What does it mean to immigrate?

(This poem started as my reaction to a news segment on Greek wildfires that have claimed the lives of some asylum seekers.)

No one likes to let outsiders in

And that is where the argument begins

Against immigration, an issue that evokes

Strong reactions, often provokes

Resentment, anger, marked division

Among citizens in terms of their opinion..

*

Yet migration is a way of life natural

How can arbitrary borders limit the fight for survival

For many immigrants fearful for their lives

Immigration is their only hope to survive

Facing untold perils to immigrate

Is a measure taken by those truly desperate

Granting political asylum to those in need

Is essentially a humanitarian deed

*

Some immigrants migrate not out of necessity

But because of the dearth of opportunities

In their parent countries, they immigrate

Based on merit, and integrate

Into communities in new nations

Doesn’t everyone benefit from such immigration?

*

I am an immigrant, and all I can say

I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way

In my adopted country- my success I owe

To both the countries that have let me grow

I hold myself responsible to never let

My adopted country down, to never give anyone reason to regret

Opening the doors to let me in, let me acquire

Citizenship, to let me pursue the goals I desire