Ramez Naam Reflects on Decades-Long Immigration Journey and Nuanced Patriotism

Author and computer scientist Ramez Naam recently shared a deeply personal Thanksgiving message, expressing profound gratitude for his life in the United States and reflecting on his family's arduous immigration journey. Naam, who was born in Cairo, Egypt, arrived in the U.S. as a toddler, with his parents undertaking a "decade long process of legally immigrating." His statement highlights the opportunities and freedoms he believes are unique to the nation.

Naam contrasted his upbringing in the U.S. with his country of birth, stating, "I was born in a corrupt dictatorship, Egypt. In that country I would never have had the opportunities or freedoms that the US has afforded me." He emphasized that his existence as he knows it would not have been possible there, noting that an alternate version of himself would "never have experienced freedom of speech or thought." This perspective underscores his conviction that the U.S. "magnifies the human capital of those who come here."

His early awareness of these blessings cultivated a strong sense of patriotism, which he defines not as blind allegiance but as a commitment to national improvement. "Patriotism is not a belief that one's country is infallible," Naam explained, adding, "It's a belief that one's country can be great, and a commitment to work to make it so." This includes a willingness to "criticize one's nation and to speak out about the ways it can do better."

Acknowledging the nation's imperfections, Naam maintained an optimistic outlook on its future. He concluded his message by asserting, "This nation is flawed. It's also remarkable and unique in the world. I believe that its best days are still ahead of it - if we make the right choices and work together to make it so." His Thanksgiving reflection offers a poignant perspective on the immigrant experience and the evolving definition of patriotism.