Immigrant Policies in America - Essay Example

The Land of the Free America is known as the golden land of opportunity. Traditionally, it is recognized as a country that protects the poor and offers hope to the prosecuted. All of Americas ideals and basic life principles are summed up on the Statue of Liberty pedestal which reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free". These words inspired the millions of immigrants who fled from their home countries when America was still a child and still inspire the millions who hope to find a better life in modern day America. The purpose of this paper is to identify if these words are still relevant today as they were 100 years ago and to examine the pros and cons of the modern day immigration experience in America. Immigration in modern day America is just as strong as it was when America was formed. Initiations by the American government such as the green card lottery are a means of attracting fresh faces to this already diverse country. The immigration debate is one of the biggest in America. Some native-born Americans forget that their ancestors were once immigrants and tend to harbor hostility towards new immigrants while others are more accepting. It is obvious that Americans have mixed feelings about immigration but many do not realize that immigrants also share mixed feelings about starting a new life in America. Modern day America is often referred to as a melting pot in which many different nations and people blend together to form a unique culture. Although this picture of America seems ideal, it is far from realistic. Immigrants who leave their home countries in order to come to America are sometimes left feeling out of place and confused. Immigrants are not sure how to balance their old culture with the new American culture. For example, Muslim immigrants who wear the traditional hajib often feel as though they are discriminated against thus are forced to conceal their true identity this leads them to "refrain from participating in practices or adopting dress that would make them appear different from the average citizen" (Smith). On a more positive note, as immigrants begin to live in America for a longer period, they are able to establish their own cultural identities and balance their two worlds. America does not discourage cultural diversity but embraces it. For example, the American education system has Spanish incorporated into its curriculum and bilingualism in the workplace is becoming a much sought after skill. There are numerous multi-cultural festivals in America, which aim to promote understanding between cultures. Immigrants have their own places of worship such as Mosques, temples, and community clubs in which they can socialize with other members who are sharing similar experiences. As time passes immigrants, do not isolate themselves from American life but become more involved. They are no longer lost tourists but real Americans who want to be involved in every aspect of American life, "Many are moving from a phase of dissociation from mainstream American life to much more active participation in political and social arenas" (Smith). Recent studies have found that the number of post-secondary degree presented to minorities has dramatically increased from 1991 to 2000. Degrees awarded to Hispanics and Asian Americans doubled while degree awarded to Indian Americans increased by 77%. All groups showed a large increase in the attainment of Masters Degrees and a slight increase in doctorate degrees. This increase is a clear indication that children of immigrants are working hard to close the educational and economic gaps between them and native-born Americans (American Council on Education, 2002). Although conditions are slowly improving, factors such as the language barrier and employment opportunities prevent new immigrants from enjoying the same privileges and benefits as those born in America. Unskilled workers who immigrate to America in hopes of finding a better life are often left disappointed. America does not have a huge shortage of labor that requires positions to be filled by foreign laborers. It is estimated that the unemployment rate for unskilled workers is around 30% (Malanga, 2006). The modern day American economy is based on technology rather than labor, if immigrants do not possess educational skills necessary to survive in the workforce; they are often forced to take low-paying jobs. Studies show that immigrants earn significantly less than native-born Americans, a trend that continues decades after they arrive. Having to survive on lower wages results in a clear disadvantage over those born in America, "New arrivals and their children face a lifetime of economic disadvantage; because they arrive here with shortcomings not easily overcome" (Malanga, 2006). On the other hand, skilled immigrant workers who come to America enjoy the same or at times greater economic benefits as native-born Americans. For example, the IT sector is filled with highly skilled and highly educated immigrant workers who help make American companies the most competitive in the world. Research conducted by Duke University found that 25% of new technology and engineering companies founded in America between 1995-2005 had at least one foreign-born founder. Collectively, in 2005, these companies produced $52 billion in sales and employed 450,000 workers (Kaufmann Foundation, 2007). America is still the land of opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and educated themselves. A recent study found that half of foreign-born entrepreneurs in America entered the country to study whereas the other half came because of a job opportunity. These immigrants did not come to America for the purposes of starting a business but the opportunity still prevented itself. They were able to work and educate themselves in America and were welcomed to stay and help America prosper. In other words, America helps those who help themselves (Kaufmann Foundation, 2007). Post 9/11 America has made gaining U.S. citizenship even more difficult. Stricter rules and policies prevent innocent immigrants from enjoying the same benefits that native-born Americans have. For example, immigrants from countries such as Iraq and Iran were detained in December 2002 because of new immigration policies. There was no evidence to indicate their involvement in any type of terrorist or criminal activities (Flowers, 2003). If native-born Americans had been treated in this manner, there would have been protests and a claim on the infringement of human rights but since these immigrants were not born in America, their opinions and rights are not as valued. Despite all of the troubles and debate over immigrant policies in America, it is still the land of opportunity. Like any other country, America has its problems but unlike any other country, it is willing to take on problems of those from all corners of the globe. It opens door for those who are willing to work hard and contribute to the economy and still cares for those who offer next to nothing. Millions of languages, cultures and religions co-existing is not an easy task but America tries whereas other countries find the idea ridiculous. At least America still tries to accept the hungry, tired and poor. Reference List American Council on Education. (2002). Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://www.acenet.edu/AM/Template.cfmSection=Home&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=6414 Flowers, C. (2003). The Difficulties Immigrants Face in the post 9/11 World. FindLaw. Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20030501_flowers.html Kaufmann Foundation. (2007). Education, Entrepreneurship and Immigration. Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://www.kauffman.org/item.cfmitem=870 Malanga, S. (2006).Why Unskilled Immigrants Hurt America. Chicago Sun- Times. Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/_chicsuntimes-why_unskilled_immigrants.htm Smith, Jane. Muslim Life in America. International Information Programs. Retrieved July 25, 2007, from http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/muslimlife/immigrat.htm Read More