Salut, Mimi.
According to the journalist's opinion, the qualities of an immigrant are many. He has a good opinion of immigration. In fact, for him, immigrants were the ones who built New York. The narrator thinks that New York was born as a result of the initiatives taken by immigrants. They added to the city's wealth in many ways: culturally, socially, economically, and in introducing gourmet food.
As far as I'm concerned, I feel the same way as the the journalist. I don't believe immigration is an impediment for countries. Quite the contrary, its diversities are essential to their development.
An immigrant has special qualities. He comes with different and potentially beneficial values. You can learn many things from an immigrant. In my opinion, cultural and ideological diversity are important. People living in a country with one culture, one way of life, and one skin colour would have little to offer.
New York s'écrit sans trait d'union.