Universal Freedoms and Independence Day
Not only freedom for themselves but for anyone who would also arrive to the United States in search of a better life.
Even before the American Independence and Revolution, those Founding Fathers- immigrants themselves- arrived in the U.S. with hope and determination to change their lives.
Since our origins, immigrants have been the backbone of America, and for 246 years immigrants from around the world have made this country better. Still, not everyone’s freedom has been acknowledged or respected. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass, shared the inequities of independence in his famous 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
“I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us,” Douglass wrote.
Independence Day for All
This distance has unfortunately continued through the centuries. Thankfully, more and more Americans have become advocates for immigrant rights. Acknowledging their contributions, workforce value, and cultural significance. OPA supports this increased acknowledgement by providing immigrants with a manageable financial resource to pay their USCIS fees.
Since most immigrants come from countries where their universal freedoms are limited, this shift to support immigrants who are already supporting the U.S. is a step in the right direction.
Especially since immigrants and their U.S. born children make up about 26 percent of the current population, according to Census data, and this number will continue to increase. Plus, contrary to popular belief, most immigrants have some work authorization to be here, and their work generates millions that benefit the U.S. economy.
Life in U.S.A. presents an incredible opportunity to immigrants and their families, who come here for different reasons: to study, to be their true selves without retribution, to work in an open market, to have no fear of government. In exchange, immigrants not only work hard, but many also serve this country to protect everyone’s freedoms.
Immigration Built the U.S.
In the American Civil War, 18 percent of the Union Army was comprised of immigrants, more than 20 percent of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients have been immigrants, and about 45,000 immigrants actively serve in the armed forces.
Since our nation’s origin, freedom has been our driving force. Oftentimes overlooked by many living here, freedom is still the guiding light for immigrants. These immigrants prove, time and time again, that our freedom is only enhanced by their spirit to achieve. On Fourth of July, and every day, let freedom ring for all.
