America is unique in that the majority of the people or soon to be the majority of the people is not of the same ancestry. And I think there lies the issue. We, the Hmong people, is a late, a really late addition to this country. And I would even venture to say that many of us, especially the older generations don't feel like they belong here or have a stake in this country. Honestly, it has not been an easy journey for me personally either, I have struggled all my life on where I fit in. IS America truly my home, my people, my life? And the question of "will they accept me" keeps coming to the forefront of my mind. I bet a lot of you have a hard time saying, I am an American.
It was not until a few years ago, that I visited another country that I realize. I am an American. I may not be white, I not even sound or speak or eat or drink or do whatever it is that defines an American, but nonetheless I am an American. I am not here for just awhile, I am not here on vacation, I am not here just to make some money and leave and I am not here just because I don't have anywhere else to go. This thought can be frightening to many of us, but it can also liberate us and make us whole as a nation.