The Other Side of the Immigration Story

The American people have engaged in a furious debate about immigration for more than a decade. Too often the debate is based on a stereotyped immigrant. These immigrants have come here primarily for economic reasons, and to send money back home to their families. They do not appreciate America, and are not very interested in learning English or assimilating into America.

The other side of the story is frequently left out of the debate and this is a very important aspect of immigration that should seriously be considered. Many immigrants come to this country because they realize it is one of the greatest countries in human history and they want to be a part of it. They want to be Americans, study the English language, and begin integrating into American Society. Many immigrants make a tremendous contribution to American society and we need to recognize and document their contributions.

The purpose of this essay is to begin telling the other side of the immigration story. I will begin this project with an incredible story I read in my local newspaper.

The headline and the story were stunning, larger than life and it was hard to believe it actually happened. The story was entitled From Poland to U.S. to Iraq. Wojciech Kalinowski immigrated to the United States from Poland, enlisted in the Army and is now a proud US Citizen. This resident of Kingston Pennsylvania recited the United States Oath of Allegiance on July 4 while stationed in Iraq with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Standing in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces, on July 4, 2009 Wojciech Malinowski was sworn in as a US Citizen. He fittingly became a citizen on Independence Day.

Kalinowski, his wife and two daughters left Katowice, Poland three years ago in search of a better life and their version of the American Dream. The family settled into Kingston, Pennsylvania and Wojciech enlisted in the 109th Field Artillery Battalion which is headquartered in Kingston and is part of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. His wife, Ula, stated that "For him, this is the background so no one could ever say he never did anything for this country." Ula went on to explain the importance of citizenship. She said that when you immigrate to a new country "It's important to try and stabilize your life. Citizenship, in my opinion, is the most important step in your new life. It connects you to your new country."

Taking the US Oath of Allegiance was a monumental event. Kalinowski recited the US Oath of Allegiance with 237 other servicemen and women from 59 countries at the late Saddam Hussein's Al Fawad Palace in Baghdad.

In an e-mail to a local newspaper, Kalinowski stated that "It is and honor and a privilege to be American citizen. I joined the Pennsylvania National Guard inspired by the words of President John F. Kennedy spoke during his inaugural address. I paraphrase; 'Don't ask what what America can do for you but what you can do for America.' I'm proud to be a U.S. soldier and I'm honored to guard the freedom of people in the U.S."

Kalinowski is a specialist with the 109th Field Artillery Battalion which is one of the National Guard's artillery units. This is special for him as his grandfather was an artilleryman in World War II.

Moving to the United States has been a cultural shock for the couple who have been married for 12 years. They want to be of value to the United States, and contribute to the country while maintaining their old traditions.

The family sits down together for a home-cooked meal just about every night. They are very religious and regularly attend church. They do not watch much television, and they work very hard. The education of their children in of paramount importance to them. They always wanted to provide them with an American education.

The quest for a new and better life has had its challenges. They made the decision to come to America without even knowing what America looked like. They got their impressions from movies and television.

Both enjoyed above average paying jobs in Poland, and held Master's Degrees in Poland. Kalinowski managed an industrial automation company while Ula worked on projects that the government contracted for. In the US they struggled to find comparable jobs.

The family wants to Americanize and keep their Polish traditions at the same time. They are fluent in English and only speak Polish in their home. They want their children to be fluent in both languages.

Three years into the American experience, Ula looks forward to stabilizing the situation when her husband returns home form Iraq. She notes that every situation in life builds character especially wartime deployments.

The Kalinowski family is a dynamic example of what immigration is all about. They are slowly integrating into American Society and making a great contribution in the process. At the same time they are preserving as much of their Polish traditions as possible.

Source

Bob Kalinowski, From Poland to U.S. to Iraq, Citizens Voice Newspaper of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania, July 27, 2009.