Cultural Diversity in the U.S - Assignment Example

CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE USA Although immigration of the individuals from one part of the globe to other areas and regions has been in vogue since the known history of the world, yet the contemporary era has particularly widened the concept and scope of immigration. It is particularly the case with the advanced and developed nations, which not only offer the qualified and experienced people the immigration opportunities, but also the people belonging to poor and under-developed nations also strive to proceed to these countries for the achievement of better life standard as well as for leading a comfortable and respectable life.

Being the economic and strategic giant, the USA abundantly observes arrival of foreigners on temporary and permanent basis, which has given birth to cultural diversity and social amalgamation in its wake. Though political authorities, politicians and strategic analysts vehemently support the influx of learned stratum in the country outside the country, yet there is present a large proportion of the people that abruptly oppose and condemn the immigrant in the USA. They have developed some stereotype concepts and images in their minds by exaggerating the actual situation in negative sense, particularly related to the economy of the country, that the people arriving from the outer world are sharing employment opportunities and job vacancies with the indigenous population, which consequently shortens the scope and chances for the native subjects.

Furthermore, the businesses and corporate activities launched and advertised by the foreigners would also decrease the corporate opportunities for the locals. Moreover, the inclusion of these immigrants in the US population would be burdensome for the country and may eclipse and jeopardize the very foundations of the US economy at large. “Immigrant workers pay into social insurance programs, lessening strains on social assistance for the elderly. Many unauthorized workers use false ID numbers and pay Social Security taxes but are ineligible to receive benefits.

Less than three percent of immigrants receive food stamps. Unauthorized workers support local school districts through property taxes, indirectly as renters or directly as homeowners.” (The Nation Voter, 2007: 1) In addition, it is also a stereotype notion that granting the recently migrated individuals the immigrant status may decrease the health, education, housing and transportation facilities for them. Sociological researches reveal the very fact that these stereotypes maintain universality in nature, as an overwhelming majority of the US population sticks to the same stereotypes.

For instance, an overwhelming majority of the WASP takes the African and Asian immigrants as the basic reason behind the constant increase in the crime rate and unemployment in the USA. “Historically, immigrants have been burdened with a disproportionate amount of blame for many of society’s problems based on false assumptions and stereotypes—immigrants take jobs away from hard working native-born Americans; drain America’s health care and educational resources; and increase our criminal rates.

” (Reeves & Johnson, 2008) Sociological researches also support the very idea that it is lack of tolerance and biased feelings towards other racial, ethnic and religious groups that enforce the white Anglo Saxon population to refuse to allow further migration within the United States. Hence, sense of superiority as well as abhorrence for others urges the native people saddle on the theory of banishing outsiders in the USA. “Prejudice”, Macionis observes, “often takes the form of a stereotype, an exaggerated description applied to every person in some category; as many white people hold stereotype views of minorities.

” (2008: 366) Keeping in view the fast growing displeasure of the local population, the US government has taking few steps to discourage the foreigners to settle in the country. One of the most formidable steps taken by the governments towards this direction is the imposition of several restrictions upon the immigration policy. It has especially been applied upon the people belonging to poor and developing countries of America, Asia and Africa. However, the policy for the Australians and Europeans is somewhat lenient one.

Similarly, the US now grants immigration facility to highly qualified and very rich individuals only, so that they could add their share in the development and progress of the nation as well as for the US citizens at large. Another very harsh policy adopted by the US authorities is the complete and threadbare screening of every man and woman at airports while entering the country. Threadbare screening is vehemently unacceptable for the imperative majority of Asian and African citizens, who condemn and censure such type of screening, and dislike it especially for their women.

Other such strategies include the refusal of the welfare schemes for recently migrated population. In addition, the USA also imposes restrictions on the movements of the newly arrived people. All the above described strategies have proved supportive in controlling the immigration influx from the USA. The people are discouraged to find jobs and health facilities equal to the native masses. In addition, the immigrants are looked at with great suspicion and they are directed to report about their activities time and again to the law enforcing authorities.

In addition, they are also asked to show huge bank accounts, without which the entry is not allowed to them .Hence, the trend and frequency of migrating to the USA has observed discouragement during the recent few years. List of References: 1. Reeves, Roberts & Johnson, Jeremiah 2008 Sharing the Truth and Shattering Stereotypes about Immigrants Available at http://www.asianjournal.com/immigration/atty-robert-reeves/462-sharing-the-truth-and-shattering-stereotypes-about-immigrants.html 2. Macionis, John J.

2008 Sociology: A Global Introduction Prentice-Hall 3. The Nation Voter, 2007 Immigration: Impact on U.S. Economy Available at http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=8684