New York State Historical Association - Essay Example

NEW YORK New York is one of the biggest cities in the great United s of America (New York Historical Association, 2008). This is but one of the many cities in this world power country. Other cities with the capacity similar to New York include Washington DC, Los Angels, Chicago, Houston, and San Diego among the rest. New York is the most populous city in the United States, with its metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world. This city was founded as a commercial trading post by the Dutch in 1625, it has been the largest city in the United States since 1790, and was the first capital under the Constitution. Located on one of the world's finest natural harbors, New York is one of the world's major centers of commerce and finance. As a world superpower, USA greatly treasures this city. New York also exerts global influence in media, politics, education, entertainment, arts, fashion and advertising. The city is also a major center for international affairs, hosting the headquarters of the United Nations. New York City comprises five boroughs: these include the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Some statistics about New York are amazing. For example, the city is pregnant with over 8.2 million residents within an area of 322 square miles (830 km'), this makes New York City the most densely populated major city in the United States (US municipality, 2007). Over the last decade the city's population has been increasing and demographers estimate New York's population will reach between 9.2 and 9.5 million by 2030. New York's two key demographic features are its population density and cultural diversity. The city's population density of 26,403 people per square mile (10,194/km') makes it the most densely populated. New York City is exceptionally diverse. Throughout its history the city has been a major point of entry for immigrants; from all over the world. These were from Africa, India, Japan, and Israel among other places. The term melting pot was first coined to describe densely populated immigrant neighborhoods on the Lower East Side. Today, 36% of the city's population is foreign-born (New York City department of planning, 2005). Among American cities, this proportion is exceeded only by Los Angeles and Miami While the immigrant communities in those cities are dominated by a few nationalities, in New York no single country or region of origin dominates. The ten largest countries of origin for modern immigration are the Dominican Republic, China, Jamaica, Guyana, Pakistan, Ecuador, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and Russia .About 170 languages are spoken in the city.The New York metropolitan area is home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel; Tel Aviv proper (non-metro/within municipal limits) has a smaller population than the Jewish population of New York City proper, making New York the largest Jewish community in the world. About 12% of New Yorkers are Jewish or of Jewish descent and roots. New York City has a high degree of income disparity. In 2005 the median household income in the wealthiest census tract was $188,697, while in the poorest it was $9,320. The disparity is driven by wage growth in high income brackets, while wages have stagnated for middle and lower income brackets. In 2006 the average weekly wage in Manhattan was $1,453, the highest and fastest growing among the largest counties in the United States. Home ownership in New York City is about 33%, much lower than the national average of 69%..Rental vacancy is usually between 3% and 4.5%, this is well below the 5% threshold defined to be a housing emergency and used to justify the continuation of rent control and rent stabilization. About 33% of rental units are rent-stabilized. Finding housing, particularly affordable housing, in New York City can be more than challenging. The work force in New York therefore is very diverse indeed. All who come to the United Stats of America have one hope; that is the hope of getting some job. Several policies exist in the USA. One of the policies that govern employment and jobs is called state residency policy. Legal residence means a lot more than simply living in the state. More specifically, it means establishing a domicile as opposed to a temporary residence or physical presence incidental to enrollment in a college or university in the state. Students who are defined as New York state residents are those who, prior to the beginning of the semester, have established a permanent domicile in New York State. One does not acquire a new domicile merely by attending an institution of higher education in New York State. Definitions are required to explain some terms. A domicile is a fixed, permanent home to which a person intends to return following an absence. A person may have multiple residences but only one domicile. One may decide to retain a domicile until it is abandoned and another domicile is established. Proof of a New York State domicile is demonstrated by documents that support an applicant's contention that his or her permanent home is located in New York State. For unemancipated residents, the potential employers shall review documents pertaining to at least three of the following factors relevant to the determination of a New York State domicile by the parent or legal guardian, including but not limited to these (Binghamton University, 2008) 1. Duration of the citizen's physical presence in New York State; 2. State of residency of the citizen's family (i.e., parents, spouse or children); 3. New York State voter registration; 4. New York State driver's license or non-driver identification card; 5. New York State motor vehicle registration; 6. Proof of ownership of New York State real property; 7. Residential lease for property in New York State; 8. New York State income tax returns; and 9. New York State bank accounts. All New Yorkers have their identity as pertaining their registration with this policy is concerned. Some are on permanent basis, while others are partial. This also affects the various rights and privileges that one enjoys while in the city. Some of the opportunities that are affected include jobs, pursuit for congress representation and having various positions in the society. Interesting discoveries came up. One of them is the great proximity that those living in better estates have compared to there colleagues in lower streets. Diversity of jobs exists in the market. These range from manual to the office job. Construction workers have lower levels of educational attainment than the work force as the rest of the work forces are trained to be professionals. These are positions like managerial, accountancy and even doctors. Two-thirds of city construction workers have a high school education or less, compared to 43% of the overall city workforce (Fiscal policy institute, 2006).On the other hand, probably well over half of trades workers have completed or are completing apprenticeship programs. They have an upper hand in the employment market. These programs involve a fairly intensive, 3-5 year course of vocational education and skills training, which is not reflected in the government's usual educational attainment measures. The state residency policy has its base from the police headquarter. This depends on laid down regulations pertaing the places of residence of people. This dictates that mono race settlement be effected. With this system in operation, people of similar origin stay in one niche.Chicago city also have the same settlement strategy. The black settlers automatically settle in the low street apartments. The spread of any information to the low streets takes a great deal of time. This further limits the job opportunities that come knocking. The only opportunities that present themselves are the opportunities within the niche of residence. The police should deal with this issue once and for all. Settlement should be very open. This will imply balance of professionals evenly in the entire population. The current world is that of specialization. The population distribution is therefore of great need. This will enhance availability of all professionals in all areas. Progress always comes from passed failures or weakness. The residence policy in its self is utter floss. The immigration department should formulate new policies governing settlement. The picture they should embrace is that of a well balanced society. The ratio of blacks and other people should be balanced. Not all people are endowed with talents. To make the economy grow uniformly, there should be equitable balance in man power (Fiscal policy institute, 2006). This creates an all inclusive society. The same will have teachers, doctors, engineers and manual laborers. A society with a balanced man power has a great economic base. This society does not waste brains. For instance, all settlers find there appropriate jobs without discrimination. All new comers in whatsoever profession start from humble background. Restrictions as per the streets of residence are a real waste in this context. This is because no beginner has enough money to stay in a first class street where some jobs can be found. The same also apply to race segregation. A society which has an open policy as far as settlement and employment is concerned is prosperous. Such a society benefits from a great package of advantages. Social and cultural transfers ca take place very fast, resulting to a very rich society. New York should not be left behind in this very important transition. This is the way forward. CONCLUSION The project was to brain storm on the employment factors as far as population is concerned. Of great importance is the discovery that states residency affects the employment in the New York City. Those who live in the rich and well off streets are given more favors. This should be abolished (Scott, 2003) The residency policy also affects the salary scale and the job retention probability of the citizens. Reforms to be made should start from the workers welfare. Further policies are those that enhance mobility and suburban job opportunities. REFERENCE Fiscal Policy Institute (2006). The New York City Construction Labor Market Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 30th April 2008 from: http://www.fiscalpolicy.org/publications2006/Construction_LMP_April2006.pdf New York State Historical Association (2008) New York history net. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 30th April 2008 from: http://www.nyhistory.com/ : US Municipality (2007). 2000 Census .Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 30th April 2008 from: http://www.demographia.com/db-2000city50kdens.htm New York City Department of City Planning (2005). The Newest New Yorkers (2000). Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 30th April 2008 from: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/pdf/census/nny_briefing_booklet.pdf Scott. W. (2003). How race and residence affect employment and welfare recipients. Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 30th April 2008 from: http://www.fanniemaefoundation.org/programs/hpd/pdf/hpd_1304_allard.pdf Binghamton University (2008). Establishing New York Residency .Last retrieved from the World Wide Web on 30th April 2008 from: http://www.binghamton.edu/studentaccounts/residenc.htm Read More