Children of immigrants grow up with ties to their country of origin as well as the country they grow up in. They’re raised with a mix of foods, music, beliefs, expectations, language, etc., from two (or more) different cultures. Not just in the United States, but around the world, many individuals balance their identify on such classifications. 

What separates us from our parents is that our parents were born in their country of origin whereas we were born in a different one. Therefore, the parents are viewed as first generation immigrants and their children as second-generation immigrants. 

Children who grow up in such families face many misconceptions, judgments, and overall challenges about their cultural identity. In their home country, they’re seen as a citizen of the country they grew up in, and in the country, they grew up in, they’re seen as citizens of their home country. But it’s important to consider that they can be both, and that we are all a “salad bowl.” 

To watch the full Ted Talk, click here! 

Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

---