Viewpoint on life in the US: Take Two

I am sending this entry to the Gleaner. Hopefully they will publish it. This is the second post I wrote surrounding this. Here is the prior post.

There have recently been a few articles printed in the Gleaner about Jamaicans living in the US. A section of one letter (Inspired by Success 9/20/07) expressed thanks for the inspiration that a prior letter (Jamaican success story 9/13/07) provided after the claim that the author has "made it" in the US. But, an earlier letter by a different author who claimed that she is struggling should not be disregarded (Diary of a Jamaican Born US Citizen 9/12/07). In fact, her letter is just as vital as the one claiming success. Probably even more important. Why? Because it shows the pitfalls that can happen.

I am not advocating that Jamaicans should not migrate to the US. But be educated when you do. I did migrate, and I consider myself successful. America is indeed the land of opportunity. But the opportunity for success is just as likely as the opportunity for a life of struggles debt and other things that get thrown at you. There are tons of success stories but there are tons of not so successful stories too. Do not assume that said migration is the answer in and of itself.

Both letters are needed as one shows what can be accomplished and the other shows how things can go wrong. Armed with this knowledge anyone considering migration to the US can then prepare themselves adequately. Providing inspiration for other immigrants is important but so is the educating of said immigrants.