hyphenated twentysomething

Op Eds on Immigration

As some of you may well know by now, I'm interested in immigrants rights and issues such as increasing the number of legal immigrants who come to America. Moreover, I support giving out visas to foreign workers and family members. Of course with this whole immigration issue, there are many things to consider. Especially, the costs, effects on communities, and most importantly, the problem of assimilation (or lack thereof). Here are two great op ed pieces from the Chicago Tribune today that discuss this concerns and the real problem that many Americans have with immigration. Let's face it, many don't want their neighborhoods to become burrows for different communities, languages, and religions, and "corrupt" or "change" their "American" way of life.

One is titled "Clash of Cultures" asking people to get their real attitudes on immigration out in the open and face the real problem: Bigotry. I agree that people don't want to face the real attitudes and problems associated with immigration due to fear of being considered "narrow-minded." However, I don't necessarily think it is always a "Clash of the Cultures"problem in the sense that many may still appreciate other cultures (even if they are ignorant at times) and some even want to take part in it even for a short time. It's just that, many don't want it integrating, "interfering", and "associated" with their lifestyles in the future. Maybe its just titled inappropriately, but the problem can't simply be blamed on just discrimination or bigotry. I think it has to do more with how many view assimilation, and exactly how much assimilation should be desired. Besides, can someone tell me exactly what constitutes "American Culture?"

Permanent and legal immigrants associate with being Americans in different ways, and finding differences and similarities with their own cultures, traditions, and beliefs. So in my opinion, it's not so much of a clash as it is a misunderstood, stubborn, and ignorant attitude regarding how immigration is really affecting them. Many feel that immigrants bring upon only a lack of immersion into a community, low skills, low education, and lack of resources when they come. But these are the same immigrants who are coming here for opportunities to better their lives and do jobs, that many Americans don't want to do-in which case the complainers are actually benefiting. Also, instead of complaining that our costs increase by educating and providing benefits to these immigrants, why don't we come up with a more secure, reasonable plan that results in a more educated, independent, and well-rounded immigrant community. A lot of times, we want them to do our jobs but then in return, not provide the resources to make sure that they are actually bettering themselves and learning the English language among other skills. And let's make sure that those immigrants also take advantage and make use of those resources so that our efforts aren't futile.
While that may focus on illegal immigrants, many legal immigrants may have a good level of education and actually contribute to society in meaningful ways. Sure there is some hatred, but there's also a lot of misunderstanding based upon stereotypes and not realizing the value that immigrants can have in a community.

In the other piece, titled "Analyzing Illegal Immigration", deals more the advantages and disadvantages of immigration and disapproves of the "guest worker" program. Instead, it proposes to add generous immigration quotas, especially for Mexico, and work on integrating current illegal and legal immigrants into American life. Basically, immerse them in the English language, give them a chance to develop and learn, and allow them to grow in their jobs. Fix the immigrants problems that we face currently and don't allow immigrants to seclude themselves in their ethnic communities forever. Because that often stunts their growth in the English language and decreases their chances of finding better jobs and opportunities as they try to live out the so-called American dream.

Of course there are many economic and social concerns that go along with this issue, but these two articles really hit upon the point that immigration is going to happen no matter what, legally or illegally, and its about time we faced the problem in a rationale, practical manner.

posted by payal @ 1:32 PM