HAPPY SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL! America at 250
- kwankew
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
The United States at 250 and the World It Influences
Kwan Kew Lai
I came to America from Malaysia on an F-1 student visa. It took me 17 years to become a U.S. citizen.
To be an American means to be promised life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. I have made significant progress in becoming Americanized, but I still straddle two cultures— those of my homeland and America. Despite years of immersion in American culture, the feeling of belonging and the desire for meaningful connection remain ongoing processes.
I worry about where we are headed as a nation. Are we heading toward isolation, withdrawing from our historic alliances? Are we being cruel and selfish by cutting international aid and pulling back from initiatives like USAID, undoing the progress made in improving health, poverty, hunger, and infectious diseases? Are we shutting our doors to international students for education and work experiences? The recent crackdown on illegal immigrants has put many naturalized citizens at risk of being swept up in raids, further marginalizing them and making them feel they don’t belong.
The United States has long been a leader in humanitarian efforts, democracy, education, and scientific research. I sincerely hope that we will endeavor to preserve the ideals of our founding fathers and that humanity’s goodness will ultimately prevail.
Belmont, MA
Happy 250th!
A 200-word essay published by Persimmon Tree. Click below for the full edition of Persimmon Tree on the United States at 250th
My fourth book, Finding Independence in America: An International Student's Journey from Malaysia to Medical School, can be preordered at:
Other books: The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly paperback, ebooks and audiobooks
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