”

ImmigrantsLatinoHispanicIllegal ImmigrationImmigrant ExperienceChicanoSergio TroncosoUndocumented WorkersImmigrant Values
Book:Crossing Borders: Personal Essays
Create image

“We loved them. We hated them. We wanted to be them. How tall they were, how lovely, how fair. Their long, graceful limbs. Their bright white teeth. Their pale, luminous skin, which disguised all seven blemishes of the face. Their odd but endearing ways, which ceased to amuse - their love for A.I. sauce and high, pointy-toed shoes, their funny, turned-out walk, their tendency to gather in each other's parlors in large, noisy groups and stand around talking, all at once, for hours. Why, we wondered, did it never occur to them to sit down? They seemed so at home in the world. So at ease. They had a confidence that we lacked. And much better hair. So many colors. And we regretted that we could not be more like them.”

Immigrant ExperienceJapanese Women
Book:The Buddha in the Attic
Create image

“I want you to be very successful. Remember, people like us cannot afford to fail "People like us"… immigrants, exiles, refugees, newcomers, outsiders… Too many words for a shared, recognizable sentiment that, no matter how often described, remains largely undefined. Children of uprooted parents are born into the memory tribe. Both their present and their future are forever shaped by their ancestral past, regardless of whether they have any knowledge of it. If they flourish and prosper, their achievements will be attributed to a whole community; and, in the same way, their failures will be charged up to something bigger and older than themselves, be it family, religion, or ethnicity. While the journey of life may be full of reversals of fortune, children from displaced families can never allow themselves to fall below the level at which their parents started it out.”

Immigrant ExperienceRefugee Experience
Book:There Are Rivers in the Sky
Create image

“I knew they were my people, but it didn't feel like it. I was pushing against any first-generation narrative, while all the people in that area were seemingly proud of it. Aunties wore salwars to go grocery shopping, and little kids had those silver or gold bangles we were all given at birth...We were different from them, and I was determined to keep us different. Every piece of gold jewelry ever given to me was hidden in my dresser; I refused to wear any of it, because it made me feel I was being marked as an Other. (I now wear all of it, sometimes at the same time, a signal to other Others that I'm an Other too.)”

ImmigrantsImmigrant ExperienceIndian American
Book:One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter
Create image

“It’s a great honor, m’ijo. We know that. I’m sure everyone in Ysleta is proud of you. But this is who you are," she said, for a moment scanning the dark night air and the empty street. A cricket chirped in the darkness. "God help you when you go to this ‘Havid.’ You will be so far away from us, from everything you know. You will be alone. What if something happens to you? Who’s going to help you? But you always wanted to be alone; you were always so independent, so stubborn." "Like you.”

CultureEducationImmigrantsLatinoHarvardAssimilationHispanicImmigrant ExperienceChicanoSergio TroncosoImmigrant Fiction
Book:From This Wicked Patch of Dust
Create image

“Julia, is everything all right?” her father said in a raspy voice. “It’s three in the morning, m’ija.” “I’m sorry. I have to talk to you; it’s something very important. Papá, Mamá, I’ve made a decision, and I wanted to share it with you. I’ve decided to convert to the Muslim religion.” “What?” Pilar screamed. “Are you out of your mind?” “Julia, what are you saying?” “I want to be a Muslim. I’ve even chosen a new Muslim name, Aliyah.” “Julia, are you drunk?” “No, Papá, I’m not drunk. I’ve thought about this for a very long time. I think it’s the right thing for me, a way to follow God.”

ReligionFamilyImmigrantsFamily LifeReligious FaithLatinoAssimilationHispanicImmigrant ExperienceFamily SagaChicanoSergio TroncosoImmigrant FictionReligious Conversions
Book:From This Wicked Patch of Dust
Create image

“There is a certain pride in work and in your body throbbing beyond any boundaries you imagined you could endure. You identify with those who come home with pieces of pork fat wedged into their boots, with gashes on their arms and legs from their tools and machines, and with black grime etched into the folds of their dark skin. Too often this country has turned its back on the working class and the working poor, not to mention the undocumented workers who harvest the food for American tables and build our houses.”

WorkersImmigrantsWorking ClassImmigrant ExperienceSergio TroncosoChico Lingo BlogMexican Immigrants
Author:Sergio Troncoso
Create image

“My parents are not special people, they’re ordinary, and one of my problems is that I’m expecting perfection from ordinary people. They’re not saints or masters of knowledge just people, people who have children, which, last time I checked, required no proficiency test. People who continue to make mistakes, attempt to learn from them and repeat, until death.”

DepressionPerfectionParentingImmigrant ExperienceGhanaBlack AuthorImmigrant Parents
Book:Maame
Create image

“My parents already know I'm bereft of their culture, that their son is almost as Frank or Bill as any other American, but they also believe this is necessary: that if their son is to become president, it won't happen while he is wearing a turban. They're willing to surrender their culture in order to assure my success, which means the price of my inclusion here is our alienation from each other.”

AssimilationImmigrant ExperienceImmigrant ParentsCultural Erasure
Book:Of Color
Create image

“But if I knew any of this back then, I didn't yet have the vocabulary for that knowledge. And perhaps because of that, without intending to do so, I had continued the pattern of some of the men, and most of the women, in my family, reaching s far back as we had memory. We were careless, and shiftless, and unthinking. We left our ancestral homes, we birthed and sometimes buried our children in far-flung places, and we started afresh over and over. We cared for land, but too often it wasn't our land to care for.”

Immigrant ExperienceExpatsImmigrant Parents
Book:Leaving Before the Rains Come
Create image

“You know, I just... I just feel like it's unfair, that my whole life is unfair, like I was born into the wrong place and family. I never belong anywhere. My parents don't understand anything about me. And my sister is gone. Sometimes I watch those stupid TV shows, you know? The ones where mothers and daughters talk about feelings and fathers take their kids to play baseball or get ice cream or some shit like that, and I wish it were me. It's so stupid, I know, to want your life to be a sitcom.”

American CultureFitting InImmigrant ExperienceFirst GenerationMexican Culture
Book:I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Create image

“With just about every script, in almost every corner of the set, I was faced with the truth: This was my parents' life. My mother had sat in handcuffs; my father had once worn an orange jumpsuit like the dozens that sat folded in our wardrobe department. For the other actors and me on our show, this was all fantasy, the re-creation of a world we knew little about; for Mami and Papi, it could not have been any more real or painful...I've had so many scenes in which Flaca & I are doing the dirty work, like cleaning the kitchen or mopping the floors, which is when I think of my parents most. Long before they ended up in prison, they'd spent years handling the nastiest jobs, the ones often avoided by others. Manual labor. Low pay. No respect. They must've felt so trapped. It must've been so hard for them to maintain their dignity when others looked down on them or, worse, didn't see them at all.”

ImmigrationDetentionImmigrant ExperienceOrange Is The New Black
Book:In the Country We Love: My Family Divided
Create image

“What is important about immigration is how immigrants arrived and what the individual immigrants do with their lives after arriving. Do they open a restaurant or other business, do they provide for their family, do they integrate into the larger community - in essence, do they become proud Americans? Or do they try their hardest to stay "economic migrants" or "hyphenated-Americans"? Or, at worst, do they attempt to convert America into the countries from which they escaped?”

ImmigrationImmigrantsAmericansImmigrant ExperienceBalkanizationHyphenated IdentitiesEconomic Migrants
Author:Mike Klepper
Create image

“Planning to study in Canada is a major decision, and it can shape your future in the best way. With the right immigration strategy, proper documents, and clear goals, getting a Canada study visa becomes a smooth and achievable process. This guide explains everything in a simple and professional way so you can move forward with confidence. Why Canada is the Top Choice for Students Canada has become a preferred destination for international students due to its strong education system and career opportunities. It offers a perfect mix of academic excellence and practical exposure. Here’s why students choose Canada: Globally recognized universities and colleges Affordable tuition compared to other countries Safe and student-friendly environment Clear immigration pathways after study Access to part-time and full-time job opportunities Studying in Canada not only improves your knowledge but also helps you build a strong global career. Canada Study Visa Requirements 2026 To apply for a Canada study visa, you must meet certain requirements. Preparing these documents correctly is very important for visa approval. Key requirements include: Letter of acceptance from a recognized Canadian institution Valid passport Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses English language test such as IELTS or PTE Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study plan Medical examination and background verification A well-prepared application increases your chances of getting your visa approved without delays. Work Opportunities in Canada One of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada is the opportunity to work while studying and after graduation. During Your Studies: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. This allows students to manage daily expenses and gain valuable work experience. After Graduation: After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This allows you to work full-time in Canada and gain professional experience, which is important for long-term immigration goals. Many students find part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or campus roles. These jobs not only support financially but also improve communication and professional skills. Importance of Immigration Consultancy Applying for a student visa can be complex if you are not familiar with the process. This is where a professional immigration consultancy becomes helpful. A reliable consultancy can support you by: Helping you select the right course and institution Preparing accurate and complete documentation Reducing chances of visa rejection Guiding you on future career and job options Expert guidance ensures that your application is strong and meets all requirements. Tips to Improve Your Visa Success Rate To increase your chances of approval, follow these important tips: Submit complete and accurate documents Write a clear and honest Statement of Purpose Show sufficient financial proof Apply well before deadlines Choose a course that matches your previous education A focused and well-organized approach makes your visa application more reliable. Final Words A Canada study visa is more than just permission to study. It is a pathway to international education, career growth, and long-term immigration opportunities. With proper planning and the right support, you can achieve your goal of studying and working in Canada. If you need professional guidance, Wave Visas consultancy can assist you at every step—from selecting the right program to securing your visa and planning your future job and immigration journey in Canada. Take the first step today and move closer to your dream of studying in Canada.”

StudentsImmigrant ExperienceImmigration IssuesCanada ImmigrationCanada Permanant ResidencyCanada Pr Consultant
Author:Shrishti
Create image

“An 87 on the left, an 87 on the right. If a guest is dissatisfied with an elevator operator he can note the number and report him to the nearest starter. 'That 87 is a son-of-a-bitch, that 87 took me four floors too high, 87 87 87, I wasted two minutes in this box, that goddam son-of-a-bitch 87!' It's fun to berate a number. It's fun to use numbers. 24,035 deported to Siberia. Fun. Forty-seven dead in an airplane crash. Fun. 7,038,456 needles sold. Fun. Tonight Mister X got lucky three times. Fun. Today Miss Y died once. Fun. Right now I'm alone and I'll take a pill and have more fun.”

Death And DyingDehumanizationImmigrant ExperienceService Workers
Book:Balta drobulė
Create image