Simerg is excited to launch its special series, Letter to America, on August 2. This date marks the anniversary of 1776, when the Declaration of Independence — adopted on July 4 — was signed in Philadelphia, a city at the heart of American independence and history. Please read an introduction to the series HERE. The series will conclude at the end of 2026, and the submission deadline is November 30.
Anchor Links to Letters
- Pyarali Khoja: An Immigrant’s Journey: A Life Built Through Hard Work, Family, and Gratitude, published on August 2, 2026
- Aziz Hussain: A Heartfelt Thank You to America on Her 250th Birthday published on August 2, 2026
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An Immigrant’s Journey: A Life Built Through Hard Work, Family, and Gratitude
By PYARALI KHOJA
Chicago, Illinois
I came to the United States from Pakistan in September 1971 in search of a brighter future. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I would like to share a few reflections on my journey and express my gratitude to this remarkable nation.
I was raised in a middle-class Ismaili Muslim family of ten — my parents, three brothers, four sisters, and me. We lived in a modest home in a peaceful gated community. Although four of us brothers were working, our family still lived from paycheck to paycheck, making every dollar count.
When I arrived in the United States, I dreamed of pursuing higher education. However, life had other plans. Having married at a young age, I carried the responsibility of supporting not only my family in America but also my loved ones back in Pakistan. As a result, my dream of earning a college degree had to be set aside.
My wife, Rashida, and I dedicated many years to volunteering at our Ismaili Jamatkhana, believing that serving our community was an important part of building a meaningful life.
Our first son, Khurshid, was born in 1973. I will never forget that my employer refused to give me even a couple of days off to be with my newborn son, taking advantage of the fact that I was working without proper documentation. It was a difficult and painful experience that many immigrants of my generation can understand.
When our second son, Zulfiqar, was born in 1980, circumstances had improved, and I was finally able to take a week off to be with my family — a blessing I deeply appreciated.
Throughout every challenge, my wife, Rashida, stood beside me with unwavering strength and love. She has been an extraordinary life partner and a devoted mother. Together, we worked hard, lived within our means, and made education the highest priority for our children.
By the grace of Allah, our sacrifices were rewarded. Today, Khurshid is a successful attorney and owner of his own law firm in California, while Zulfiqar serves as a Senior Vice President at a Fortune 500 company.
My life’s journey has taught me that hard work, perseverance, responsible financial planning, and faith can transform dreams into reality. If you work diligently, save for the future, and never lose hope, retirement can become one of the most fulfilling chapters of life.
Today, my wife and I are happily retired, grateful for the opportunities we were given and proud of the family we have built.
As we reflect on our journey, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the United States of America for welcoming us, giving us opportunities, and allowing us to build a life that once seemed beyond our reach. We remain forever grateful to this great nation.
Sincerely,
Pyarali Khoja.
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A Heartfelt Thank You to America on Her 250th Birthday
By AZIZ HUSSAIN
Lilburn, Georgia
On this proud and historic occasion of America’s 250th birthday, my family and I extend our deepest gratitude, respect, and love to this extraordinary nation — a nation that has given us not only a place to live, but a place to belong.
I came to Chicago from Pakistan in 1985 with my wife, Fariel, and our two young sons, Faisal Hussain and Asif Hussain, carrying with us our education, our values, and hearts full of hope and dreams. Like so many immigrants, we arrived with optimism for the future, but also with uncertainty about what lay ahead.
The early years were not easy. We had to learn a new way of life, adapt to a new culture, work hard to support our family, and help our children adjust to a new school system and society. There were struggles, sacrifices, and many challenges. Yet alongside those difficulties, we also found opportunity, kindness, and the promise of a better future.
Over time, America became much more than the country where we settled. It became our home — our sweet home. This nation gave our family safety, dignity, stability, and the opportunity to build a better life. It gave our children the gift of quality education, the freedom to dream, and the chance to succeed. It gave us access to healthcare, security, and the confidence that through honest work and perseverance, life could improve for our family and for future generations.
As an Ismaili Muslim family, we are especially grateful to America for protecting religious freedom and respecting the traditions and beliefs of people from all backgrounds.
That is one of the greatest strengths of this nation: people of different faiths, cultures, and communities can live together with mutual respect, shared hope, and a common commitment to a better future.
On this 250th birthday, we proudly say: God bless America.
Thank you for welcoming families like ours with open arms, for celebrating diversity as a strength, and for offering immigrants not only a home, but the chance to build a future with dignity and purpose.
America has been, and remains, a land of hope, opportunity, and freedom. Our family will always carry that gift with gratitude, pride, and enduring thanks.
With love, pride, and sincere gratitude,
Aziz Hussain.
Date posted: August 2, 2026.
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