The Truth Behind The Sound of Music
While many families rejoice in watching together and celebrating these values, few know the ordeal the real Trapp family endured as immigrants escaping the war.
The Trapp Family were a singing group formed from the family of former Austrian naval commander Georg von Trapp. The family achieved fame in their original singing career in their native Austria during the interwar period and were the inspiration behind The Sound of Music. The movie ended when the family’s immigration journey to America began- but their happily ever after did not come then.
The family arrived in New York City under visitor Visas with the help of a talent agent, who had known of their performance abilities and organized a tour in the U.S. Despite applying for an extension to stay they did not receive it, so back to Europe they all went in search of concert opportunities to earn a living.
The Trapp’s were able to return to the U.S. and to giving concerts later on with the help of a new agent. They obtained side jobs, saved, and together purchased a property in Vermont which is now a famous year-round resort still run by the descendants of the original Trapp family members.
The Trapp Family Story Repeats Itself
Perhaps the true story is not as glamorous or enchanting as the movie, but it is a reality that thousands of immigrants still face today. Willing and able to work, many immigrants face long waits to process work visas, and many have to save to be able to pay their USCIS applications and complete their immigration process.
With no assurance of change in the outdated system, immigrants are choosing to go to more welcoming countries and find their migration story happy ending. Countries like Germany are set to make it easier for skilled workers to migrate in hopes of managing employee shortages.
“The government also wants to make it easier for younger immigrants to take up vocational training or study in Germany. The plan envisages a transparent, unbureaucratic points system for candidates interested in finding work in Germany- similar to long-standing programs in countries like Canada,” Bloomberg reports. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that the aim is to get the necessary legislation through parliament in the first half of 2023.
Immigration Reform Benefits Everyone
While immigration reform is not the ideal holiday subject, it is thanks to immigrants that our countries have grown and become bigger and better. As we prepare for 2023, and for a global competition of workers in a post-pandemic era, it would be wise to think of families like the Trapp’s. Full of hope, tenacity and will power to start again in a new country, treasuring the opportunity to do so.
Citizenship benefits us all, and a clearer path to citizenship for current and future immigrants will ensure that our nation’s economy remains diverse and steady. You can help make this a reality by investing in citizenship through OPA, or by making a one-time donation.
