Celebrating International Women’s Day: #ToImmigrantsWithLove
At New Women New Yorkers, we reject the generalizations, negativity, and hateful rhetoric used to disenfranchise immigrants. Instead, we choose empowerment: We combat stereotypes and generalizations with education and inclusivity. We bring people together to learn, to share, and above all else, to love and respect. NWNY knows that people are strongest when they come together in support of one another, and we have worked hard over the last few years to create a diverse cross-community organization that works for and alongside the strong, resilient, brave, and beautiful immigrant women of New York City.
We have asked you, our community of local and global supporters, to create the kinds of messages that should be broadcasted around the world — notes of love and support that challenge the idea that being born in another country makes you anything less than American. We send these messages to the immigrant women of New York to show that we stand beside you and have your backs regardless of nonsensical governmental policy.
We want you to know that we will not forget the struggles and successes, the hardships and joys, and the roadblocks and opportunities that are unique to the immigrant story. These are our stories too — the stories of our mothers and grandmothers — and part of the rich history that defines what it means to live in the largest nation of immigrants in the world.
“Wherever voices of hate and fear are loud, I promise to be louder with love and support, and to have your back whenever you need it of me. This country belongs to all of us and we will fight together, alongside one another to be the necessary agents of positive change. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Abbey K.
“You are brave and wise. Do not listen to the loud, angry voices of people who scapegoat others. You are part of the fabric that weaves a diverse nation and we are all descendants of immigrants. There are so many of us who support and love you. Surround yourself with those who value and care for you and live the dream that brought you to this country. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Heather M.
“I remember stepping off the plane when it hit me. First the heat and humidity then the hustle and bustle of the people around me. I had arrived at my new home for the foreseeable future – New York. It took me a little time to settle and understand the culture. I made friends and some special people took me in as if I was family. We were different religions and nationalities but that didn’t matter. They wanted to know about me and where I came from they were key to becoming part of the community. Through these connections I would go to local events like food drives or High School fundraisers. To me that is the spirit that made me an New Yorker. So I wish you all love and best wishes on the start of your new adventure. Remember when it gets hard the people in this room are your friends and will be happy to help and listen. #ToimmigrantsWithLove” —Derek H.
“Our world is made better by the immigration of people who share their cultures, customs, food, art and ideas. #ToimmigrantsWithLove” —Michael C.
“My father immigrated to America but I don’t call him an immigrant. My grandparents immigrated to South Africa but I don’t call them immigrants. Therefore, I won’t call you an immigrant. Because you’re just like me, in fact, you are me. We’re the same and we all deserve an equal chance for opportunity, for love, for whatever we want in this world. The world is ours. Thanks for being a part of it with me. #ToImmigrantsWithLove #WeAreEachother” —Jen B.
“You are not alone; there is hope. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Casey R.
“I am so glad you are here and I want to welcome you to my community. You enrich our culture in so many ways. You make our country a better place to live! #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Sharon L.
“It takes courage to come to a new land and make yourself believe that you belong here. It takes time to adjust yourself to completely a new environment. It takes an enormous amount of patience to learn new things. It’s not easy when you try your best to speak out your mind and it freaks you out when you get “where are you from?” as a response only because of your accent. Don’t be afraid to speak what you want thinking you are being judged for not speaking a language with a specific tone. Don’t stop. No matter where you are, people won’t stop judging you. Be strong, be happy and live your life to the fullest. <3 “ —Kripa
“Dear women immigrants: Welcome to the United States of America! As Maya Angelou said “In diversity there is beauty and strength.” As a nation, we are made better by the qualities that every individual brings with her. Your culture, your beliefs,your music your art, your religion and so much more all contribute to making America the wonderful, vibrant, interesting melting pot that it is! I know this is not an easy change for you, but I encourage you to take advantage of all the we have to offer you to make the transition easier. Don’t give up! Many other strong women have done what you are doing and succeeded with hard work! Don’t be dismayed by the current political climate – there are so many people who are happy you are joining us! Welcome!” —Wendy R.
“You are beautiful. Exactly how you are. I may never meet you, but I can feel your radiant energy and please know that you are loved.” —Megan
“No matter what the orange man says, know that we stand with you, we will fight to protect you, and we believe in your dreams. Love and in solidarity.” —Shinjini
“I look around this country that my grandparents and great grandparents emigrated to years before- so that I and my children and grandchildren could live in peace and prosperity. I look at all of the sizes, shapes and colors of the beautiful people that fill my world. Each person is so special and has an unique mission that only s/he can fulfill. I was told once that if you are alive that is God’s message to you that you are loved. We need to love each other- without restraint and without judgments. From a place so deep that we have to search to find it, and also from a place we can reach easily. It feels good to love and share. It feels horrible to withhold and hate. The more we love each other, the better we feel and the more in harmony we live together in this world. Life would be boring and lifeless if we were all the same- so welcome to the different, the spicy and snazzy. Welcome to the new and interesting. Welcome to the seekers and travelers, and those just passing through. Leave your mark on the world and we welcome it. We need to feel and live as one. We are all connected- what happens to you also happens to me. I might have never met you, but I hope to one day be great friends, sending you my sweetest and sincerest love always.” —Melissa
“Know that I am with you and will fight by your side. You are not alone or forgotten. You are what makes this country great – don’t every forget that. This country belongs to you just as much as it belongs to me. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Jaz S.
“We the people are all immigrants, We stand with you, we support you, and if necessary we will fight protect you and your rights. A threat on you is a threat on everyone, as well as on the founding ideas of the United States of America: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Declaration of independence July 4, 1776). We will overcome these difficult times and we will win together. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Tal S.
“We are a country made stronger and better by immigrants like you. I come from a family that immigrated several generations ago to the United States with its opportunities. My family served in the military to defend everyone’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You are wanted here, you are unique and your contributions are needed to make our world a better place for our future generations. Know that when you lay your head down to sleep in your new land, you are loved and appreciated for your sacrifices and struggles to get here. In peace and hope, #ToImmigrantsWithLove.” —Val C.
“To a new friend: I guess the first thing to say is welcome. It doesn’t get said enough these days; a basic thanks for being here. We appreciate the sacrifice you’ve made — whatever your reasons — to come to our country, and if we can’t just say welcome, then we probably don’t deserve that sacrifice. It takes an insane amount of courage to uproot your life. It’s never the path of least resistance to reject the status quo, but you have. And in doing so you’ve made a decision that is not only brave, but admirable and inspiring and worth our love and respect.
“There are plenty of stories in the news about the hatred of the American populace these days. You may have one of your own. But I hope there’s a greater message to be found that some Americans — I like to think most Americans — will welcome you with open arms. When the president enacted his ban on Muslims entering the United States, the reaction was not an open acceptance. It was an immediate and passionate rejection of hatred, rejection of exclusion, and rejection of his immorality that stands against the founding American principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The ideal that all men and women are created equal is sacred to most Americans, and that ideal will not be destroyed by Trump in his white tower.
“I don’t know you, and I probably never will, but I love you for coming here. Thank you for your belief in us. It will not go unrewarded. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Tim
“You are brave. You are the future. You are what make this country and this world great. Please stay strong and know that SO MANY people love, care about, and support you. You are enough, you are equal, you are incredible.” —Stephanie
“To Immigrants, I’m sorry love is not winning right now. You are a big piece of what makes America great and we will stand with you. Continue to stay strong, we love you. With love.” —Heather B.
“Every person has their own light that shines within them. No matter where they are from, what color their skin is, what language they speak, what religion they observe, which people they love. Everyone has the right to carry that light with them wherever they go. And each light contains hopes, dreams, aspirations, goals. That same light shines brightest under the cover of safety, freedom, and expression. You have left everything behind, your home and job, in uncertainty, to come to this country to seek a better place for your own light to shine brighter. As well as the light of your parents, children, loved ones and friends. You have come from situations that most Americans, myself included, could not even imagine going through. I know that you just want to do what is best for yourself, your family, your loved ones. I am sure there are difficult language and cultural adjustments. But with hard work, you will find your way. Do not let the fear and backlash that you may encounter get to you. Do not be afraid to let your light shine through. #Toimmigrantswithlove” —Marissa
“In college, I was so very lucky to have a female professor in the sciences (physics) who was a first generation immigrant from Egypt as a mentor. Her lessons beyond physics, often through the lens of her cultural perspective, are ones that I have held close, and got me through some pretty rough times. I continue to draw upon those lessons, and hope one day to be as well-thought, graceful, and compassionate as she is. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Erin
“My grandmother, orphaned as an infant by the death of her mother and abandoned by her father, was sent back to Croatia, but then became an immigrant for a second time in 1920 when she returned to the U.S. as a teenager. She lived first in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, then moved across the river to West New York NJ, supporting herself sewing for long hours at low pay in garment factories alongside mostly Italian women. When I see the faces of young women who arrive in the United States today, who work with determination to create a life for themselves and their families, I see the strength and grace of my grandmother. I wish them the best. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Paul
““I would say that there are many of us that remember this country is supposed to be a melting pot of cultures. That there are people here that support our immigrant populations and want the very best for them.” #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Kelly
“Most U.S. citizens are here because at one point, be it recent or generations ago, someone decided to come to America for many of the same reasons you have. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Julie
“I would like to tell them that they are needed and wanted. They are loved and they are so incredibly strong. There are people who care about you and want you to live your dreams. #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Mira
“I would like to give everyone hugs (the real or the chocolate kind!), tell them we need them here, we want them here, and THEY make America great! #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Erin
“Thank you for bringing knowledge and expertise to America! #ToImmigrantsWithLove” —Sarah
