By Jacquelinne Cadena
In today’s world, immigrants are increasingly scapegoated in political rhetoric and subjected to harmful policies, such as border crackdowns in the U.S. and rising xenophobia globally. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to speak honestly about our identity.
The phrase “pillar of strength” symbolizes the quiet resilience, courage, and determination that many immigrants carry with them. Leaving behind everything familiar and uprooting our lives is never an easy decision; it is often driven by danger, desperation, or the deep hope for a better future for our families.
For immigrant women, like me, these choices often center around our children. We give up careers, homes, and a sense of belonging in search of safety and opportunity. The journey is not just geographical; it’s also emotional, cultural, and deeply personal. As first-generation immigrants, we often navigate systems that overlook or undervalue us, all while carrying the weight of both hope and loss.
Starting over, especially later in life, brings a unique kind of vulnerability. Each day, we step into the world carrying both fear and determination, leaving home with a smile, even when our hearts are heavy. Rejection and disrespect can feel like daily reminders that our contributions are invisible. And yet, we are educated, driven, and rooted in strong values, deserving of much more than what we often encounter.
Many of us take pride in our cultural identities and the dignity we carried from our countries of origin. Here, we learn new languages and customs while quietly grieving what we have left behind. The emotional toll is significant, but so is our strength. We persevere, not because the journey is easy, but because we believe in the possibility of something better.
Immigrants are not strangers to hard work; we contribute, create and care. We pay taxes, support communities, and raise the next generation. We are not asking for charity, only for respect, safety, and the chance to thrive.
The next time you meet an immigrant, take a moment to see the whole person in front of you—not a stereotype or statistic, but a human being with aspirations, dignity, and deep resilience. Let that be your starting point.
Jacquelinne Cadena serves as the Finance and Administrative Assistant at NWI.