The American Dream is Not Just About Those Born in America

Miami, FL (Law Firm Newswire) February 25, 2015 – The United States would not be the global power it is today without the presence and contributions of immigrants.

“Many Americans do not realize where the term the ‘American Dream’ came from,” says Miami immigration attorney, Larry Rifkin, “and what it means.” First appearing in James Adams’ 1931 book “The Epic of America,” the expression described the complexity of social expectations, beliefs, political expectations, and religious promises held by Americans at the time of the Great Depression.

The term itself represented a melting pot of meanings, and over time the connotation morphed into “The American Way of Life.” Still, no consensus exists on what it really stands for, as each person has their own take on the meaning. Even with the lack of a single definition, it is a concept referred to by almost all Americans and American politicians – and nowadays – by immigrants, no matter where they come from.

“To many, the core meaning of the American Dream or American Way of Life,” adds Rifkin, “is that it is there for all to enjoy and be a part of. It is not just for a select few. But somewhere along the line, between when immigrant settlers first developed this nation and now, it has come to mean the dream for Americans. Not so.” Without the participation and contribution of immigrants from all areas, the United States would not be what it is today.

The term melting pot is the most accurate when it comes to describing the racial composition of America, both now and when the country was first being settled. There is not just one race that made the United States what it is.

“If not for the hauntingly skewed concept of racial superiority, this great nation would likely be a more blended, composite entity where the concept of oneness is practiced every day,” emphasizes Rifkin. “Instead, we deal with human rights infractions and violations. America the beautiful is about a united face, uniting all races, all creeds, all religions, all sexes and all colors. In other words, it’s all about humans – period.”

The reality of immigration is that most immigrants come to the U.S. to rebuild or start a new life. The majority are not looking for handouts and do not wish to live by the grace of their community. They want to work and take care of their families – a universal driving force worldwide. It is difficult to understand why many so often deny that one cherished, clearly shared motivation with all mankind, as immigrants, and their families, no matter where they are from, are frequently treated as criminals in inhumane fashion.

The American Dream is not really about money and how to accumulate wealth, but that is what it has become. In reality, the only achievements that count are those individual human ones that make families and a nation into a cohesive entity that supports all who live within its borders.