Immigration: US vs. Colombia

Isabella Bolivar

ISLAMORADA, FL—I loved growing up in Colombia. Medellin is a city filled with vibrant culture, there is always something happening. Walking to school, I always bought the best arepas. The food in Medellin is incomparable to anywhere else.

Families in my town started to move to the United States, and I started wondering if moving would be beneficial for my family. Similar to those who were moving, I also had an extended family that lived in the United States. Eventually, we decided we should try moving as well. Although our life in Colombia was great, my parents wanted to move to a more developed country.

As I am writing this now, I have lived in Florida for nine years, and I can say, without a doubt, our life in America is better than our life in Colombia. However, our first few years in America were not as great. After moving, my parents were instantly labeled as immigrants, which made getting a job more difficult. They did not have stable jobs until they became residents. Before we became residents, my parents lived in fear. Nine years ago, immigrants were not talked about as much as they are now. I am grateful for our somewhat easy transition. 

This past summer, I visited my family in Colombia. Everywhere in the streets, Venezuelans were begging for money. Due to the current situation in Venezuela, I felt sympathetic towards them. I gave whatever change I could.

My friends and I were walking one day to a café when a little girl comes and asks for money. I gave her 3,000 pesos (1 USD) while my friend ignored her and walked away. After I caught up to her I asked, “Why didn’t you at least give something little?” She told me how millions of Venezuelans are crossing the border to take all the jobs. She told me the Venezuelans are criminals, stealing and committing crimes for money.

As the immigration debate has heightened in the United States, I saw a parallel between my experience and the experience of Venezuelans entering Colombia. It is weird to me how millions of Venezuelans sacrifice everything to enter the country that I left. But, as an immigrant myself, I understand. I am not resentful to the Venezuelans because that could have been me. I hope all immigrants have the opportunities that my family and I have had.