Why did you leave your home? What was your home like? What do you plan on doing to support yourself? Do you need help settling down? How was the boat ride?
Asking immigrants about their experiences requires sensitivity. Questions should cover their life back home, challenges faced during resettlement, economic barriers, community reception, and personal resilience.
When asking questions to immigrants, it is crucial to approach the conversation with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the complexities of their experiences. Here are five thoughtful questions to consider:
Can you share about your life in your home country and what led you to immigrate to the United States?
How have the policies in place during your arrival impacted your resettlement experience?
What have been some of the challenges and barriers you've faced since arriving, particularly regarding economic well-being or access to services like healthcare?
How do you feel about the community reception in the U.S., and what support has been most helpful for you and your family's well-being?
Reflecting on your journey, what moments or experiences stand out to you as exemplifying resilience or hope?
These questions aim to understand immigrants' perspectives, challenges they face, and their needs during the transition while staying mindful of their personal experiences and sensitivities.
When talking to an immigrant, you might ask about their reasons for leaving their home country, the challenges they faced during their journey, their first impressions of the U.S., how they have adapted to life here, and their hopes for the future. These questions help gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives. Engaging with their story can foster empathy and greater awareness of immigrant issues.
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