Immigrate or emigrate: a life-long journey.

• Position: Ask a Law Librarian

I migrated. That is, I moved from point A to point B and "never the twain shall meet"--Rudyard Kipling from The Ballad of East and West.

Did I emigrate or did I immigrate? Did I move away or did I reach my destination? The topic of immigration is full of paradoxes that take a lifetime to satisfy. Immigration is a journey.

Some factors push you away--war, famine, or poverty. Prosecution for race or religion. A hankering for freedom. Some factors pull you--a better job, a beautiful girl you want to marry, the green grass on the other side of the fence.

Emigration affects the people "back home." Some think, "Good riddance, you traitor. Is it that much better over there?" Or they miss you; it's as if they had to bury you already.

Immigration affects your new community. People make you feel welcome or they want to send you back. Both sentiments are never far from the surface.

And you? Will you keep your identity and honour your culture from point A, or will you integrate and do in your new Rome as the Romans do? How long will you hold on to your roots, your language, your food, your traditions? Will you stay in touch with fellow migrants or ignore them? Can you adapt and learn the strange new language and customs? Your children don't have to adapt; they are the new people and that leads to generational conflicts.

And so you escaped, but where will you die? Will you return because you made a bad decision? Point B doesn't understand you but point A doesn't want you anymore. Or you feel good in both places and you can't make up your mind. You want the best of both.

Built by immigrants, Canada is a young country that understands and respects the newcomers, whatever luggage they carry.

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