What is the meaning of the poem "Immigrants" by Pat Mora?

"Immigrants," a poem by Pat Mora, explores immigrant parents sacrificing their ethnic identity and money to provide for their children. These sacrifices are due to the parents worrying about whether or not American society will accept their children.

Pat Mora identifies herself as a Mexican American, and "Immigrants" describes her struggle to reconcile her two worlds. When she describes the ethnic sacrifices, she is referring to parents giving their children American names, clothing and toys, instead of ones that are a part of their ethnic identity, to help them fit in with American culture. They do this to try and minimize the marginalization and discrimination of their children.