Every February, the United States celebrates Black History Month. In 2014, the US Embassy in Malta will commemorate Black History Month by honouring African American accomplishments in areas like human rights, the US military, music and the arts. I invite you to participate in these activities.

I also invite you to remember that, like most Americans, black people were immigrants to our hemisphere. We first came as slaves, not long after Columbus’s voyages, and still arrive from various points of origin, including Malta. African Americans have progressed from positions of servitude to the Presidency, contributing to the progress and prosperity of our nation every step of the way. Examples abound: Jazz, blood banks, the carbon filament, peanut butter, the traffic signal and the cardiac pacemaker are examples are just a few of the innovations that African-Americans have given to the world.

What about Africans in Malta?

The November 2011 census indicated that 4.8 per cent of Malta’s population was non-Maltese. Many immigrants are quietly welcomed, such as Filipinos, Russians, Eastern Europeans and British – yet Africans migrants are often greeted with reactions ranging from indifference to open disapproval. They face a difficult road – first in the journey here, then in detention, and later upon release. Media stories highlight the exploitation of those in precarious employment situations. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Migrants of any race can be vulnerable. A pathway to legal status would promote integration and enable them to participate in, and contribute fully to, their new community.

Since my arrival here in May 2012, I have met migrants with diverse backgrounds and personal histories. Recent tragic losses of life at sea remind us of the dangers African migrants face in their desperate attempt to seek a decent life. One commonality: they are here, whether by choice or circumstance, working to make a better life for themselves and their families. Many hope to make Malta their home.

There are success stories: an Eritrean who opened an eatery; a Nigerian who has her own hairdressing salon; a Maltese-Ghanaian lawyer who works with the Maltese Government on integration; a Palestinian lecturer who educates students at the University of Malta; a Maltese-Nigerian director of an educational facility; anEthiopian migrant studying for his Master’s degree.  They contribute in visible, concrete ways to Malta’s economy and development. 

President Obama said: “Our nation’s strength is our youth and our dynamism, and our history for attracting talent from all around the globe.” Immigrants maintain a powerful American economic engine. Immigration rejuvenates the workforce and economy. By accepting the reality of increased movement of people, Malta can ensure it also reaps the benefits of a multi-cultural society: youth and dynamism. 

With the same opportunities as native Maltese, children of immigrants can also attain high levels of academic achievement. They can contribute to the material, cultural and social wealth of society as integral members of the community. Employers are already recognising the benefits of providing secure jobs to migrants. One entrepreneur who employs migrants says she is very happy with their commitment and performance. Employers gain committed employees who, in turn, contribute to the economy. 

Our understanding of what integration means has changed over time. It does not always mean assimilation. The United States, rather than being a “melting pot,” now considers itself a “mosaic” in which people fit together while maintaining important parts of their original identity. Our experience shows that different cultures need not assimilate to learn English, understand and enrich American lifestyles and find work. The transition can be a slow, complex and frequently turbulent process, particularly for those who lack job skills readily transferred to the workplace.  Newcomers often struggle to find their way. Integration has always been a dynamic process that requires adaptation and change of migrants, but also by receiving communities and public institutions.

Malta faces the same challenge: to embrace diverse cultures and allow them to thrive while ensuring that migrants respect Maltese culture and learn the language. Mutual respect and understanding lead to mutual enrichment and prosperity. There are already many positive relationships between migrants and Maltese and I hope they will increase.

Immigrants throughout the world have made life-changing contributions to the global economy. Just like the black slaves who came to America and the Maltese who immigrated to the US after World War II, African migrants can play a vital role in Malta.

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley is the Ambassador of the United States of America