Coming to Texas

Immigration stories are vivid accounts of individuals and families embarking on journeys to new lands, driven by dreams of a better life. These narratives often blend courage, hope, and resilience, as newcomers navigate unfamiliar cultures, languages, and systems. Immigration stories encapsulate the human spirit's capacity for adaptation and determination, highlighting the profound impact of migration on personal identities and the communities they join. They serve as a powerful reminder of the diverse mosaic of experiences that enrich societies worldwide.

On immigrating to Tyler, TX
Chanda Parbhoo

Chanda Parbhoo

“Those were things that took us off guard, because we knew something about the United States, we knew something about America, we knew something before we came. But it just was shocking that a lot of people had never left the city.”

On student visas in the 1970s
Hadi Jawad

Hadi Jawad

“What I remember is it was quite easy. There was not much focus, nobody was paying attention to us. I realize things are quite, quite, quite different now. But yeah, once you were here, nobody was monitoring us. Nobody was asking us questions.”

On isolation as a first-generation American
Sola Akinola

Sola Akinola

“Looking back at it now, I felt very isolated just from everyone and everything. Both from my parents and from the classmates that I grew up with.”

On the role of family in immigration
Emmad Mazhari

Emmad Mazhari

“My dad’s brothers and sisters, for the most part, were in Houston. So that was the reason for the move. They applied for him to come when he was single, and then when he got married, I think the decision was just to take the whole family over.”

On loneliness in Texas
Saamiya Seraj

Saamiya Seraj

“Bangladesh, when I last looked, was 18,000 people per square kilometer, and when I first moved to Austin, it was 600 people per square mile. And so I think I felt very lonely. And one of my first reactions was, ‘What are these vast empty spaces where there are no houses or trees, and it's just grass?’”