Bangladesh is a least developed or developing country. In its key sources of income, foreign remittances play a significant role. Those who send this foreign currency, work tirelessly abroad, often under harsh conditions to support both their families and the country.
Most people from countries like Bangladesh go to developed nations for livelihood opportunities, usually through various types of visas. Naturally, when the visa expires, many of them do not return home and end up staying abroad for years. In the hope of a better life, they hold on and remain in those foreign lands. During this time, they typically live as undocumented immigrants and continuously attempt to legalize their status.
It is also an absolute truth that since the dawn of human history, people have journeyed from one corner of the world to another to sustain their existence. This is for themselves, for their families and above all, for the survival of human beings.
Take the United States, for instance. Many immigrants there have spent decades without being able to legalize their status. This keeps them separated from their families and because of their undocumented status, they often receive lower wages.
Donald Trump is a U.S. president who even keeps Americans guessing about his decisions, as no one could predict what he might do next. After being elected president for a second term, on his very first day in office, he signed nearly 200 executive orders, shaking not only the United States but almost the entire world.
After assuming office, President Trump, seated behind the Oval Office desk, signed one executive order after another to curb immigration. For nearly 150 years, children born on U.S. soil have been granted "birthright citizenship." Trump called this constitutional right "ridiculous" and announced his intention to abolish the law on his first day in office. However, analysts have argued that such a change cannot be achieved solely through an executive order. They believe this law cannot be repealed without amending the U.S. Constitution.
In the pursuit of fortune, people leave behind their spouses, children, parents, and homeland. This relentless struggle and sacrifice are all for a chance for a better life.
The struggles of the current U.S. President could also be explored in this discussion. Donald Trump's family history traces back to Germany. His grandfather, Friedrich Trump was a German immigrant who left his hometown of Kallstadt in 1885 at the age of just 16 to move to America. Friedrich initially settled in New York and later worked in Seattle, Washington and the Yukon region of Canada.
During the Gold Rush, Friedrich Trump became involved in the restaurant and hotel business. Later, he ventured into real estate as well. Donald Trump's father, Fred Trump, further expanded Friedrich's real estate business. He amassed significant wealth by developing affordable housing in various parts of New York City.
Donald Trump expanded his father's business into luxury hotels, skyscrapers and casinos. His business success and controversial personality earned him international recognition. In 2016, he was elected as the President of the United States for the first time.
This means that the current U.S. President is also, in essence, a descendant of immigrants. Not only the current president but as per Donald Trump's own rhetoric, all American presidents should be considered immigrants.
Now, let's explore how white people, who call themselves Americans, originally came to this land.
The arrival of white people in America began in 1492, when Christopher Columbus, under the authorization of the Spanish Crown, set out to discover a new sea route to Asia. Instead, he mistakenly arrived at the islands of the Americas, which later became known to Europeans as the "New World."
Following this, various European countries, particularly Spain, Portugal, England, France and the Netherlands began expeditions to the Americas with aims of land acquisition, resource extraction and religious missions.
The original inhabitants of America were the Native Americans, who arrived thousands of years ago via the Bering Land Bridge from Asia. They comprised diverse tribes and nations, such as the Cherokee, Sioux, Navajo, Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. Their lifestyle was nature-dependent, sustained through hunting, agriculture and fishing.
The arrival of Europeans brought devastation to the lives of Native Americans. Europeans began seizing their lands and displacing indigenous populations. Several conflicts highlight this tragic history:
" Pequot War (1636-1638): Europeans nearly annihilated the entire Pequot nation.
" King Philip's War (1675-1678): One of the most significant Native American resistance efforts but ultimately, they were defeated.
" Sioux Wars (1876): The Sioux tribe fought to protect their lands but eventually succumbed to defeat.
Under the policy known as Manifest Destiny, white settlers believed it was their divine right to expand and occupy land all the way to the western frontier of America.
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced millions of Native Americans off their ancestral lands, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. This act was one of the many efforts to systematically uproot indigenous communities in favor of European settlers.
The Trail of Tears is one of the most tragic examples of forced displacement, where thousands of Native Americans died from cold, hunger and disease during their relocation.
That's how the Europeans became Americans.
In addition, Europeans brought with them new diseases, such as smallpox, measles and influenza which proved catastrophic for the Native Americans. Lacking immunity to these foreign illnesses, millions of indigenous people perished. Their traditions were systematically destroyed, and efforts were made to forcibly assimilate them into European society.
By the late 19th century, specific lands were designated for Native Americans, known as "reservations." However, these areas were often impoverished and unsuitable for agriculture. As a result, Native Americans lost their traditional way of life.
The arrival of white settlers in America marked the beginning of a new chapter but for Native Americans, it was a chapter of devastation. Their land, way of life and culture were systematically destroyed.
In contrast, the family of someone like Donald Trump is an example of how immigrants from Europe seized opportunities in America and achieved success. This highlights the complex legacy of America's immigrant culturewhere opportunities for some came at the cost of immense suffering for others.
The writer is a photo journalist, The Daily Observer
