http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dream-act-20101128,0,5057601.story
As the Dream Act comes closer to voting it is discouraging to see continued misunderstanding of the impact immigrants can have in this nation. From this news story that demonstrates the positive sides of helping immigrant students gain access to higher education it is clear that much of the public feels differently. Comments on the article demonstrate a clear and consistent fear of immigrants entering the nation during an economic downturn. People claim that these immigrants, regardless of their high test scores, leadership positions, and academic dedication, are coming to take jobs away from Americans. This lack of insight is based on a tainted view of how labor and the economy interact.
What many who oppose immigration fail to recognize is the potential new labor, especially skilled labor, can bring to our suffering economy. With immigrants come new ideas, new perspectives and diverse backgrounds that can serve to fuel an economy and business sector lacking innovation and motive. Some new immigrants, with their high ambitions and strong work ethic can provide the leadership necessary to establish new businesses and provide jobs for more Americans. A strong example is in this New York Times article. These immigrants demonstrate their capabilities in academia and deserve the passing of the Dream Act to allow for their skills to be put to efficient use.
It is disheartening to see and hear so many Americans take their citizenship for granted, choosing to ignore the argument that aside from Native Americans, we are all immigrants to this land. Moreover, the consistent declaration that immigrants come to feed off of U.S. social systems is a good example of how generalizations are a poison utilized by the ignorant. From Uncle SPAM:
"As it stands, five percent of all U.S. citizens receive federal aid, while only one percent of households headed by illegal immigrants receive monetary compensation from the welfare system (Rahman, 2008)."
Most immigrants come to our nation for a stronger chance of finding work and for a better future, we have an obligation to provide this to our fellow humans who must face ineffective and corrupt regimes in other parts of the world. The wealth of our nation cannot be taken for granted and we must maintain a deep humility and accept that the foundation of our nation was based on immigrants bringing new perspectives to both our government and economy. Instead of blaming immigrants for their poverty and need for benefits, we should work harder to improve the education and opportunities available to them. Immigrants are one with our past and future and are the reason why this nation will shine long into the horizon.
Interesting post. First, I agree that we are all immigrants to this great nation and that this should never be forgotten. Although I would imagine that many immigrants do bring fresh ideas and have the opportunity to start business, etc... is true, I would be willing to be that most that come here are in a position of poverty.
ReplyDeleteOne point that I disagree with: I do not feel we have an obligation to help everyone around the world. This should be our goal, but we must keep within the bounds of reality. We must first help our own citizens, because how are we supposed to help others if we have such lingering problems at home? Fix the problems at home first, then go abroad. It is simply not realistic for the US to assist everyone, everywhere who has to deal with a corrupt regime.
Lastly, I do agree that we should attempt to improve the status of immigrants in terms of education and immigration. However, along the lines of what I just said, that should come after helping those who are already here and already citizens of the US. Start at home, and then help abroad is a simple way to explain how I look at this issue.
I agree with you. I grew up on a border town in Arizona, knowing about illegal immigrants all my life. It has always been interesting for me to have conversations with people who are not from a border state. The points of view on illegal immigrants changes vastly when talking with someone from the Southwest and someone from anywhere else. Generally, it's a battle between immigrants coming to take jobs and take advantage of the American system and immigrants coming to find something better than they have.
ReplyDeleteWe do need to readdress the immigration issue in America. We need to allow for labor to be included in NAFTA arrangements. Labor is the first skill, the first trade, any human being has. This should also be allowed to trade freely. Immigrants should be able to have a clear, easy, and open path to the United States. This would immensely help the nation instead of trying to stop the problem with rhetoric or a fence.
Fences will not keep people out. That I know and have witnessed growing up where I did. As far as Jarededy comments, this post is not about helping everyone around the world. It is about helping those who so fundamentally believe in the American Dream that they will do nearly anything to get here. Those are people I would want in my country, people who embody the ideals Americans may take for granted.
I agree with you that we should increase the opportunities afforded to those who hope to immigrate to our nation and I agree with Elsa that labor is the first skill and trade that any human being has. I believe that the best way to address the immigration issue is to have clear, accessible and direct process that emphasizes transparency and education.
ReplyDeleteAs the child of first generation immigrants, I certainly don't take for granted the opportunities that have been afforded to my parents - in fact, I certainly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the immigration policies of the time. My parents - and thousands of other immigrants - with their "high test scores, leadership positions, and academic dedication" have contributed significantly to this country... and those who wish to continue to bring innovation, new perspectives, and necessary skills should continue to have the opportunity to do so.