Chapter 18 (part four)

Getting to know Hispanic Immigrants

           What should we do concerning those who come to the United States, Utah specifically?  I follow four simple rules to help me be open to new ideas and understand people better.

1.     Don’t Pre-judge

          Focus on qualities, not stereotypes. Nothing is more crippling than the feeling of being different, feeling unwanted, or not feeling special. While working for the Family Support Center, I have witnessed first-hand the empowering difference in a child who feels special and loved compared to one who feels neglected and despised. It is the difference between a sterling scholar and a child who ends up in juvenile court. I remember a young Salvadoran who was found roaming Pioneer Park. He had a scar on his arm from jumping from a train.  One might assume that he probably belonged to a gang and therefore was a serious threat to our community.5 A judge thought that way, and deported him back to El Salvador. In truth, the young man had no father in his home. At age 18 he left to find work to support his mother and a disabled brother and little sisters. He didn’t want to belong to any gangs or get killed, so he ended up in Utah to keep safe.  He was caught without papers and was not given a chance. This is a classic example of how people are judged by their appearances.

To be continued..

Con amor,

Vero

Chapter 18 (part three)

What is unique about Utah? I believe it is the people moving into it! At home in El Salvador, I was the only Mormon among my friends, in my neighborhood, and in my school. Even my parents were not members. I wanted so much to belong! Ironically, in 1978 Utah had few Hispanics. Today, according to the latest census, there are over 400,000 Hispanics in Utah.3 That makes Utah feel more like home. 

Utah has a unique component not found anywhere else in the United States. For many Hispanics, Utah is “Zion,” the center place for gathering members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Not all Hispanics moving into Utah are Mormons, but a good percentage belongs to the Church, with the exception of Mexicans, who are primarily Catholic.  The farther Hispanics have traveled to get to Utah, the more likely they came because of the LDS Church.

To be continued...

Con amor,

Vero

Chapter 18 (part two)

What do Hispanic or Latino Immigrants want?  They want respect, love, and opportunities. They want to be successful. Keep in mind that immigrants throughout the world are embracing new ideas and new opportunities. The driving force is a desire to improve their situation, whatever it may be. Growing up in El Salvador, I remember learning about the United States compared to the rest of the countries on the American Continent. The differences are vast, particularly when compared to countries in Central and South America. I became intrigued about the constitution of the United States of America and its history. My fourth grade teacher said: “From the beginning the North was established by the world’s finest people. In contrast, we were conquered by despicable savages.” This is what I was first taught about my Hispanic roots, resulting in a country where corruption is rampant, impunity is high, transparency is low, justice is rare, and politics remain (even today) extremely polarized. 2

         When I finished sixth grade, my aunt invited me to study in Utah. The night before my departure, I went around telling my neighbors: “Tomorrow I will be going to the land of the dollar.” When the year was over, I had immersed myself in the American culture and had learned the language well enough to attend The American School of El Salvador.  Years later, I was faced with the decision: Where should I attend College? Naturally, I returned to Utah. Many of my classmates were moving to big cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. “Why Utah?” my classmates would ask: “Where is Utah anyway?”

To be continued...

Con amor,
Vero