The golden state of California has the most diverse demographics of all the 50 states, largely attributed to the state’s long history of international immigration. Beginning during the Gold Rush of the 1850s, California has become a beacon of hope for individuals across the world — Ventura, Calif. being one of the many havens for immigrants in search of a better life.
The adjacency to the Mexican border, and the generally lenient immigration laws of the state, have supported this flow of foreign peoples. California benefits in many ways from this process. The diversity of its people creates a cultural exchange that helps the economy thrive from the large number of skill sets and specialties brought in from abroad.
Not only does this diversity make for an exciting, vibrant place to live, but it is also one of the largest contributors to the labor force. Immigrants fill jobs Americans are unwilling to take, and according to an article from the Los Angeles Times, are, “pumping millions of tax dollars into state, local and federal coffers.” Immigrants are a vital part of each community, whether it’s by opening businesses, supplying labor or contributing to the development of new ideas and improvements.
However, many believe that immigrants can bring violence, viewing them as a threat to their communities. These concerns, along with other discussions regarding immigration, have led to the institution of laws such as the Laken Riley Act, a controversial piece of legislation that cracks down on border control, specifically with illegal immigrants who have committed theft crimes. Bills such as this one can be misinterpreted and cause deportations to immigrants fleeing a dangerous or undesirable situation across borders. Despite the fear that often surrounds immigration, contrary to popular belief, as of 2022, 83% of immigrants were either citizens or had some other legal residency status.
Whether or not individuals believe in the modern system of immigration, it is undeniable that immigrants have become an integral part of local communities. According to Data USA, in 2022, 21.4% of Ventura County residents were foreign born, which is higher than the national average of 13.6% and is predicted to be even higher when factoring in their children and families.
One of these individuals is Nala Romia, a math teacher at Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech). She immigrated from Syria to Ventura County in 2015 after war broke out in the Middle East. “It was not easy,” Romia said, “Every day I woke up at five or four in the early morning to get ready to study … because I was working and studying at the same time.” She explained that when she first made the decision to move here she had no family or close friends in America. The only people Romia knew were a family who hired her as a math tutor for their four daughters.
Now, her hard work and late nights have started to pay off. “I met my husband here three or four years ago and I moved to a better house,” Romia said. She landed a job here at Foothill Tech as a long term substitute a couple years ago, and has since become a full time teacher on campus.
While the generally friendly attitude of the county has really helped her through the process of building a new life here in Ventura, the most difficult obstacle she has had to overcome is the language barrier. “It was not easy for me to start learning a new language” Romia said, “I started teaching … math at home, but it was not easy to do that in English.” She took multiple classes to speak more fluently so she could get a job and continue with her career as a teacher.
Vanessa Flores ‘26, who emigrated from Mexico when she was 10, spoke of similar struggles in that, “no one … spoke Spanish,” but meeting friends and finding communities who could help her learn English made her transition much smoother.
Along with the issue of communication, Flores described that, while for the most part Ventura’s community was inviting, she has been on the receiving end of racist comments and experiences.
Many people like Romia, or Flores have found success through immigration. The process is complex and sometimes daunting, and as such, each experience is completely individual. Romia, for example, has had a very challenging journey from Syria to Ventura. However, her story is ultimately one of success and fulfillment. Her immigration opened many new opportunities for her that certainly would not have been possible in the tumultuous environment of modern day Syria. “Every morning I go walking to the ocean,” She says, and her passion for teaching is still very much alive, as she added “Students are students, everywhere you go.”
The vast opportunities in the United States makes it a destination for many peoples across the world. And while the financial opportunity and social mobility of the United States proves to be beneficial for immigrants, they are not the only ones who benefit. A contributing factor to America’s success and prosperity can be attributed to these peoples.
The ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policy in the United States reflect a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges that affect a diverse population. As of 2025, the implications of potential policy changes continue to unfold. With a new administration promising to secure the southern border and decrease illegal immigration, it is unclear of how a new presidency could affect lives. These developments highlight the various perspectives on immigration, emphasizing the importance of balancing national security and economic contributions.
As debates rage and policies shift, let’s not forget — America’s true promise lies in its melting pot, not its borders. The future of immigration isn’t just about policy, but it’s about possibility and what story do we want to tell next. In a nation built by many hands, the question remains: how will we shape our future together?
