Rasa Ardys-Juska, Editor

Perspectives

Recently, my class and I took a field trip to Ellis Island. It was one of those educational type trips where students were to try to conceptualize what trials and tribulations the newly-arrived to the United States experienced.

Several children asked me what I thought these immigrants did after Ellis Island. "They probably felt alone and scared not knowing if they could survive here." they said. My first reaction was to agree with these thoughts, but I explained that many had relatives and friends who lived in different cities. Many immigrants, then later refugees or displaced persons, knew of communities, such as China Town, Little Italy, or the Lithuanian section of Marquette Park, in which their country’s culture and language was duplicated so soothingly. These newly arrived people found solace and guidance there.

Times have changed. Ellis Island does not greet hopeful people anymore. Immigrants and refugees arrive by airplane with a green card in hand. They wander to a city or town they may have read about or a friend had written of. They involve themselves in becoming American.

Those who had been teachers, business managers, nurses, doctors, architects in Lithuania become construction workers, home health care aids, or house cleaners. They put aside what was...and settle for what is available because they lack guidance and friendly advice from someone who has been able to successfully combine both cultures.

Those of the Lithuanian communities still continue to carry on with schools, festivals, and social events. They may not be thousands strong in one sole area, but their contacts extend to all the nearby hamlets. The newly-arrived, may search them out when the need for their culture, language and guidance overwhelm them.

Lithuanian–American Communities have established Chicago’s Seklycia (Human Services Office), and a New York-based office to aid Lithuanians with information and establishing themselves here. Other cities see the merit of these practices, as Lithuanians arrive and disappear because they do not know where to turn. Yet, as a supportive community it is vital to expand to catch those who slip through the cracks.

One newly-arrived Lithuanian told me, "We are only one family of four hundred green card winners of 1998." After nine months in cultural isolation, they hungrily travel an hour to two hours to the nearest communities to visit, share, and learn from other Lithuanians. Where are the other 399 green card winners? How can we as a community or as individuals help them with choices and opportunities?

As a supportive community, we must continue to be the first to greet and guide our fellow Lithuanians — lest they seek solace from those who care not for who they are.