A Journey That Changed My Life
When I first arrived in America from India, I didn’t have much. Just a suitcase, a heart full of hope, and a belief that if I worked hard enough, I could build a better life. Like many immigrants, I didn’t come for a handout—I came for a chance. That chance didn’t come easy. I worked as a janitor while going to school and saving money. I did what I had to do because I believed in the American Dream—and more importantly, I was willing to work for it.
That experience shaped my values and gave me a deep respect for the immigrant work ethic. It’s something I’ve seen over and over: people who take risks, face setbacks, and never give up. That spirit—resilience, sacrifice, and grit—is at the core of so many American success stories, including my own.
The Willingness to Start at the Bottom
Many immigrants, like I did, start with humble jobs. Cleaning floors. Driving taxis. Washing dishes. Picking crops. These are not easy jobs, but they are essential. And more than that, they are stepping stones. What many people don’t see is the determination behind those roles.
I’ve met immigrants who worked 16-hour shifts and then stayed up late to take English classes. I know people who lived five to a room so they could save for a small business. These are not stories of struggle—they are stories of strength. Starting from the bottom isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s something to be proud of, especially when you use that foundation to build something greater.
Risk-Taking: A Common Thread
Leaving your home country, your family, your language, and your culture behind isn’t easy. It’s a major risk. But it’s a risk that millions have taken in search of freedom, opportunity, and a better future for their children. That same courage shows up in how immigrants approach work and business.
I’ve seen so many immigrants open their own shops, restaurants, or service companies. They invest everything they have—sometimes their life savings—into chasing a dream. There’s always the chance of failure, but they push through because the reward is worth it.
Entrepreneurship is where the immigrant spirit really shines. Even in the face of challenges—lack of credit, language barriers, unfamiliar regulations—immigrant business owners keep moving forward. And many times, they succeed.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Let’s be honest: being an immigrant in America isn’t always easy. There’s discrimination. There are legal and financial obstacles. There’s the pressure of supporting families both here and back home. But through it all, immigrants keep going.
That resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop. It comes from doing hard things over and over until they become normal. It comes from believing that tomorrow will be better, even if today is hard. It comes from having a vision for your life and refusing to let it go.
I’ve personally faced setbacks and roadblocks, but I never let them define me. And I’ve seen that same resilience in others—from farm workers to doctors to small business owners. They face adversity, and they rise above it.
Giving Back Once We Make It
One of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in immigrant communities is the willingness to give back. Once someone finds success, they don’t just keep it to themselves—they share it. They help relatives find jobs. They sponsor community events. They donate to their temples, churches, or mosques. They volunteer. They run for office to make a difference.
That’s why I felt called to public service. After years of hard work and success in business, I wanted to serve the city that gave me so much. Becoming mayor of Anaheim wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was proof that the American Dream is still alive. It was also a way to give back and help others find their path, too.
A Message to the Next Generation
To young immigrants and first-generation Americans: never forget where you come from. Your story, your struggle, your roots—they are your strength. You may face challenges, but you also carry a work ethic and perspective that can take you far. Be proud of your heritage. Work hard. Take risks. And when you succeed, reach back and help someone else climb, too.
To my fellow Americans: never underestimate the value immigrants bring to this country. We are workers. We are innovators. We are leaders. And above all, we are believers in the promise of America.
The American Dream Is Still Alive
My story isn’t unique—and that’s what makes it so powerful. There are millions of immigrant stories just like mine, each one full of courage, sacrifice, and triumph. What ties them all together is a simple truth: hard work pays off, and this country still rewards those who hustle, dream big, and give back.
The immigrant work ethic isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about pushing past limits and lifting others as we rise. And in doing so, we not only find success—we help shape the future of America.