On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, dozens of new immigrants from mainland China gathered in a clubhouse in Flushing, New York, to express their gratitude for God’s grace, America’s acceptance and protection, and the experience of freedom they have gained since coming here. The event was organized by the Christian Justice Alliance and the Cornerstone Church. Organizer Shao Jun said that for immigrants from mainland China, being in a foreign land during this season of thanksgiving holds great significance.
The immigrants not only shared the food they brought but also openly shared their life stories and understanding of freedom, creating a warm atmosphere akin to a big family.
Some expressed that freedom is the most precious gift, as coming to America allowed them to escape the shackles of communist tyranny and attain physical and mental freedom. Others mentioned the freedom in America where they can choose not to do things they do not want to do. They appreciated the resources for learning English for free and the sense of fairness and humanitarianism they experienced in the U.S.
Yang Wenqing, who worked in the medical field in China, expressed gratitude to America, saying, “I am thankful for the protection I received in America guided by God. We wanted to escape the oppression and lack of freedom in mainland China, and no matter how we arrived in America, we are grateful for God’s grace and America’s shelter.”
Yang Wenqing understood that true freedom means being able to refuse the leadership of the Communist Party. Only after coming to America did he feel he had a “freedom of thought” and a “freedom of soul,” being able to reject the Communist Party’s influence.
Judy echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “True freedom is being able to choose not to do things you don’t want to do.”
Yin Zhenhua, who has been writing books exposing the truth about the pandemic, stated, “Although America was once a wilderness, pioneers turned it into a city on a hill, laying the blueprint for the world’s greatest nation.”
He recalled the Mayflower Pilgrims who came to the New World in search of religious freedom and the origins of Thanksgiving, urging everyone to uphold the traditional values of the free world and not to compromise with the Communist regime.
Jin Yuehua, who has been in America for eight years, shared how participating in a “family-style” Thanksgiving event for the first time made her feel touched and warm, something she had never experienced in her home country.
“In America, I feel a sense of fairness. Unlike in China where opportunities are often based on power or connections, here they handle things fairly and justly, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve, embodying the spirit of humanitarianism,” she said.
Yang Xiling, who has been in America for over a year, expressed, “Back in my home country, I never worried about having enough to eat or drink, owning a house and car, but living like an animal without freedom. In America, I finally feel like a person.”
She detailed how she was involved in the Umbrella Movement and the Anti-Extradition Protests in Hong Kong, expressing her thoughts online boldly, which led to her being monitored and even reprimanded by the Chinese authorities.
Yang Xiling emphasized the importance of gratitude and personal integrity, noting that criticizing America while benefiting from its welfare is a matter of one’s character.
Zhou Hongxia, in her forties, shared how she started learning English five years ago through free ESL classes at the YWCA, church, local high school, and elementary school. Her English proficiency has improved significantly, and she continues to study as a nurse assistant at a community college in her spare time.
She conveyed her commitment to not relying on welfare and showcasing the immigrant spirit of hard work and self-reliance.
Ni Jinfang, who supported the rights defense lawyer Fan Mugen during the “709 Crackdown” and faced persecution from the Chinese authorities, shared his family’s history of persecution under the Communist Party. He spoke about his decision to leave China to protect his family and escape the Party’s monitoring and brainwashing.
Ni Jinfang mentioned the impact of online content on his awakening to the realities of the Communist Party and expressed confidence in the democratic ideals of the United States.
Moses, an internet personality, praised America’s system and President Trump’s efforts to uphold traditional values, expressing hope for America to continue shining as a beacon of democracy and freedom, eventually lighting up China. He remained optimistic that the Communist regime’s tyranny will eventually come to an end.
The stories of these immigrants reflect their deep gratitude for the opportunities and freedom they have found in America, highlighting their resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of a better life despite the challenges they have faced.