Success Principles of Immigrants to US

Today in one party I found myself sitting next to a Taiwanese guy – in his 20’s. He was a nice guy who was interested in sharing notes on how I, an Indian immigrant (sorta like in the shoes of his parents) was doing in the US. His questions were intriguing … but very pertinent and those that could have come from an immigrant descendent only. We agreed that the Chinese and India – along with several other immigrants – follow some basic principles that make these groups a great success! Here is a list of “Success Principles of Immigrants to US”:

1. Family First: Family is the MOST important reason to work and goal to earn for. Individual and personal successes are not the most important goals. Most immigrant parents can sacrifice their own interests for the larger family interests.

2. Education is the No. 1 driver: Most immigrant kids are highly driven to get higher degrees and more certifications. Most I have met know that Masters is about the minimum they have to get and more certifications they get the better!

3. Hard Work: Hard work is a very important ingredient that separates the successful vs those not and the immigrants will work the day and study at night school to move up.

4. Emphasis on Ethnic Culture to Balance Americana: The Ethnic culture is mixed in daily life – including schools and family get-togethers. This helps blunt the negative effects of the youth who waste away their youth in ineffective activities. This also makes the Immigrant youth more tolerant and have a wider world view. I have personally seen the kids of first or second generation immigrants to be very well versed in the cultural sensitivities that span across cultures – which somehow most of my American friends could not empathize with.

Combination of all the above factors helps the immigrants be a successful group!