Hispanics have come to the United States under different circumstances, but with the same purpose. Some have come in search of better opportunities, some of us have come for safety reasons; some have come with everything and others have come with nothing, but we have all come looking for something better and perhaps, something we did not have in our countries.
That is how I came to this nation in 2005, looking for the safety that my country, Mexico, did not give me. It was not easy to close the door to my home in Chihuahua for the last time, and leave behind what was most precious to me: my family and friends.
The migration processes were not easy either; from the beginning it was complicated, long and costly, but it was all worth it.
Like most people, when I arrived, I didn't know how to speak English and I didn't know what to expect. I knocked on many doors, took jobs that had nothing to do with my abilities or my dreams, but I stood firm and always trusted that God had something better for me. Little by little, and with a lot of effort, doors started to open for me until I finally got a job in what I am most passionate about: giving a voice to the stories of people who, like me, have gone through such hard times to get to where they are today. That is why we value so much the opportunities that the United States has given us.
Throughout my career in journalism in the United States, I have met dozens, if not hundreds of Hispanics who arrived with nothing and have achieved more than they could have ever dreamed of. I have met refugees who never had the opportunities they have here. I have met people who started out as a dishwasher and are now owners of well-known businesses and restaurants. I have met students who arrived not knowing English and have gotten scholarships to go to the best universities in the world. I have met the first Mexican-born woman to sit in the House of Representatives. The list could go on and on. The common denominator has been effort, hard work and gratitude for the opportunities this country has given them.
There are Hispanics who waste the opportunity to be in a country where, if you work hard, anything can be achieved. Fortunately, most of us are hardworking people, we have values, we believe in God and our families are our priority. The question is: what group do you want to belong to?
Sadly, I have also seen the other side of the coin: the Hispanics who come to commit crimes, those who complain about everything, those who abuse the benefits provided by the government, and those who waste the opportunity of being in a country where they have the opportunity to live. If you work hard, anything can be achieved.
Fortunately, most Hispanics are hardworking people. We have values, we believe in God and our families are our priority. The question is: what group do you want to belong to?
Today, more than ever, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on this great nation that we have chosen as our home. According to 2020 census figures, there are about 62.1 million Hispanics in the country, making us the second largest ethnic group, after non-Hispanic whites. We already represent 18.7% of the U.S. population. Likewise, the Hispanic population grew 23% since the 2010 census.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), there are more than 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses, which contribute more than $800 billion annually to the nation's economy.
Undoubtedly, we are going through difficult and crucial times, but today more than ever, Hispanics can make a difference in the United States. Let's stand up for what got us here: our values, faith, family, the pursuit of freedom and prosperity. Let us proudly celebrate our Hispanic Heritage.
