Skip to main content

6 Immigrant Experience Nailed by the Movie "Coming to America"

    As a classic comedy film, "Coming to America" may not be the first movie that comes to mind when considering immigration experiences. However, upon closer examination, the movie nails several aspects of the immigrant experience in the United States. Here are six things that "Coming to America" got right about the immigrant experience:


1. The Culture Shock: When Prince Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) lands in the bustling city of New York from his serene home country of Zamunda, he experiences the quintessential immigrant sensation of culture shock. The fast-paced lifestyle and unfamiliar food choices leave Akeem feeling overwhelmed, a sentiment that echoes the experiences of many immigrants in the United States.


2. The Language Barrier: Akeem's friend and assistant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) struggles to understand the slang and colloquialisms Americans use, highlighting the language barriers many immigrants face when coming to a new country.


3. The Struggle to Find Work: Despite his royal status, Akeem needs help finding a job that suits his skills and interests. This mirrors the experience of many immigrants who struggle to find employment that matches their qualifications and experience. So many immigrants trade in their accomplishments back home to come to the States and take on menial jobs for the prospect of accomplishing the American Dream.


4. The Importance of Family: Throughout the movie, Akeem cherishes the importance of family and community, frequently seeking guidance and support from his parents and friends. This mirrors the tight-knit communities many immigrant families build in the United States, providing a sense of belonging and comfort in a foreign land.


5. The Desire for a Better Life: Akeem's voyage to the United States is fueled by his longing to find true love and experience a different way of life. This mirrors the aspirations of many immigrants who journey to the United States, driven by the hope of a better life and more significant opportunities.


6. The Importance of Maintaining Cultural Identity: Despite his attempts to assimilate into American culture, Akeem ultimately stays true to his cultural roots and traditions. This highlights the importance of maintaining cultural identity and heritage, even in the face of assimilation.


Overall, "Coming to America" may be a comedy, but it captures several critical aspects of the immigrant experience. From culture shock to the importance of family and community, the movie provides a unique perspective on what it means to be an immigrant in the United States.


At Plan Life Law Firm, because we understand the immigrant experience well, we strive to be the best at helping other immigrants navigate the US immigration system smoothly and have better experiences and outcomes. 


Give us a call at (727)755-4636 today!

Labels:
Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Popular posts from this blog

Homeownership and Estate Planning

  Estate planning is crucial to preparing for the future, especially for homeowners. As a homeowner, you have a significant asset that requires future planning. Estate planning can help ensure that your property is distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are cared for after you pass away, or it can use your property to earn income as you age. A Will As An Estate Planning Tool For Homeowners One of the most common estate planning tools for homeowners is a Will. A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property to be distributed after your death. It is important to note that a will only becomes effective after you pass away. With a will, you can name an executor to manage your estate, name guardians for your children, and specify how your debts should be paid. A will can also be used to leave specific assets to named beneficiaries, such as family members or charitable organizations. One advantage of using a will is that it is generally less expensi
Post a Comment
Read more

The Israel-Palestine Conflict:

The Effects on U.S. Immigration Policies The United States (U.S.) has a complex set of immigration and visa policies in place for citizens of various countries, including Palestinians and Israeli citizens. This article will take a closer look at the specific policies that apply to these two groups and the approximate number of visas and immigrants who are granted entry to the U.S. each year. The process of obtaining a visa to enter the U.S. can be a challenging and lengthy one for Palestinians. This is largely due to the political situation in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.  Palestinians are considered stateless because the U.S. does not recognize Palestine (Gaza or the West Bank) as a country. The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) defines a stateless person as one without a nationality. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) acknowledges the Palestinian Authority Passport as an official travel document under the  Immigration and National
Post a Comment
Read more

Seven Pathways To Obtain A Green Card

Becoming a permanent resident of the United States (U.S.), also known as getting a green card, can be a long and complex process. However, it is not impossible because the U.S. government issues more than a million green cards each year, with several pathways available for individuals to obtain a green card. This article details the seven most common pathways to getting a green card. 1. Family-based Immigration As the largest category of green card recipients each year, this pathway is available to immediate family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Eligible family members include spouses, parents, children, and siblings. The application process involves filing a petition and supporting documents with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The waiting period can range from several months to several years, depending on the relationship and country of origin.  Pros of this pathway include the ability to reunite with family members, and the lack of a
Post a Comment
Read more