New voices should always be welcome in America

Frontiersman editorial board

The influx of Russian- and Ukrainian-American immigrants to the Mat-Su Valley has been received with mixed emotions here. It seems many of the concerns, however, are directed more at logistical challenges than at anything else. Certainly a noticeable increase of non-English speaking students at some schools puts something of a burden on the system, and introduces teachers to new challenges.

Overall, the schools have handled the situation as best they can, and the district is trying to increase their ability to deal with the new students by bringing in Russian-speaking staff members to bridge the language barrier while the students learn English. Of course in the meantime, there will be some challenges, and some of the English-speaking students may not feel they are getting the same level of education as they might in a single-language classroom.

In truth, these students may receive a much richer education if educators can find ways to take advantage of the benefits that are inherent in diversity. This is a first-hand opportunity for Valley students to experience another culture, another language and views and perspectives from another country. The new residents bring with them a history and a view of the world that can be much different than our own, and exposure to that can only benefit young minds in a world that grows smaller each day.

While our first reaction may be one of concern that the system can't handle the challenges that come with immigration, we should remember that the variety of cultures and views is one of the greatest strengths America has always known. The vast majority of Americans are at least descendants of immigrants. Even if you can say, "My ancestors came over on the Mayflower," the operative words are "came over." Though we've struggled with the challenges of diversity at times, we've always benefited in the end, and this is a chance for the Valley to reap some of those benefits.

The Russian and Ukrainian immigrants have been described as good, hard-working people, and they have come here, in many cases, to escape persecution and to try to provide a better future for their children. What better reasons to come to a country that prides itself upon the opportunities it provides and upon its dedication to champion and protect human and civil rights? We should welcome all new faces and new voices to our community and seek an exchange of ideas from which all can benefit.