Comments to Immigration Stories

Hosted by Raul Ramos y Sanchez [BIO]

The American dream tells us that in this country nothing is impossible if you work hard, demonstrate resilience, act with integrity and persevere. It is sad to say, but I feel deceived. I came to the U.S. as a legal immigrant. I knew that I needed to contribute to this country in my full capacity. I learned the language, the cultural norms, I went to a grad school and I became a PhD. I, like many legal and undocumented immigrants, believed in America as the land of opportunities. Unfortunately for me, those opportunities became more evasive as I tried higher levels of work, education, and recognition. In my case, more education translated into less opportunity. Doors were open when I was a labor worker; doors were wide open when I was a cook, a waiter, a floor cleaner person, a house painter or a gardener. Nonetheless, I have not been perceived as a good candidate for those white-collar (consulting) positions. I was hopeful that the pay off was going to come after finishing my program, but instead, I have succumbed to the misery of unemployment for more than a year and half. I followed the instructions to reach the American dream, I came here legally, I learned the language, social and cultural norms, I got a degree, paid all my taxes; I’ve been a good permanent resident for almost 10 years. I’ve never been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor. I don’t know where the equation became wrong.

I realized that gatekeepers did not trust my skills, knowledge, integrity, perseverance, family values, and hard work. Gatekeepers have not opened the doors I was expecting for all these years, gatekeepers simply did not provide the opportunity. Tell me what I did wrong.

Leo Gonzalez
Berkeley, California
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COMMENTS...

Dear Leo,

Like you, I came here to finish my studies, got my residency, all legal. It has been 10 years for me too, and just now I got my first fulltime job in my field, after doing many other jobs. I went to many interviews looking to design a magazine. I was hired by the art director but when I was sent down to the woman at the human resources department, everything went downhill. She interviewed me and said that if I get hired I will receive a phone call. And that never happened. Later on I found out through a white blond American friend of mine who works in the same company, that the woman from human resources said I was "overqualified" for the job and that's why I spent another year struggling with freelance work. For me "overqualify" means: I have no other excuses that are legal for me to reject you, so I invented this word because your talents clearly are many but I still don't want you here.

That was really depressing. Anyway, I didn't stop there because I like to think that there are still a few people in this world that will be fair. I found this job I have now and demonstrated my best, like always. Luckily this company happens to like Latinos a lot, so there are many of us in my department, all of them still learning English. So I hope that you find the energy and the positive drive that one needs to have an excellent interview when you encounter the right fair human being that will give you your job.

Keep it up!

Jennie Santos
East Elmhurst, NY
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Thanks Jennie for your comments. Like you, I have done many interviews, including role playing interviews and psychological testing as well (in addition to the credit report and consumer behavior report that some companies have checked). There seems to be unspoken HR practices to recruit individuals. Sometimes, they use "overqualified." I have been "overqualified" at least 50% of the time. Unfortunately for me, no more feedback from other recruiters, except one that explicitly told me that I was left out because of my "cultural background" This of course was said "off the record."

I am glad to hear that you were able to make it after 10 years. I am happy for all of you who have been able to succeed. I think, in my case, I am experiencing something that many women, regardless of color experience in corporate America: "the glass ceiling.” In my case, and perhaps for many well educated immigrants, there also seems to be a "glass door."

No name or location given
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Please, stop using the color of your skin as an excuse to blame others! My brother, who is caucasion, had the very same struggles as you did. He went to college, earned his way only to graduate and find in the area he lived he was "over qualified", so had to take other work till he was able to land a job that would take him with all his skills & experience. Yes, he complained about this, but for him like you, the employer just did not feel that with the experience and qualifications he had, he could not pay him what he was worth. If the buisness was owned by someone other than a caucasion, he did not go home thinking it was because he was white that he did not get hired, as should the rest of you who use the color of your skin for an excuse.

Cynthia
Palm Springs, CA
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Cynthia: Of course your brother had no reason to think he was discriminated against. This country doesn't have a 400 year tradition of laws and customs that discriminate against whites.

Aponte
Miami
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I agree 100 percent with what you said, Cynthia. His first post has racial undertones. Once the racial chip on the shoulder is picked up by the HR person, the interview is downhill. I had an assistant that used to make fun of me years ago because I wore the "white man’s shoes" as he called the suits and ties required for my position. We were both the same age. He was from South America and I am Cubano. I never wore the badge of color. I performed my duties to the best or better than my abilities. Six years later, he is still attempting to criticize me for being too white, as I moved up the ladder without kissing anybody’s behind or lowering my standards. There is no such thing as Latino or Hispanic. It was a Nixon Administration word coined for census purposes only.

An American citizen of Cuban descent..human first!

F.I Garcia Ros
Los Angeles, CA
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Cynthia, I don't remember reading anything in the comments preceding yours that mentioned "color of skin". Or is it that you, like most other uninformed people in this country, think that Hispanics are a 'race' of people?

Let me explain, my dear. Hispanics come in all shades of color, just like you North Americans. We encompass all races and many nationalities. Being Hispanic means that we share a common language, Castilian (Spanish to you). Stop watching so much TV and please read a book and seek some knowledge.

A Caucasian Cuban Immigrant
Florida
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Cynthia: I don't think any of the comments above makes any allusion to color of skin. All comments could have very well been written by people who are all Caucasian.

I am Puerto Rican, and by looking at me, or listening to me, or looking at my last name, like many other Hispanics, you could not tell what country could I possibly come from. Like many Latinos, I have a variety of countries of ancestry...my ancestors are Basque, Spaniards, Dutch, French, Italian, Egyptian, and I am sure there's got to be Taino somewhere...

My culture and ways of thinking and being...though, are usually very different from first generation Americans. Often times not being hired, even by companies who advertise "Diversity" efforts has nothing to do with color. Diversity is not about color. Most recruiters need to hire people -- regardless of their color -- who they assess "fit" with the overall corporate culture... And that is the problem and reason "true diversity" is impossible.

One of these future days we'll get it and start integrating like we are meant to...the new young demographic already blurs "racial" categories and "cultural" segments... Some day we'll all be able to play in the same orchestra and the music will be wonderfully diverse and indescribable. Like fusion food is interesting and delicious.

Suzanne
Dallas, TX
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I totally agree with Suzanne. I am a recent immigrant from South America who came here legally. I have a wonderful job with people that welcomed me and treated me with respect. I feel appreciated and that has nothing to do with my race or color of my skin but my hard work and the fact that I contribute to the bottom line, that's what it is all about.

After obtaining my master's I had many interviews for entry level positions and I was not hired. I never blamed it on my origin or looks, that'd be being complacent and not assuming responsibility for myself. I do believe I was overqualified for some of those positions but I kept looking until I found a better fit where my past experience was valued. It is the same for other Americans in this country, you have to find a position where your skills will be in best use. I am not saying it is easy but I wish we as immigrants would take more control of our destiny and stop listening to those who say we don't have the same opportunities because that is a justification for not working hard towards your goals.

I love my country of origin and also love the USA because here I am realizing my personal and professional goals. I respect this country and its people and wish we could all get along without pushing for differences. Loving America is not betraying your nation of origin or culture. You can love both and become a better person. Keep the best of both worlds and you will be a step forward from others.

Mimi
Costa Mesa, California
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Thank You Mimi!!! I love your comment. It is so true. Here in the great City of Atlanta we are totally diverse. I get in an elevator and encounter people who are black, white, Hispanic, lesbian, homosexual, you name it we have it. I have worked a few jobs around town and I hear so many excuses. "You have to be gay to get that position," or "it’s because I'm black," or" if you're not friends with that manager you won't get the job." I say all of that is bull$%@#. When you go into any place witha negative mentality that’s exactly what you get back--negativity. If you fear the "white man" as they say, he is not going to want you. The race card is an excuse, an excuse to not take an honest look at yourself and say "OK, what can I do better next time?"

I happen to be what I fondly call “DominiRican.” My father is a "white" Puerto Rican and my mother is a "black" Dominican. I have extremely kinky curly bushy hair, very light skin and green eyes. I am always mistaken for being African American and I don't mind it at all. I've never had a problem getting a job or felt discriminated against because of my heritage or my looks.

I dealt with a somewhat racist event was when I gave birth to my two daughters, one in Fulton County and one in Gwinnett County. Every time there was a shift change at the hospital, a nurse would come in and ask if I needed a translator, which I found hilarious. They even insisted on bringing me all my paperwork in Spanish, which was fine by me. I liked the surprised look on their faces when I answered all their questions in perfect English. You just have to forgive people for their own ignorance.

I. Torres
Atlanta, GA
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