On this Father's Day weekend, take a moment to read below what these immigrants -- and children of immigrants -- wrote to honor their fathers, who made their lives in America possible. These are testimonials, full of adoration, addressed directly to the humble, hard-working men who came here and endured much to make a better life possible for their children. All were written by recipients of fellowships from the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, an organization dedicated to helping exceptional immigrants pursue their graduate schooling. It's a very touching collection. Take a moment to click to the Soros site, as well, for a glance at the family photographs, if you really want to choke up.
Born in Nigeria, Chidiebere Akusobi and his mother immigrated to the United States when he was two years old:
You came to America 26 years ago with the dream of providing a better future for your family, and you sacrificed immensely in order to provide for me and my siblings. You worked 2-3 full time jobs, put yourself through nursing school, and obtained a masters degree, all while raising 4 children and supporting your extended family in Nigeria. Daddy, you are the hardest working, most enterprising, and principled man I know. Thank you.
Oswaldo Hasbún Avalos, a native of El Salvador who immigrated to the United States in 2001,
I don't think anyone could've imagined our crazy life; yet I find constant themes: boundless love, constant guidance, and continued sacrifices by Mamita and you. It is through your example that I have learned the true meaning of patience and trust in God; what love looks like through actions; what perseverance and passion mean; and how to lead.
Leen Katrib was born in United Arab Emirates to Syrian and Lebanese immigrants. After numerous threats of deportation to Syria, she relocated with her family to West Virginia when she was 14.
Little did I know how many sacrifices you would be making along the way. You and mama sacrificed your own careers, your dreams, financial security, and seeing your families so that Amal and I can live our dreams. I never thought that ten years after that day at JFK, I would be living in New York, waking up every single morning feeling so in love with my life. I am so grateful for you Baba!!
Suhas Rao was born in Massachusetts, Suhas is the son of Indian immigrants who came to the US in the 1980s.
My father embodies the resilience and ambition typical of so many New Americans, coming from a rural village in South India where he studied by kerosene lamp to eventually attain multiple graduate degrees in totally different fields. Without the sacrifices he made in coming to the U.S. and traveling so far from the comforts of familiarity, my brother and I could not have dreamed of having the opportunities we have had. Happy Father's Day, Appa!
Sahar Soleimanifard was born and raised in Iran, and she moved to the United States when she was 23.
Happy Father's Day to my Baba Ahmad! You are the most strong-willed, motivated, and kind person I know. You not only let me grow and mature, discover new things, and expand my dreams, but also you were there with me each step of the way. I still have a long way to go but I am standing on your shoulders. Thank you for making all things possible.
Katherine Trujillo was born in South Central Los Angeles, Katherine is the daughter of immigrants from Mexico and Honduras.
Thank you for waking up at the crack of dawn to go into work and for staying up late with me to finish school projects. Thank you for driving me to countless football, basketball, and volleyball games as well as cheerleading and academic decathlon competitions. Thank you for taking on God knows how many side jobs just so I could afford to participate in these activities and for continuing to support me in all that I do.
Amal Elbakhar's family immigrated to New York City from Morocco when she was nine years old.
Today, you continue to strive for the American dream - every day - waking up at 5 am and working till 10 pm. Today, I am achieving the American dream because of your courage, brilliance and support! Dad - you are the stick with which I measure the greatness of a man, and the perfect example of the ideal parent.
These beautiful testimonials to fatherhood, one remarkable father at a time, show in a heart-piercing way how crucial immigration into this country is for so many people--those who come here and find a better life, along with the rest of us who are enriched by their citizenship. Happy Father's Day to all of them.
Peter Georgescu is the author of The Constant Choice. He can be found at Good Reads.