First, it was the Malagasy immigrants who had settled here long before my arrival — mostly second-generation immigrants. To them, they were the true immigrants because they had been here long enough, having endured the trials and tribulations of immigration, and having a deep understanding of America. They had seamlessly integrated into American society, fluent in English, surrounded by American friends, and enriched with American experiences. I, on the other hand, didn’t know what “food processor” meant. Consequently, I was always excluded from discussions about the U.S. My perspectives and experiences were never legitimate enough. I felt as though I wasn’t a legitimate immigrant.
What happens when the people of your birth country think you???re a foreigner?
Patrick Cox: Hands up who has a parent from another country. OK, maybe not hands up if you’re driving. This is what a lot…