A persons sacrifice for the family.

This week I read an article about how immigration affects the family. In the article, it talked about families making the decision, taking action, and the initial purpose for immigrating illegally. Do you know someone who has immigrated? Have you yourself immigrated? As a person who was born and raised in Ethiopia, I have seen relatives, friends, and neighbors immigrate. This is a big deal! Have you thought of the process? Where to start? How it ends? What is the leading cause of immigrating? The questions are endless. The risks are also endless.

Making this journey illegally is like walking through a minefield blindfolded, hoping and praying your next step won’t be your last. Let me begin by sharing by how the thought of leaving begins. A person may immigrate because of safety, better chances, better education for the children, civil unrest in their origin country, etc… I will only focus on how this affects the family.

To start, a small background on people emigrating from Ethiopia. Countries to immigrate to are: Saudi Arabia, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and more. For example, most people immigrated to Saudi. Leaving behind parents, siblings, spouses and, in some cases, children. They begin this journey by making a down payment to initialize the process. Some have money to make this happen, others borrow money from families and friends to make this trip.

Immigrating is stressful from beginning to end. Imagine yourself as a family member that is in a lower class. Money and food aren’t things you see every day. You want to make a difference in the family. You want to help. You hear from a friend about immigrating, and you decide you want to do it. For you, the risk of immigrating can’t be worse than the place you are now. You borrow money from relatives, friends, you may even end up selling personal belongings. It is done you have the money prepared to make this trip.

What are the risks of immigrating illegally? Let's consider the risks. Risks include, but aren’t limited to death, deportation, starvation, sickness, sexual assault, endless sleepless nights, and so on. This list is neglecting the mental health that will start from the time you decide to step foot outside your home. In addition, neglect the physical and mental state of your family members.

How is the family affected? Do you think the family is affected by one person's decision to immigrate? Well, think of your family. How would they be impacted? I will tell you they will be praying for you day and night. You will be in their thoughts always. Can you call them? Maybe? But unlikely until you get to your destination.

The journey begins. You will begin by moving from your country of origin and travel to other countries by walking, bus, or boat. Be prepared. You will be traveling with people you haven’t met before. There is a captain. The captain is in charge of getting you to a checkpoint. You pay half upfront and the rest when you get to your next checkpoint. Sometimes you may even be crossed by the captain. In short, the risks are ENDLESS! You go to checkpoint after checkpoint until you get to your destination. Have you thought about the language you will speak? Where will you stay? When to call home? How is your family doing? If you will even be able to work?

Plans don’t go as planned. Changes need to happen and that takes time. You have a goal to work and send money to support the family. Time flies. They say days become weeks, weeks become months, months become years. During this period of time, some achieve their goal, some don’t. The journey of a thousand miles is a journey made with sacrifice, tears, sweat, and hard work. All for the family. This is a short version of an immigrant’s journey. May we support, love, and care for the ones that made this journey. They could have been your family.