A Letter of Guidance to Haitian Biden Newcomers
(Version Française disponible)
Recently, many Haitians have embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue a better life through the Biden Humanitarian Parole Program. The program has ignited controversy and conspiracies, with some perceiving it as a potential contributor to destroying the remaining of Haiti. Overnight, numerous professionals, teachers, nurses, doctors, and police officers, as well as husbands or wives separated from their families, have left the country. This has left those who remain or are still awaiting their turn in a state of profound mental torture and unrelenting stress — a situation I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.
The circumstances surrounding this humanitarian disaster are undeniably heart-wrenching for those who are from Haiti. A mass exodus that has torn families apart, and crucial institutions such as banks, schools, and hospitals are now grappling with chaos due to the sudden absence of employees. This dire scenario ranks as one of the most devastating human catastrophes ever experienced in the Western Hemisphere.
Instead of dwelling on explaining this depressing event, I have composed a letter offering advice to those who have recently arrived in the United States.
Dear Haitian Newcomers,
As you embark on this journey to the United States, you must recognize that you’re entering a world of contrasts — two different countries, cultures, and sets of obligations. The social expectations here differ significantly from what you’ve known. It’s natural to occasionally question whether you’ve made the right choice, but don’t dwell on such doubts. Instead, embrace this new, unexpected journey, free from guilt and filled with immense potential.
A decade ago, when I moved to the United States, one of the most pivotal decisions I made was to unlearn everything I knew and to relearn new perspectives and directions. I must clarify that I have no intention of diminishing the uniqueness of your experiences and challenges by drawing comparisons. It would be utterly insensitive to undermine the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
However, I wish to stress that you should consider reevaluating your previous perspectives and goals in light of your new circumstances in the United States. Your dreams must undergo a process of redefinition, reshaping, and realignment to align with this unfamiliar and unwanted reality.
Set aside any preconceived notions, whether they were positive or negative, about America. You might soon discover that your previous beliefs were shockingly inaccurate.
You are stepping into a unique world where resilience and pragmatism hold the key to survival. It’s crucial to embrace an understanding of American society’s expectations. America is fundamentally a capitalist country where success is often measured by economic achievement. Complaining won’t get you far, and criticizing won’t pave the way for progress. Instead, adapt by adopting a capitalist mindset. What I mean by this is that you have the choice to create or be created, to sell or be sold. The decision is yours to make, or it will be made for you.
Leave your past life behind; here, you are not the doctor, engineer, or aspiring politician (at least not for now). You are here as a worker, a contributor to the workforce, a part of the machinery that keeps things moving. The sooner you grasp this reality, the faster you’ll progress beyond this stage.
Make peace with this somewhat painful realization and concentrate on the tasks at hand. Success in America isn’t guaranteed; it’s a place of opportunities, which can lead to either spectacular success or disastrous failure. However, the power to rewrite the narrative of your life lies within your grasp. You only need to be willing to pay the price.
First, don’t fall into the trap of harboring resentment towards the American system. Reprogram yourself to understand how to use it to your advantage. The most powerful mantra here is: “You are not here to complain or regret; It is what it is. Just do what needs to be done to make it happen.”
Without wasting time delving into abstract concepts, let’s address what truly matters to you……. Click to read Part 2
