The 1979 Iranian Revolution resulted in one of the largest migrations in Iran’s history. Among these émigrés many left Iran for political and religious reasons. Many others escaped the country to seek refuge from the eight-year Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The largest number of these immigrants, refugees, or exiles chose the United States as their new home. According to census statistics, while until 1978 about 40,000 Iranians were living in the United States, this number reached 200,000 in 1986. Of course this estimate is challenged by unofficial assessments which place the number of Iranians in the United States at more than one million.

According to official statistics, Iranians living in the United States “have six times as many doctoral degrees as Americans. The average Iranian family in the U.S. is almost 20% richer than the average American household.” Despite these characteristics which are indicative of a successful community, the post-revolutionary image of Iranians in the U.S. has been a negative one. Political disagreements between the governments of Iran and the U.S. led to a “war of images” which replaced cultural interaction with cultural confrontation. For about two decades this war has had a negative influence on the relationship between Iranians and Americans in the U.S. But the situation is rapidly changing. One can think of many political and economic reasons responsible for this change, but probably the most important reason is the coming of age of a new Iranian-American generation.

Many of the “children of revolution” who came to the U.S. at a very early age are now young men and women whose mere existence proves that these societies can communicate. In order to negotiate an enduring identity they have had to bring together elements of these different cultures and go through a constant interior dialogue about various social differences. Having survived this process, each one of these men and women has now achieved a degree of richness, which draws on cultural possibilities of these two societies. This generation, this bridge between two seemingly different worlds, is the most convincing proof that Iran and America can live together.

Mohammad Mehdi Khorrami, Ph.D. is a professor of Persian Literature and Language at New York University.

And one more thing: I think it worth to try for, as still we’re young and want much to do. We dont feel yearning to be with family and rewind our old memories, yet!
till then (becoming raised), I think it really worth for trying.
And maybe one day we comeback!

Those in their 20s and 30s are now the majority. Organize and Mobilize and do away with the Mullahs regime.

It is all about risk versus reward. Sure there is risk in taking action, but the risk of running away is higher and absolute. Sure, you can have a better physical life for yourself, if you ran away, but you loose the things that really matter, sense of initimacy with the people around you and a sense of belonging. Beyond those, there is the sense of self worth and life long achievement.

I know you don’t have any of these today, but arise and claim what is rightly yours and you will have all that you wish. You can never have all 5 in another country. Then again not many will tell you all this as they themselves are either too proud to admit their circumstance or have not yet reached the age.