The grandson of Friedrich Drumpf, the German immigrant who spoke no English and had to change his name to Trump to fit in is now trying to save America

It is interesting how much Friedrich Drumpf's family has achieved in just three generations. Coming from Germany without speaking English or having immigration documents, Mr. Drumpf, who later changed his name to Trump to sound more American, arrived in the United States at the age of 16. He had no papers, but he was processed at Ellis Island in New York and allowed into the United States.

Friedrich Trump, Donald Trump's grandfather, left Germany in 1885 primarily due to economic hardship and limited opportunities in his home region of Kallstadt, Germany. He dreamed of finding a new life in the United States.

After being allowed entry, he had to learn English and obtain work authorization. Work permits often take months or even years to secure, and this period can be very difficult, filled with uncertainty and a sense of not belonging. Many people take advantage of you during this time. You wait, and you wait, and you wait.

Finally, after seven years, Friedrich Trump became a U.S. citizen on October 27, 1892. By the time Donald Trump's father, Frederick Christ Trump, was born on October 11, 1905, he was automatically a U.S. citizen, the son of a German immigrant. When Donald Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, he enjoyed all the privileges that come with being a native-born citizen. He did not have to go through what his grandfather endured. He did not have to change his name to fit in; he did not have to deal with a heavy German accent. He did not have to learn English from scratch. He did not travel with people on ships, hoping for a better life in the United States. He did not have to wonder whether he would be allowed into the country or ask himself what this new country would be like. Would they accept me? Would I meet someone? Would my heavy German accent affect me?

I know what it is like. I can almost put myself in his grandfather's shoes. It makes you develop empathy, knowing that your life lies in the hands of one person—one immigration officer, one embassy officer, one man, one woman. You also learn that some people on the ship with you were not allowed into the country. The agony of waiting for work authorization, the pain of looking for work without finding any, your accent giving you away, and people constantly asking, "Where are you from? Where were you born? Where's that heavy accent from?" These experiences provide real-life training and empathy that no school can teach.

In between, you meet people who are kind and others who are not. You learn to read people's faces, becoming more empathetic and more grateful for life.

Friedrich Drumpf would be amazed at what his family has been able to achieve in just three generations. His son's son has been elected President of the United States and is running for office again. The grandson of a German immigrant is now trying to save America.