By Angela Anand, Immediate Past President of AAUC and Vice Chair of AAUC Board, President of SAWN, former President of NFIA
This Fourth of July held particular significance because it marked the nation’s 250th anniversary. Each year, Independence Day is observed through events that honor the founding of the United States. As Americans celebrated with fireworks and flags, immigrant families also reflected on the freedom to embrace both the country that offered them opportunity and the cultures that shaped their identity. This dual heritage is not a contradiction; it is one of America’s enduring strengths.
Every immigrant family carries two precious pieces of luggage: dreams for the future and memories of the past. The challenge and privilege is carrying both without leaving either behind. When I came to America, I was seeking more than better opportunities. Like millions of immigrants before me, my spouse and I pursued the American Dream: a life where hard work, education, and determination could open doors for our children and offer them possibilities beyond what we had imagined.
We also hoped our children would stay connected to their parents’ heritage. Rather than a burden, heritage is a foundation that helps young people build confidence in a changing world. When children understand their family’s history, they often develop a stronger sense of identity and resilience. They also come to appreciate sacrifice, perseverance, and gratitude as vital parts of the legacy they inherit.
Reflecting on my journey from India to America, I recognize that much of my life has been devoted to building bridges between two countries I deeply value. One gave me my roots; the other gave my family the opportunity to grow. Like many immigrants, I arrived in the United States carrying far more than a suitcase. I brought memories of family gatherings, vibrant festivals, deep respect for elders, and a belief that education and hard work can transform lives. These values became the foundation upon which we built our American dream.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, some believe that success in America requires immigrants to leave behind the customs, languages, and traditions of their homeland. I respectfully disagree. My experience has shown that the American Dream is most meaningful when immigrant families preserve their cultural heritage while fully embracing the values and opportunities of the United States.
As an immigrant from India who has spent decades building a life in America, I have experienced this balance firsthand. The United States provided my family with opportunities that previous generations could only envision, rewarding hard work, education, and perseverance. At the same time, the values that guided our journey—respect for elders, commitment to family, service to the community, and the importance of education—were deeply rooted in the culture we brought with us.
Parents have an important responsibility to preserve and pass forward these values. We want our children to succeed in their adopted country, excel academically, build meaningful careers, and participate fully in American life. At the same time, we hope they will understand their grandparents’ stories, honor family traditions, and appreciate the sacrifices that made their opportunities possible. This should not be seen as a choice between two identities, but as an opportunity to help our children embrace both with confidence.
During my return to India after nine years, I observed a country that had undergone substantial transformation. Modern highways, digital payment systems, and technological innovation were increasingly evident, while families continued to gather for festivals, honor elders, and preserve longstanding traditions. The visit underscored an important lesson: progress and heritage are not mutually exclusive; a society can advance while remaining firmly rooted in the cultural values that define it.
The same principle applies in the United States. Our children and grandchildren can thrive in one of the world’s most innovative nations while maintaining a meaningful connection to the cultures that shaped their families. Speaking another language, observing cultural traditions, or preparing traditional foods does not diminish one’s American identity. Rather, these practices contribute to the richness and strength of American society.
Throughout my years of community service, I have observed that cultural celebrations foster connection rather than division. When neighbors gain a deeper understanding of one another’s traditions, misconceptions diminish and meaningful relationships develop. In this way, diversity becomes more than an ideal; it becomes a shared and lived experience.
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, I am concerned that family stories are increasingly being displaced by social media, and that meaningful conversations around the dinner table are becoming less frequent. Heritage is not preserved by chance; it must be shared with intention. Parents and grandparents should not assume that the next generation will naturally absorb these values. We must tell our stories, explain our traditions, and actively invite our children to participate in them.
This responsibility does not rest solely with immigrant families. Schools, community organizations, and civic leaders also play an important role by promoting cultural understanding and creating environments in which every family’s history is recognized and valued. The American Dream has never required individuals to erase their past. Rather, it has invited them to contribute their talents, traditions, and aspirations to a nation shaped by immigrants from around the world. This remains one of America’s greatest strengths.
If we want future generations to be successful, compassionate, and grounded, we should not ask them to choose between their heritage and their American identity. Instead, we should encourage them to value both. These identities are not in conflict; they complement and strengthen one another. As I reflect on my own journey, I believe my generation did more than pursue opportunity—we built bridges between cultures. My hope is that our children will continue crossing those bridges with confidence and pride, carrying forward the best of both worlds. In my view, which is the American Dream worth preserving.
