Lessons for Immigrants from Robin Williams & Anthony Bourdain

Feb 16

First, let’s take a moment to celebrate—one of our clients just sailed through her naturalization interview today! Whoop whoop! These victories are what make the immigrant journey worthwhile. Every step, every achievement, and every milestone proves that we are not just surviving—we are thriving.

As I reflect on the immigrant experience, I keep coming back to two men who left an incredible mark on the world: Robin Williams and Anthony Bourdain. Their stories, their struggles, and their legacies offer lessons that every immigrant can learn from.

Both were larger than life. Both understood people in a way that made them feel seen. And both, despite their success, struggled in ways that many of us might recognize—feeling like outsiders, carrying the weight of expectations, and constantly searching for something more.

Their deaths were tragic, but their lives? Their lives were full of lessons.

### 1. Keep Your Sense of Humor (Robin Williams’ Gift to the World)

Robin Williams had an ability that few people have—he could make the whole world laugh, even when he was struggling on the inside. Immigrants know this feeling well. How many times have we had to smile through pain? How many times have we used humor to lighten the load of being the "newcomer," the "outsider," or the one who doesn’t quite fit in?

Humor is survival. It’s what gets us through tough days, long nights, and moments of doubt.

Williams showed us that even in difficult times, there is space for joy. Laughter doesn’t mean we ignore our struggles—it means we refuse to let them define us.

Lesson: Find joy, even when things are hard. Life isn’t just about making it—it’s about finding happiness along the way. Laugh with your friends, your family, and even yourself.

### 2. Stay Curious (Anthony Bourdain’s Passport to Life)

If there was one thing Anthony Bourdain did better than anyone, it was exploring the world with curiosity. He traveled to places many people fear, ate food that others would never touch, and, most importantly, sat with people who were different from him and listened to their stories.

But what made Bourdain truly special was his **love for immigrants.** He understood that behind every great restaurant, behind the kitchens of America’s biggest cities, were hardworking immigrants who made it all possible. Through his shows, he gave voice to their stories. He shared their cultures, their struggles, and their triumphs with the world. He reminded America that its cuisine—its very identity—is built on the labor and traditions of immigrants.

As immigrants, we already live between worlds. We carry the culture of our homeland while trying to embrace a new one. But sometimes, we get so focused on surviving that we forget to stay curious. We forget to explore, ask questions, and discover new things. Bourdain taught us that curiosity is the key to connection. It’s how we make this country feel like home.

Lesson: Stay open. Don’t get stuck in just your own community. Make friends from different backgrounds. Try new foods. Learn about the history of the place you now call home. America is big—make it yours. And never forget: this country wouldn’t be what it is without immigrants like you.

### 3. You Can Belong Anywhere (Even When You Feel Like an Outsider)

Both Williams and Bourdain had moments where they felt like they didn’t belong. They were loved by millions, yet at times, they struggled with feeling like outsiders.

Many immigrants understand that feeling all too well. No matter how well we speak English, how much we achieve, or how many years we live here, there are moments when we are reminded that we are “different.”

But here’s what these two men showed us: Belonging isn’t about fitting in. It’s about finding your people. Williams found his in comedy. Bourdain found his in kitchens and conversations. You will find yours too.

Lesson: Find your tribe. Whether it’s fellow immigrants, co-workers, or people who share your passions, build your community. You don’t have to do this alone.

### 4. Success Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Struggling (And That’s Okay)

On the outside, both Williams and Bourdain had everything—money, influence, respect. But we now know that they both battled struggles that success couldn’t erase.

Immigrants often feel pressure to be "successful" at all costs. We want to prove that we belong, that we made the right choice coming here, that we are making something of ourselves. But success doesn’t erase the emotional, mental, and physical challenges of the immigrant experience. It doesn’t erase homesickness, exhaustion, or the weight of responsibility we carry for the families we left behind.

Lesson: You don’t have to carry everything alone. Take care of your mental health. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to talk to someone. You are not weak for needing help.

### 5. Your Story Matters (And It’s Not Over Yet)

Both Williams and Bourdain left behind incredible legacies. They changed people’s lives, made us feel , and left their mark on the world. But their stories ended too soon.

If there is one thing immigrants should take from their lives, it’s this: Your story matters.

And you are the one writing it.

You’ve already done what many people wouldn’t dare to do. You left behind everything familiar. You started over in a place where you had to learn new rules, new systems, new ways of being. That is courage. That is resilience.

Lesson: Your best days are still ahead. No matter where you started, you have the power to shape your future. Keep going. Keep building. Keep dreaming.

### Final Thoughts: The Immigrant’s Journey is Worth It

Robin Williams and Anthony Bourdain taught us that life is messy, complicated, and sometimes painful. But they also showed us that life is beautiful, exciting, and full of meaning.

As immigrants, we know both the pain and the beauty of this journey. We know what it’s

like to struggle, to be misunderstood, to start over from nothing. But we also know what it’s like to achieve things we never thought possible.

So, to my fellow immigrants:

- Keep laughing when life gets tough.

- Stay curious about the world around you.

- Find the people who make you feel at home, no matter where you are.

- Take care of your mind, body, and spirit.

- And most of all, never stop writing your story.

America needs you. Your family needs you. The world needs you.

Your journey is not over. It’s just getting started.

Yasin Amba

Amba Law Legal Immigration Services Consult

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  - Monitoring the application status post-submission to address any additional requirements or follow-ups.
Standard Fee ($300):
- Services Included:
  1. All services provided in the refugee package.
  2. Additional support tailored to the specific needs of non-refugee applicants.

📌 Standard: $400
📌For Refugees: $200 (Please contact Amba Law Immigration Solutions before proceeding to checkout so we can verify your refugee status or that of your parents. Upon confirmation of eligibility, we will provide you with a unique code to receive a 50% discount.) .