According to the latest figures, the U.S. is currently home to approximately 3.7 million Arab Americans.
While many of them choose to build a positive future there to improve their life prospects, a great number of Arab Americans opt to come back to their native lands... Be it permanently or only for a short visit.
One thing most Arabs living in diaspora have in common, no matter their country of origin, is the responses and reactions they get when they eventually return home.
Here are 6 things Arab Americans aren't excited to hear when they're back in their native Arab homeland:
1. You left AMERICA to come back here? Majnoon enta?
Although life in a country such as the U.S. can be of elevated comfort, returning to the homeland has its own set of perks...
Life in the Arab world can often be less stressful, and it's always a pleasure to be surrounded by your close and extended family.
2. What's better, here or there?
It's not a competition!
Both the U.S. and your native country are treasures in their own right.
The fact that you decided to reside in one and not the other may just be due to practical reasons, such as quality of education or career opportunities.
To many Arab Americans, especially if they are second generation and born in the U.S., both the States and their native Arab land can be equally significant and important.
3. Say something in English!
Ahhh, the good old English language... It's no secret that speaking English fluently is seen as an impressive and unique trait in Arab countries.
However, it's strange and rather disappointing to see people being more interested in your accent than you as an individual.
4. So... Do you have a citizenship?
Having an American "bassbort" may become more of a curse than a blessing when you are confronted by somebody who views your nationality as a ticket out of their own country...
5. Can you take me back with you?
Any country in the world, even the United States, has its flaws and imperfections.
Note: Leaving your home country in search of the American Dream isn't as easy as it seems. It requires hard work and dedication, as well as patience and understanding.
6. You must be living THE LIFE out there!
Truth be told, living in the U.S. isn't actually as luxurious as it may seem at first glance.
Working while studying is the norm for the majority of the population.
Weekends are generally the only time for leisure. However, if you have a demanding job or family, the weekend just becomes an extension of your rigorous and busy week.