Immigration is an important part of who we are as a country

 In recent months, much conversation has been stirred up in regards to immigration and how the United States should handle it. I personally come from a family comprised of immigrants from two different places, and I want to make it clear that I support legal and documented immigration.

Immigration is a very important part of this country. Everyone in the US comes from a different background of different cultures and traditions. Nobody is the same. This is why we are known as a “melting pot,” of sorts. While I agree this country needs immigration reform, we cannot stop immigration completely. We would all be hypocrites by doing so because most of us are immigrants in some way, shape or form.

Let me tell you a little bit about my family. My mom and my dad both had grandparents who came from different countries in Europe. My mom’s grandparents came to the US from Ireland. My dad’s grandparents hailed from Germany, and arrived in the United States shortly after World War I. At the time, the US held a policy of isolationism, sealing borders and keeping any sort of outside contact to a bare minimum. My great grandparents changed their last name from Karizky to Kranston, in an effort to blend in better and sound more American.

My family in 2013

Although I didn’t know my grandfather on my dad’s side very well, I’ve learned a lot of lessons from him because he instilled those lessons in my dad. Lessons like hard work, creating a steady and admirable work ethic, treating others with respect and never asking for handouts are just a few that come to mind. Immigrants often come here with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They must work for everything, and that doesn’t change when their social status changes. My dad has always believed in hard work instead of asking for handouts, because that’s how his dad raised him. That is the immigrant way.

My mom’s side of the family has been rather different. My mom’s parents raised her to believe that you always provide the best that you can for your children, because that’s what their parents did. When my sister and I were growing up, my mom was always the one to spoil us. She makes sure we have everything that we need, and then a little extra. Because of this, my parents make a great team, balancing the hard work and diligence with a laid back attitude and generosity.

Wherever it is that we come from, we must remember to take pride in our background and family history. Every one of us has a story to tell. We are all unique in a very special way, and I think sometimes we forget that because we are too focused on trying to be something that we aren’t. Remember where you come from, and share a piece of that with everyone you meet.

The Kranston Family @ Graduation 2015