Why You Need to Respect Immigrants – the Five Reasons

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:33-34 NIV

1. Immigrants know more than one language

Knowing more than one language broadens your thinking. Behind every language there is a rich culture. Bi- and multilingual immigrants are sometimes more open-minded because they have experienced a variety of mental processing. Also, bi- and multilingual children are generally smarter and open minded, and therefore more successful

2. Immigrants are curious and willing to learn

They are genuinely interested in all people. They are outgoing and love to learn – new cultures, new ways of thinking, new traditions. The more variety we experience, the more flexible we are mentally, the more we develop and the easier we grow. Immigrants are not scared of change and learn to learn fast and adapt well. Their passion for learning may be a great inspiration.

3. Immigrants are brave

They aren’t scared of taking their butts of the couch and look for new ways. They don’t let humdrum to suck them in, don’t let fate to rule their lives. They fight and rebel to look for life they love.

4. Immigrants know the hardship of the pursuit of happiness

It took them much more effort to get there. They didn’t rise up from the ground (or second if you are privileged) floor to where they are now. It was the basement with no connections, little or no money and sometimes a family to feed. They have no illusions. They overcame their fears, alienation and sometimes loneliness, as well as the resistance of the xenophobic environment. Therefore…

5. Immigrants are compassionate

They know that it may be very hard. They know what it means to be non-privileged. They are supportive of minorities and outsiders. They have a lot of tolerance. They are ready to help. If you are an immigrant and someone helps you for no profit, ask him or her when they came to this country.