Posted on Jul 4, 2022
6 immigrants reflect on their complicated relationships with the 4th of July
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https://www.npr.org/2022/07/04/ [login to see] /4th-july-independence-day-immigrants
For immigrants to the U.S., the Fourth of July brings mixed emotions. Typically marked with barbecues and fireworks, the holiday is a celebration of the country's independence in 1776.
This year, six immigrants reflect on what the day means to them, and how that meaning has evolved in recent years.
For immigrants to the U.S., the Fourth of July brings mixed emotions. Typically marked with barbecues and fireworks, the holiday is a celebration of the country's independence in 1776.
This year, six immigrants reflect on what the day means to them, and how that meaning has evolved in recent years.
6 immigrants reflect on their complicated relationships with the 4th of July
Posted from npr.orgPosted in these groups: 
4th of July
Immigration
4th of July Immigration
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 1
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Amir Sharifi
Immigrated from Iran
Arrived in the U.S. in 2009
My first 4th of July experience, we made a small trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee to visit some friends and we celebrated 4th of July by watching fireworks on the banks of Tennessee River. And it was splendid and beautiful. At the time, my biggest dream was to become an American and celebrate the 4th of July with my fellow Americans. And that became reality last year when I became a naturalized American citizen with my wife. And then a little bit after that, my daughter was born. So this year marks her first 4th of July. But this year our celebration won't be a typical one.
I am heartbroken for families in Uvalde, Texas who lost their children and loved ones. But most importantly, I am sad and disappointed in the recent rulings of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, which basically took away the most basic rights and freedoms from half of the population, including my wife and my daughter. So this year, we won't be lighting fireworks. We decided that we're going to take a long walk and contemplate. We are going to talk about what we gained, what we have, and what we've just recently lost."
..."Amir Sharifi
Immigrated from Iran
Arrived in the U.S. in 2009
My first 4th of July experience, we made a small trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee to visit some friends and we celebrated 4th of July by watching fireworks on the banks of Tennessee River. And it was splendid and beautiful. At the time, my biggest dream was to become an American and celebrate the 4th of July with my fellow Americans. And that became reality last year when I became a naturalized American citizen with my wife. And then a little bit after that, my daughter was born. So this year marks her first 4th of July. But this year our celebration won't be a typical one.
I am heartbroken for families in Uvalde, Texas who lost their children and loved ones. But most importantly, I am sad and disappointed in the recent rulings of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, which basically took away the most basic rights and freedoms from half of the population, including my wife and my daughter. So this year, we won't be lighting fireworks. We decided that we're going to take a long walk and contemplate. We are going to talk about what we gained, what we have, and what we've just recently lost."
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