By plane, boat or land. From thousands of miles away; from just across the border. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and each one has a unique story.
Today, we publish the first in a new series, called How I got here. It’s the tale of a Jewish man from Iraq who no longer felt safe in Baghdad, and found himself drawn to the creativity of California’s hippy culture.
Each week we will ask another American to describe their journey to the country they now call home.
Immigrants are increasingly demonized in the current political climate. That’s why we feel it’s important to respond by celebrating the courage and ingenuity of those who have come here to seek a better life. To share in their adventure, and wonder at how diverse our culture is.
We want to hear from the broadest possible range of people. Young or old, from near or far, if you want to share the story of how you got here, send a summary of no longer than 200 words to us.opinion@theguardian.com. Please put ‘How I got here’ in the subject line.