Category: Immigrants

“Once I thought to write a history of the immigrants in America. Then I discovered that the immigrants were American history” — Oscar Handlin. The story “The Circuit” talks about how immigrants struggle. Also, many immigrants have living conditions they face. They also have working conditions they face.

To begin, there are many immigrants that struggle and struggle. In the book, The Circuit Panchito’s family struggle and face challenges. One of the challenges they face is having to move and find a new job also having to sleep in a garage. On page, two Panchitos’ mom reacted “Gasping and pointing to an old garage near the stables” (Jimènez 2). This means that the mom was happy because they had somewhere they could stay. In the web article “States Struggle to Provide Housing for Migrant Farmworkers.”

States that some immigrants sleep at labor camps. These labor camps are either ran by farmers or the migrants’ employer. Many of these camps are unlicensed. Even though they are unlicensed immigrants can still live there. Also, in the article Wiltz explains how these migrant homes aren’t sanitary. It has been a problem for many decades. But some people focused to the situation. In the article, it states that “ many inspectors found mold, sewage, pest infestation, and faulty electrical wiring.”

This means that many of the houses of the immigrants are in bad condition. This then increases health problems for immigrants. It can cause heart strokes or give them diseases. From research there is also not enough water or insufficient heat. Without water migrants can’t clean their clothes or food. This causes them to get sick; then some migrants can’t go to the doctors because they don’t have enough money to pay them. There may be other housing for immigrants for example: rental housing. They can be found on rural areas. There is more space there. Also there in shape; but the problem is that they have to pay the rent. Let’s say they only earn a little they won’t be able to pay for it. But when they are with farmers and they don’t have to pay the rent this would be an advantage. The only problem is that they are sometimes not sanitary. The second challenge is living in the boss house. Immigrants must be careful with what they say or do. They can’t speak up. If they ever speak up they would be risking there selves to losing your job or end up not having anywhere to be sleeping in or at. If they live in an employers house it has to be licensed in order to live there. Sometimes it’s dirty or it’s not in great condition but your still allowed to live there. The payment with bosses is not a problem for migrants. The farmers or bosses of them don’t make them pay for there housing. It’s not a problem now but can be in the future. Many immigrants are scared to speak up. They don’t complain about how there bosses treat them or how in bad condition there homes are. They just live like that. They never say anything. It’s not right that there bosses can treat them like animals or treat them poorly. They should have the right to speak up for themselves. But they can’t because they don’t speak very good English. They struggle to speak because they can’t speak the language there bosses speak.

To continue, many immigrants have some working conditions they face. A challenge they face is the heat. In the article “For many immigrants from Mexico, farm work is still the way to the California dream.” It states “ I was completely soaked in sweat and my mouth felt as if I had been chewing on a handkerchief” (Jiménez 3). This explains that it is very hot outside and he was sweating so much. Farm work is something they have to do just to earn money for the week. It’s harm because they have to keep working and they barely have breaks. Many people that do this work is immigrants. Since they don’t require documents for this work. Many other people either clean houses if they don’t do this job. The job is technically there life. If they lose it they lose everything. They lose there home and they lose money to buy things to eat. Many people who work in farm labor don’t speak English. They either speak Spanish or there other language. In the article it states that Carabez works as a vegetable packer. She works 10-12 hrs each day. She works for 6-days a week. She only gets one day off. She technically works half her day off. But she never gives up. Many immigrants find other jobs to do when they don’t work some days for labor. Many people also sell fresh products. It takes a lot of energy for people to walk lots and sell the products. It’s really hot and also they get dehydrated fast. They have to drink lots of water just to make bank. Also some people have children they have to look after. Many people also have older children that work with them in labor. People come here to find jobs and get better education for there kids. But there are consequences to come here. They have to have the money to pay the coyote. This takes up to 5 to 7 thousand dollars. Also the average crop workers only earn 15 thousand dollars a year. That’s not much.

Another challenge they face is how they have to find new jobs on there off time. In the article it says “ The sun kept beating down. The buzzing insects, the wet sweat, and hot dry dust made the afternoon seem to last forever” (Jimènez 3). When they are on there off-time immigrants prune and harvest. This makes there days longer and more exhausting. People also get home to take care of the kids. The kids probably get exhausted too because they have to help. Also they may work on weekends. The women suffers a lot because she has work work to earn her money then she gets home to cook and clean for the kids. Immigrants also volunteer at other places. They try too earn bank twice a month. But many immigrants are treated poorly even if they do hard work. Some farm owners treat them like animals. They are like animals to them. Immigrants aren’t like people to them. They should be treated good. They work hard. They have to leave there home country to come and find a job. Also if I weren’t for the migrants many farmers wouldn’t have the business they have now.

It talks about what living conditions migrants face. It also talks about the migrants working conditions. There are many challenges that immigrants face. Immigrants have been here longer then we know they are history.

Motherhood is a unique and fascinated experience for some women. Many women’s experiences of being mother do not go well. Being mother is associated with many responsibilities and lifestyle changes. These transitional demands often become stressful for many females and leads to psychological problems. This often becomes worse for women who live abroad. Being mother out of their own cultural context, social support and caregivers, interaction and communication problems with healthcare providers and changes in identity are some crucial problems that women outside of their own country. So many factors interplay to cause difficulties in postnatal period for migrant mothers. A considerable number of women go through severe depressive episode after childbirth. The purpose of this study was to discover lived experiences of postnatal depression of migrant Pakistani-Muslim women living in United Kingdom. Being black and non-English origin make this population ‘hard to reach group’.

Most previous researches have examined black and minority Pakistani Muslim women, thus failing to capture the unique experiences and diversity that exist within this group. Cross-cultural motherhood experience of this group is an original methodological contribution to the field of counseling by focusing on unique individual experiences, beliefs and values.

Research Questions

The study was intended to explore lived experiences and perceptions of depression in postnatal period among Pakistani-Muslim women living in England. The goal was to discover personal accounts of depression after childbirth. The study aimed to conduct Interpretative phenomenological methodology to gain rich exploratory data. The focus was to qualitatively study experiences of postnatal period of women with maternal depression. It was hoped that qualitative study would provide insights and perspective beneficial not only for the field of counseling but other disciplines as well concerned with mother’s health. The three main questions addressed in the study focus on how depression is experienced by migrant Pakistani-Muslim women in postnatal period? How do women who go through depressive episodes after childbirth describe motherhood experience in postnatal period? And how describe personal experience of support in motherhood after birth of child?

Method

Purposive sampling technique was used in this research. By focusing on the basis and goals of the study, recruitment of research participants was done on the accounts of their personal experiences of postnatal depression. Both personal and professional connections were used to recruit participants from concerned associations. Evidences suggest that men also experience postnatal depression, so inclusion criteria were based on: a) women, b) females who born and brought up in Pakistan, c) Muslims origin, d) residing currently in England, e) aged between 18 to 40 years, f) experience of giving birth to one child, g) go through depressive episodes after childbirth and h) who were able to speak English. 18-40 years of age was selected because many females move to England in this age after marriage. English speakers were selected, so that researcher would be able to accurately interpret meanings of participants as she was English speaking too. Qualitative approach was used as aim was to explore ‘lived experiences’. Four migrant Pakistani women aged between 27 to 39 years were interviewed on one-to-one basis in London. All these women reported subjective encounters of depression in postnatal period. Interviews were semi-structured and lasted in 50 to 90 minutes. All interviews were audio-recorded and later were transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological approach was used in the study to analyze because study focused on lived experiences and understanding of postnatal depression. Interpretative phenomenological approach deals with in-depth and detailed analysis of individual lived experiences. Ethical considerations were also focused. Research was carried out according to the approved protocol by University of East London. Confidentiality was maintained by ensuring anonymity of participants. In case of distress while describing lived experience, therapeutic services were provided. Data transcripts were only accessible to researcher. Validity of the research findings was ensured by focusing on sensitivity to context, commitment and rigorous attention to data collection and data analysis procedures, coherence and transparency of problem statements, theoretical background and methodology, and overall impact and importance of the study and its findings were considered.

Results

Two-fold analytical procedures were used. One is taking insider’s perspective, participant’s stories and experiences took preference, and then participant’s descriptions were analyzed in terms of proposed research questions. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews reveals six major themes emerged from the data revolving around one core theme of ‘living with postnatal distress’. Changes in experience, the accounts of important relations, motherhood and the body, having life with postnatal distress, Pakistani cultural experience and varying delivery of healthcare services were major six themes of the study. Changes in experience were caused by insufficient knowledge of being mother, the connection of migration with the motherhood, and changing identity and experience of self. The experience of important relationships has subthemes of conflicted relationship between women and their mothers-in-law, role of women’s own mothers, marital problems, bonding and mutual support within marriage. The body and the motherhood include subordinated themes of breastfeeding distress, restricted mobility after childbirth, feeling loaded and unable to survive and feeling lonely and distant from friends and family. Pakistani cultural experience’s subordinate themes were partial gender attitudes, problems with female independence in Pakistani society and strong support system after childbirth in Pakistan. Varying delivery of healthcare services covers subthemes of bad encounter with healthcare staff and inadequate health services. The findings showed that cultural, psychological and physiological issues and motherhood stressors act as major contributors to postnatal distress.

Conclusion

The research was focusing on lived experiences of maternal depression of migrant women provide an insight into richer and in-depth analysis of being mother out of your own cultural context. The study concluded that how difficulties of migration, i.e., change in personal identity and cultural experiences, language problems, social support and loneliness interplay with motherhood difficulties of immobility after birth, distress related to breastfeeding, feelings of burden and lack of knowledge of being mother leads to depressed feelings among females after childbirth. These research findings provide how experience of motherhood could become positive by providing better health interventions and social support for Pakistani-Muslims females including migrant Asian women too.

Introduction: The Complex Reality of Immigration and Deportation

When American citizens see an immigrant, illegal or not; how do they view the immigrant? There’s evidence that suggests some people fear immigrants; some people believe immigrants are bad for the economy. Some people believe that all immigrants are a threat to the U.S. However, most immigrants are helpful to the economy and can start many small businesses that employ U.S. citizens. Although some immigrants have a criminal record or may commit a crime, not every immigrant is like this. The question is, are citizens viewing immigrants as people, or are immigrants viewed as aliens? After all, illegal immigrants are named aliens by some; it would only make sense for some people to take this term too seriously and stop feeling empathy toward them. With many adults, children, and families being broken and detained, left for dead without a second thought; one is only left to wonder where the ethics of this great country went, and with the new immigration policy the effects on the economy are detrimental. These acts are also immoral as Batra states, “The forced separation of immigrant children… is simply immoral…” (Batra p. 575)

The Human Cost: Separation and Trauma

After the current president was elected, Donald Trump, one of his first actions was his new immigration policy; this policy required that all immigrant parents if illegal, must be prosecuted. However, I do agree with him about how the U.S. needs immigration control, it is necessary. As the U.S. government stated in the first immigration law in 1882, “…regulation of immigration a federal responsibility.’ So, Trump is right that it is especially important to ensure that all immigrants are not only safe in the country but safe themselves; this includes humane living conditions for those that may be deported. Although trumps new policy did in fact get many illegal immigrants out of the country, it left countless children without parents; and without a parent, these children would be forced into the foster care system. The children parentless and alone in an unknown country would be terrified and undoubtedly left with harmful phycological effects.

Questioning the Ethics of Deportation Policies

When children have to deal with traumatic events, they often affect them for years. As the authors in this article state, “Children whose parents were detained or deported (whether the child returned to Mexico or stayed in the U.S.) were more likely to report depressive symptoms, negative mood, physical symptoms, and negative self-esteem.” (Zayas Par. 10) The negative effects of deporting a child’s parent are undeniable, I do not believe that it is worth it to deport someone and leave a child alone. “A child’s risk of… depression, anxiety, and severe psychological distress increases following the detention or deportation of a parent.” (Lori p. 620) Children are affected much worse than adults are as they are more fragile, the mental effects will likely affect them for longer times and much harsher. The ethics of a policy willing to abandon a child to these kinds of physical and mental effects must be questioned. It is not only immoral to do this to a child, parent, or adult, but also disregarding their lives. The current immigration policies are ignoring the human aspect of immigrants and merely viewing them as an object that must be removed; the policies are ignorant and harmful to not only children but all immigrants.

Economic Contributions of Immigrants

Obviously, children require a loving environment for proper mental development; some immigrant children having to grow up knowing their parent may be or was deported, will have excruciating mental effects on the child. “Parents’ legal vulnerability, detention, and deportation are strongly associated with depression, anxiety… aggression, withdrawal and… among children” (Zayas Par. 9) I believe the worst thing that could happen to a child or parent is that they are separated, parents put everything they have into making a good life for their child. Leaving children with negative effects like these should be illegal, I believe policies should be changed to be more human; I consider the current policies to be inhumane towards immigrants. Is getting one immigrant out of the country worth leaving a child with trauma? “The forced separation of immigrant children… is simply immoral…” (Batra p. 575)

Obviously, immigration policies need to be changed, as immigrants can be helpful to the economy; some of them could start businesses or save lives as a doctor. Sometimes people argue that immigrants are a threat to the economy of the U.S. However, immigrants are immensely helpful to the economy, they not only have the opportunity to provide new skills to the workforce but can also create their own workforces. Immigrants provide diversity, stirring a possibly stagnate economy and new workers. The article Kubrin wrote shows how unique immigrants’ rates really are and what they could be capable of bringing to the U.S., as he states, “…immigrants helped to stabilize and revitalize Miami’s economic…institutions…strong familial and neighborhood institutions…as well as enhanced job opportunities…” (Kubrin p. 4) In Miami, the immigrants helped to bring new workers and new job positions. They created their own jobs for anyone, including U.S. citizens. Therefore, immigrants are not a threat to the economy and are rather helpful. Immigrants have the chance to not only help an economy but also save one. “New businesses and… entrepreneurs that create… are “engines of job creation” for the American economy.’ (Killawi p. 2) Killawi is right in saying entrepreneurs are the engines of job creation, and a lot of immigrants start businesses, therefore immigrants are part of the engine of job creation.

Bill Clinton once said, “More than any other nation… America has constantly drawn strength and spirit from wave after wave of immigrants. In each generation, they have proved… the most industrious of people… they have strengthened our economy, enriched our culture, renewed our promise of freedom and opportunity for all….” Immigrants are helpful, and not only that but America was founded by immigrants and they made a great country; helping more people find a good life here, start businesses, and join the workforce would only be beneficial to the U.S. After all, As George H.W. Bush said, “Nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved…oceans… liberty-loving risk takers… Immigration is not just a link to America’s past; it’s also a bridge to America’s future.” Having immigrants in the U.S. to help start businesses and help the economy will only further benefit the U.S.

Xenophobia: A Barrier to Objective Assessment

The disregard for children, immigrants’ businesses and jobs, and immigrants’ safety all lead back to xenophobia. Xenophobia is the fear of foreigners, and this could cause people to be hostile or lack empathy for immigrants. When I look out in the world, I see people scared of Muslims because of some terrorists that happen to be Muslim. This is a rather obvious case of xenophobia, because although the fear of these people has a very good reason behind it; it is irrational and generalizes all Muslims as terrorists with no evidence. When immigrants come to the U.S. legally and try to get a job, if the employer has xenophobia the immigrant will have an exceedingly small chance of being hired. This could go the same way with immigrants starting businesses or just trying to live their lives. As they constantly face discrimination and hate, it is obvious the lack of empathy towards them is because of xenophobia.

A good question to ask is whether are immigrants a threat to America’s safety, or is America a threat to the immigrant’s safety? A good point for disagreeing that immigrants are not a threat is that cities housing them have higher crime rates. Are the crimes theft to feed the immigrant families or hate crimes from people with xenophobia? Immigrants do not actually have a significant effect on the crime rates of cities they are in, “…which finds that immigrant concentration has a null or negative relationship with neighborhood crime rates.” (Kubrin p. 18) Kubrin writes this to show that immigrants are not a threat and should not be feared. Therefore, claiming that immigration has an adverse effect on crime rates is just not true and is harming the immigrant’s reputation. With lies like these forcing immigrants to suffer it is obvious xenophobia and ignorance have a big part in the discrimination against immigrants.

Conclusion: Rethinking Immigration Policies for a Humane Approach

Immigrants are helpful in many ways. They could become doctors and save lives, start businesses, provide jobs for people, and join the military to help fight for America’s freedom. Deporting all illegal immigrants could severely affect the economy and mental health of many. This could cause a lot of unease in the country to see people shunned like this, and cause trauma to children with illegal parents. Not only could deporting a child’s parent leave the child alone but also could cause distrust in the government, for good reason; it is obviously immoral to separate families. Overall, the pros of changing the current immigration policies pros outweigh the cons; the very few terrorists, criminals, or future criminals in the millions of immigrants are not worth ruining thousands of children’s and adults’ lives. There are businesses that provide jobs for U.S. citizens, and possibly doctors or soldiers and deporting citizens’ parents could stop these things from happening.

Works Cited

1. H., Luis Zayas, and Laurie Cook Heffron. “Disrupting young lives: How detention and deportation affect US-born children of immigrants.” American Psychological Association, Nov.2016, https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/newsletter/2016/11/detention-deportation. Accessed 19 Nov. 2019.
2. Akram, Susan M. “The Past as Present, Unlearned Lessons, and the (Non-)Utility of International Law.” North Carolina Journal of International Law & Commercial Regulation, vol. 44, no. 3, Summer 2019, pp. 389–424. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=lgs&AN=136937345&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 17 Nov. 2019.
3. Batra Kashyap, Monika. “Unsettling Immigration Laws: Settler Colonialism and the U.S. Immigration Legal System.” Fordham Urban Law Journal, vol. 46, no. 3, June 2019, pp. 548–579. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=lgs&AN=137189095&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 19 Nov. 2019.
4. Lori, Nessel. “Deporting America’s Children: The Demise of Discretion and Family Values in Immigration Law.” Arizona Law Review, vol. 61, no. 3, Sept. 2019, pp. 605–640. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=lgs&AN=139070216&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 19 Nov. 2019.
5. Killawi, Yasser. “Preserving an Entrepreneurial America: How Restrictive Immigration Policies Stifle the Creation and Growth of Startups and Small Businesses.” Entrepreneurial Business Law Journal, vol. 8, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 129–157. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=lgs&AN=93583943&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 19 Nov. 2019.
6. Kubrin, Charis E., et al. “Different than the Sum of Its Parts: Examining the Unique Impacts of Immigrant Groups on Neighborhood Crime Rates.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology, vol. 34, no. 1, Mar. 2018, pp. 1–36. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s10940-016-9320-y.

When you think of major countries in Africa, your mind thinks South Africa as one of the major choices but that reasoning could be due to some favorable reasons but due to recent events it could turn unfavorable. This is the case due to drastic events that have been occurring for years. The continuous xenophobic acts towards the country’s immigrants, average working-class citizens and even higher paid citizens by the natives have shed an incredibly bad light on the country as a whole. It has become the case that several countries are refraining from or backing out making political and economic decisions that are related to South Africa, this was proven with mistrust of the country by the Nigerian government, making the country’s economy becomes weaker, as there are more and more unemployment, lack of education, increase of crimes and kidnappings in which these are not only targeted at higher class family but also the middle class and the lower class.

This essay will go into depth in regards to South Africa’s actions, economic data and their reasoning for doing what they do, this will be done to prove that the country’s way of thinking towards immigrants is closed-minded, selfish and in need of change. South Africa needs a wake-up call because it needs to stop blaming others for its downfall before it’s too late. Not only the government, but also the higher-class families need to take the proper actions needed to dissipate the turbulence created in/by the country.

Literature Review

South Africa is making headlines for the wrong reasons, with at least 12 people killed and hundreds arrested. These actions have obtained the condemnation from other African countries, who have started evacuating their respective citizens from these events. This wave of xenophobic attacks has stemmed from the belief that immigrants are the reason for South Africa’s economic downfall.

In the Quartz Africa article, “These charts show migrants aren’t South Africa’s biggest problem” (Abdi Latif Dahir, September 13, 2019). It discusses the major issues in South Africa and how the anti-immigration views hold no value. Contrary to what people think the number of foreign citizens is far smaller in comparison to its national citizens. Data from the government statistics in South Africa show that there were 2.1 million international migrants from a population of 51.7 million in 2011 which is now 2.2 million from 55.7 million. Its weak economic growth is due to ‘structural impediments’ such as corruption, weak investment levels, shortage of high-end skills and a higher than ever unemployment level. The unemployment levels are caused by the poor education levels and weak labor policies, not only the South African citizens but the immigrants have to fend for themselves. These statistics further suggest that the South African economic downfall is not caused by outsiders but by the national citizens themselves.

Hostility towards immigrants in South Africa had been brewing for a decade, as many native South Africans blamed the economic problems on non-native. Even going as far as accusing the immigrants of stealing jobs and residency from them. In the article by The New York Times ‘Anti-Immigrant Venom Killed Their South African Dreams’ (Julie Turkewitz, Sept. 20, 2019), it displays the difficulties the Nigerians who were residing in South Africa faced and are facing because of recent occurrences. Multiple people express their fear of the possibility of dying if they had stayed behind and not fled. Their hopes and dreams of landing opportunities and a safe place to raise their families were shattered. In an animalistic burst of violence during September, people in and around Johannesburg began destroying and burning immigrant-owned shops. The burst of violence caused the death of around 12 people. In response a diplomatic split was produced between both governments, threatening the relations of Africa’s largest economies.

Although several actions have been initiated by the South African government to seize control of what is happening, Nigeria’s government has gone ahead in their actions of bringing back their people, this is also happening with immigrants from other countries.

‘Five Important Things Happening in South Africa Today’ (Staff Writer, Nov. 20, 2019) an article by BusinessTech, describes in 5 key bullet points the problems South Africa is facing at the moment. In the first point public enterprise Pravin Gordhan says that although the government is committed to saving its Airways, there is no money coming from state coffers. He goes on suggesting that unions in disagreement should come together as quickly as possible. The second point discusses how there isn’t any money to pay workers who have gone on a strike anymore, and retrenchments should happen to make businesses viable. The main key point that should be taken from this article is key point 4. This key point discusses the rise of kidnapping in South Africa. The criminals are no longer focusing on the rich and wealthy but also on the middle class and under. Anybody is vulnerable to these attacks – children, teenagers or adults. Police reports statistics show that the rate of kidnapping has increased 139% over the last decade, around 16 people kidnapped or abducted daily. This amplifies that immigrants are not solely to blame.

‘Xenophobia in South Africa’ is a Wikipedia page that notes the main facts in regards to the history of apartheid in South Africa, from the very beginning to recent occurrences. The discrimination towards the immigrants in South Africa has been going on without end, with several people being killed as what is described as xenophobic attacks. Although the attacks are targeted towards immigrants, some natives are also caught up in the midst of it all, resulting in them being killed also. A poll conducted in 2018 showed that 62% of all South Africans still viewed immigrants as a burden on society by taking up the jobs and social benefits they did not deserve and 61% thought immigrants were responsible for the rise in crimes, which is not the case.

Discussion

Just because your supposed three neighbors are immigrants, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your whole country is infested with immigrants wanting to steal your job and your welfare. This is the case for the South Africans. They believe that their country is overflowing with immigrants that are profiting from their needed social benefits as shown in a poll conducted in 2018. The poll showed that 62% of all South Africans still viewed immigrants as a burden on society by taking up the jobs and social benefits they did not deserve and 61% thought immigrants were responsible for the rise in crimes (Wikipedia), this backward thinking as resulted in a large wave of xenophobic attacks. Every individual living in South Africa is a potential victim of crimes and kidnappings. It can’t only be considered that the immigrants are the cause and instigators of all attacks made regardless of the gender, ethnicity, and age of the person. It has become obvious that a population of 2.2 million immigrants in a country of 55.7 million people (Abdi Latif Dahir, September 13, 2019) cannot be the sole cause of the economics turbulences and can be taken as these events are being wrongfully acted out due to ignorance.

I believe the South Africans are in dire need to find a person or group of individuals to blame as they fail to see their mistakes. The country doesn’t want to acknowledge that some governmental and ethical factors are meant to be dealt with before proclaiming ‘DANGER! DANGER! Beware of the immigrant’. The actions they have taken to sanctify themselves are generating a bad light on the country’s situation.

According to the Catholic Cardinal Winifred Napier, some politicians and leaders in power are a cause for the attacks on foreigners. This is being done through inflammatory speeches on migrants. Notably amongst them is the deputy police minister who in 2017 claimed that Johannesburg was being taken over by foreigners further implying that “the future president of the nation could be a foreigner”. Also, King Zwelithini Goodwill has been accused of saying that “foreigners should go back to their countries”. Clearly, influential people in the nation have done little to ease tensions in the country.

The effects of the infamous apartheid still scar the country as South Africa maintains one of the highest levels of inequality in the world. The legacy of separation tweaked land ownership, limited access to economic capital have transcended into various levels of disparity within the nation. According to the World Bank in 2015, some 60% of the population held a mere 7% of the country’s net worth while the richest 10% controlled a stunning 71% of the net wealth. This level of inequality has done nothing, but fueled resentment and frustration against any person(s) leading to outbursts against fellow African foreigners.

The Human Science Research Council (HSRC) in its report on the subject matter uncovered some social issues that promote attacks on foreigners. It has been formulated that sheer jealousy has been a major reason behind the attacks on foreigners. According to the research, above 61% of the public identified immigrants as the real cause behind their current economic decline. The cause of jealousy is thought to be that of individual prejudice and widespread misconceptions about international migrants. Also, interviews granted to some affected foreigners relayed the message that most South Africans are inherently lazy.

As for the problematic issues, the country faces with their defective economy, as shown by the article ‘Anti-Immigrant Venom Killed Their South African Dreams’ (Julie Turkewitz, Sept. 20, 2019) the destruction of shops and the commerce of innocent people, trying to survive and make a living does nothing to help whatever situation is at hand. Their false conception of immigrants’ overcrowding has clouded their visions and now they are unable to see right from wrong. This is the result of an insufficient number of tools and resources needed to educate the people, so they are unable to open their eyes and reflect on the real issues and the real cause.

The government needs to be one of the major mediators of this issue. It is their job to keep the people under control and to prevent further xenophobic uprising. Their job is to keep the people at ease, to make sure that they are aware enough to the real issues the country faces and to give alternatives for a more decent future.

Conclusions

To conclude, the immigrant issue in South Africa can be seen differently, by the South Africans themselves and those looking in or those who are affected by the recent events. The common idea of immigrants overpowering the country is widely believed but contrary to what the citizens think the number of foreign citizens is far smaller in comparison to the country’s national citizens. The government statistics data in South Africa show there were 2.2 million international migrants from a population of 55.7 million which is only 3.9% of the total population. The high unemployment rates believed by the native South Africans to be a result of the unwanted immigrants but is more than likely due to multiple reasons, one of the most important being the country’s weak economic growth that is due to ‘structural impediments’ like corruption, weak investment levels, shortage of high-end skills and a higher than ever unemployment level. The continuous weak economic growth is caused by poor education levels and weak labor policies, as not only the South African citizens but the immigrants have to fend for themselves. A 2018 poll conducted revealed that 62% of all South Africans still viewed immigrants as a burden on society by taking up the jobs and social benefits they did not deserve and 61% thought immigrants were responsible for the rise in crimes. This is not the case as police reports statistics show that the rate of kidnapping has increased 139% over the last decade, around 16 people are kidnapped or abducted daily.

I believe that failure to educate the people is one of the main causes of this problem as apartheid has been going on for years, it can be assumed to be the government fault for not taking the proper actions and means to avoid future misconduct by the people. There is a lack of a strong positive force and a greater lack of self-awareness and acceptance of wrongdoings. This is said as it can be seen through previous stated data that South Africans believe they aren’t at fault and the only other people to blame their problems on are the immigrants.

Summary

To summarize this paper as a whole, the main subject put forward is the instability of South Africa’s economy and how they have managed to shift the blame from themselves to the county’s incoming and or residing immigrants. They are unwilling to accept that their weak economic growth that is due to their structural impediments which stem from corruption, weak investment levels, shortage of high-end skills and a higher than ever unemployment level. This continuously weak growth is caused by their poor education levels and weak labor policies. The government needs to enforce better laws and put in place better repercussions for the country to rise and put behind their impediments and prevent further economic fall. Also, false rumors being spread to create fear in the people needs to stop.

When an idea is expressed, closely related ideas are simultaneously conveyed logically. The idea that many teachers and parents express to young children as a way of knowing themselves: ‘Where are you from?’. In logic, the answer would be simple enough to respond to where they were born. Most likely, for Jamaican immigrants who moved to America, their situation could be a little bit different. The new multiculturalism background not only changes the life of Jamaican immigrants, but also challenges their Jamaican privilege. In the face of the impact of multiculturalism, Jamaican immigrants adhere to their culture and strive to integrate into the new environment.

Most people would use the word geography synonymously with identity as if the physical appearance were solely responsible for explaining one’s privilege. To figure out why moving overseas tremendously challenges Jamaican immigrants’ privilege, one has to understand the impact of living in a brand-new culture background. In ‘On Shelf’, Yolande decided to pursue a PhD in Caribbean literature, but the island Jamaica, where she was born, no longer draws much attention to her (Alexia, 222). In Yolande’s story, Jamaican was not a place where she would not call it home. “When she is dead, I imagine that the island will feel less like home because there won’t be anyone return for” (Alexia, 224). For Yolande, after spending several years in the U.S., she already owned her life that she was enjoying. If it wasn’t because of her mother, the island she was born would gradually disappear in Yolande’s life. Perhaps geography may explain one’s privilege, but the place where the individual spent most of life would determine one’s destiny. Born and raised in Jamaica, to Yolande, she would never forget the island where she was born, but the island itself would gradually fade. Some return to the island of their birth only means memory because they have spent so much time away living overseas.

Alexia also demonstrates the ideas of race that inform the life of every day. In chapter ‘Light-Skinned Girls and Kelly Rowlands’ states: “‘The Bay Area’, she told me, and it was clear that she was not particularly interested in me, that although we were both black women” (Alexia, 6). Two college students were both Jamaicans, yet Cecilia’s California claim upbringing causes the other to question her racial identity. The Jamaican girl whose privileged West Coast has blinded another girl to the hard realities of race. Feeling is useful in directing one’s attention to matters individuals might be interested in. For a first-time orientation, a Jamaican girl was trying to look for someone who seems familiar, that shares the same skin color with her. It would make sense, human being categorizes people based on an individual’s color skin and body characters because those physical appearances demonstrate one’s privilege. Similarities narrow the distance between strangers. For Jamaican immigrants, living overseas does not mean abandoning their familial privilege, even if the way they live is different than they used to, familial privilege still holds the power to restore original privilege, the culture they were shared with. They seek friendship and acceptance when living overseas, they are not all like others in the U.S., but almost the same because they simply don’t share the same original privilege with others, they will adapt to U.S. culture eventually.

The movie ‘Life and Debt’ begins with a relaxing and happy music, which adds an atmosphere of optimistic. It was a black man, a Jamaican, a middle-aged man playing the piano (Keith, 2016). I began to see their optimism about life in the United States, which is a brand-new living environment for them. Later in the film, we can see that Jamaicans making living by groups. I believe there may be two reasons for this phenomenon. First of all, there are lots of other race people, who do not look up to them, even look down on them, in America. Thus, Jamaican are forced to stay in one single and small town. The second reason is that they are united in order to against other races people, and some of the difficulties that they face in their new place of life in the United States. However, I think even if they are hurt by other Americans, they are still optimistic. They want to climb to the top of America by their own efforts. In the film, there is a Jamaican who said: “I do not care nobody wants to say, I do not care nobody wants to do…I do not care, this is what I do for a living” (Keith, 2016). They are unmoved by the hurt and taunts of others and become stronger through the hurt of others. Later in the film, the same Jamaican said: “We are trying to climb to the top as a black, in Jamaica to here, it is a fight, mentally, physically” (Keith, 2016). That says a lot about the determination and purpose of Jamaicans. Through the film, we can know that their method is to improve their own quality, ability, and various aspects through learning. I think this is a good way.

However, I think this approach will take them a lot of time to complete, and in the meantime will Jamaicans be frustrated by the Americans? We don’t know. Even now, the Jamaicans’ fight continues, and I can only hope that they persist and achieve their goals.

Reference

1. Keith. (2017, January 14). Retrieved November 17, 2019, from https://urbanareas.net/info/life-debt-documentary/

Abstract

For the research project, I am going to write about stereotypes towards immigrants. This topic interests me because my father is an immigrant, and experiences stereotypes as well as all descendants of immigrants. I will be talking about the effects stereotypes have on a person. Another topic I will be covering is the different types of stereotypes, and how they relate to a group of people. Meaning of stereotypes is any wide assumption used towards an individual. The assumptions are related to Africans, Mexicans, Asians, or any person of Latin descent. I will be using a source from medium.com, “ This misconception could cause problems such as discrimination. This is a big problem in our multicultural society”( medium.com). This is a good piece of evidence because it relates to discrimination towards minorities is causing our diverse society to become segregated. I am going to use this as evidence to state stereotypes are a problem in our society. Another source is from simplypsychology.org, “It is important to understand that the person may experience a threat even if he or she does not believe the stereotype. Simply, in the context, the person perceives that the stereotype is a plausible characterization of himself or herself by others”(simplypsychology.org). Shows the negative effects of racial stereotypes. For example, someone assumes that all Mexicans are criminals just because some are, does not mean all are. I also we talking about the positive side. In a way, it is good to hear about stereotypes, for when it does happen to someone one day. They would know how to take it in and react as well. In one of the body paragraphs, I will be discussing certain ways we can stop the use of stereotypes.

Immigration

Throughout the past century, immigration from Mexico to the United States is still happening until now. Mexican immigration is one of the largest groups of immigrants to the United States. Since there is a greater population of Mexican immigrants in the United States compared to other ethnicities. Does Mexican immigration have an effect on today’s society? If so, in what way does it affect our society? It all began when Mexico took control of Spain in the 1820s. Later, the Tejanosin Texas supported the new Republic of Texas. Hispanics in New Mexico and California did not identify with Mexico City. Which took part in a small role in the Mexican- American war. As well as offering the decision of going back to Mexico or staying in the U.S., becoming a legal Citizen. The early history of Mexican Americans is Spanish-speaking Tejanos, Nuevomexicanos, etc., already existed in the southwest part of America because it was part of New Spain. These certain Spanish-speaking communities adopted English as their first language. It is shown the history of Mexican Americans, as well as Americans of Mexican descent, who began migrating to the United States during the late 1840s. In the late 1840s over 80,000 individuals became legal U.S. citizens(John W. Kluge).

One of the major reasons why Mexicans migrated to the U.S. was from 1897-1930, low-paid workers with no skills were needed in the United States for agriculture work, and road building(John W. Kluge). As well in the 1910s a large group migrated to the U.S. because Mexico was torn apart by the Civil War. It is shown after the Civil War, of 1911 Mexico fled over 60,000-1,000,000 refugees north to cross the border(John W. Kluge). Most of the refugees were well-educated middle-class families, as well as poor citizens. Hispanics who lived in New Mexico were known as the second-class social status by the non-Hispanic population. During the 1910s-1930s they came up with a new Spanish identity for their cultural citizenship. Around the 1920s the term Spanish-American took over the commonly used word Mexican(John W. Kluge). The new term Spanish American gave a sense of American citizenship.

A little after 1915 Tejanos from Texas proved their American citizenship, by founding the League of United Latin American Citizens, professionals, businessmen, etc. lead the organization. The LULAC organization promoted civic pride and civil rights(John W. Kluge). In the borderland towns between the United States, and Mexico the local Latino leaders who were a part of (LULAC) wanted to start preventing more new immigrants from crossing the border. The reason was the new immigrants were taking over Latino’s jobs and houses. Newcomers were seen by society as violent, and lazy, were as well putting negative stereotypes towards Mexican Americans. The League of United Latin American Citizens was formed based on receiving full praise for American social, educational, and as well as political values. It was the only way Latinos would improve their political, economic, and social background in American society.

Around the 1930s-1960s LULAC was focused mainly on citizenship training and strict immigration from Mexico(John W. Kluge). As well as promoted equality rights. Due to votes being low, there were little to no local movements around that time. Since the 1960s, around 1965 the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was strictly enforced to restrict the number of persons who would legally enter the U.S. Latin American nations, as well as new immigrants to the U.S. were limited to temporary and short-term visits(John W. Kluge). Since the 1980s Mexican immigration has been increasing very large. Around the time of the 1980s, more and more acts were being strictly enforced. Some acts were the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986 was for illegal immigrants who were working illegally with no citizenship, and were granted no charges(John W. Kluge). Which lead to a larger amount of Mexican Immigration to the United States. As well as the Latin American debt was increasing at a rapid rate because of the high rates of unemployment, which destroyed the middle class.

Many Mexican Americans were struggling economically. Which caused labor Unions to form. One of the famous well-known was the labor union called the Industrial Workers of the World. Focused on Mecican-American farm workers as well as miners. The organization’s very first strike took place in Southern California. They focused on fighting for better wages, and working conditions for laborers. One of the main reasons why laborer unions and movements were forming during the 20th century. Was because of the way society portrayed Mexican Americans in a negative way. The purpose of the movements, and organizations was to better the way Mexaican-American were viewed by society. Since society created negative stereotypes towards Latinos. Many other movements happened to gain more equality and rights for Mexican Americans. One of them was the Chicano Movement, which took part in the civil rights movement and evolved into politics as well too. The Chicano Movement focused on, “ Immediate issues confronting Mexican- Americans unequal educational and employment opportunities, political disenfranchisement, and police brutality”( John W. Kluge).

In today’s society, the Chicano movement has helped because minority students have a better education than before. As well as more jobs, better working conditions, pay is up too. Even though police brutality still lingers on today, now in the present, we are addressing the problem. The immigration of Mexicans to the United States affects our society. Since Mexicans Migrated to the United States. They have been changing the way society portrays Immigrants. American society usually sees Mexican Americans as lazy, violent people. Many people in society have had, “portrayal of Hispanics have included “ the Frito Bandito” the lazy Mexican taking a siesta, and images of bad, seductive women who seek to take good white men from their good white women” (Cortes 1997). This is a negative stereotype portrayed to Mexican American, women.

The way society sees Mexican American women as people who steal husbands is not at all true. Society does not see each Mexican American individually, but they rather just put a label on women. This is an issue because American society is becoming racist and judgmental Towards Latinos. Another negative stereotype that is viewed towards Mexican Americans is that “The overall effect of immigration is bad because immigrants take their jobs, hold wages down, and take more from the economy than they contribute”(Balck-Brown Relations and Stereotypes). These certain stereotypes are often used towards Mexican American immigrants because society feels as if immigrants steal their jobs. When in reality there is a huge amount of immigrants that are unemployed and in need of jobs. Which is why immigrants mainly work hard for any amount of money. Society still sees minorities as lazy, and useless.

Another stereotype often used towards Mexican Americans is education. Latinos are often viewed as dropouts in high school, and not very smart. Society views immigrants as poor, which means they see students as not very smart. Due to the fact as society sees minority students as not having the correct resources to succeed in higher education. This is why the DREAM Act is very important in today’s society.

The purpose of the DREAM Act is, “ The DREAM Act is common- sense legislation drafted by both Republicans and Democrats that would give students who grew up in the United States a chance to contribute to our country’s well-being by serving in the U.S. armed forces or pursuing a higher education”( Luis Miranda). One of the reasons why this act is important is because it gives a chance to undocumented students to have a successful future by pursuing higher education. This is very beneficial for students that are immigrants because if they file for the DREAM act they can earn legal status as American citizens, but they have to pursue higher education. The DREAM Act changed American society in many ways being beneficial towards military recruitment efforts, more competitive in the economy, security, and many other benefits.

The act will help the MIlitary by, “the DREAM Act represents an opportunity to expand [ the recruiting] pool, to the advantage of military recruiting and readiness”( Luis Miranda). Some of the children that are part of the DREAM Act that are students are boys and are required to register for the military. This would contribute to the military because gaining more citizens to register for the military will gain more readiness for future emergencies. It as well helps our society by knowing that our country is well-prepared, which will keep citizens safe. As well the Act will create a more global economy, “ these young people to live up to their fullest potential and contribute to the economic growth of our country”( Luis Miranda). These are one of the many reasons why immigrants help our society. The reasons the students that are called dreamers, are part of the DREAM Act have to pursue higher education. Once they reach the level of higher education, can later pursue their career of any choice as well. Once they achieve a higher level of success, will give a great contribution to the economy.

Another contribution the DREAM Act does to the economy, “ This income is substantially higher than the income they would earn if they were unable to attend and complete a college education”(Luis Miranda). By pursuing higher education will do better for than economy rather than every citizen just pursuing a high school level of education. Imagine if each citizen pursued some level of higher education, which will cause an economic boost. Another change in our society is that it will cause stricter enforcement of security on the border, “ The Department of Homeland Security can dedicate their enforcement resources to detaining and deporting criminals and those who pose a threat to our country”( Luis Miranda). The DREAM Act will create stricter border controls by enforcing better security for those who are a threat to the country. In a way, it will improve our society by deporting all criminals out of the United States, but on the other hand, not all immigrants are criminals.

The DREAM Act opened a new opportunity for Mexican American Students. Who is not legally living in the United States? It gave undocumented students a chance to have a higher level of education. Some of the requirements to qualify for the DREAM Act. Some of the requirements are that the students have entered the country when they are at least 16 or younger years of age and have to at least live in the United States for at least 5 years. The students must have graduated from high school or received a GED. One important thing is that the student must have a good moral stance, and have no criminal record. If, so the student may have a dismissal from the country.After the student has maintained that good status, they have to meet a few other requirements. Such as must have attended college, or served in the military for at least 2 years. It is important that they have to maintain good behavior and a clean criminal record. Must meet all requirements in order to apply for the DREAM act. The DREAM Act is and will continuously evolve the immigration of Mexican Americans to the United States. Earlier I asked if the immigration of Mexican Americans Affected society. Well in fact yes society would not be the way how it is today. Without the migration of immigrants, The United States would not be how it is so diverse now in days. Mexican Immigration to the United States started more groups of migrators to America.

Now with the DREAM Act rules and regulations are strictly enforced, towards other people who are trying to cross with a criminal record. One of the many reasons why they deport students with a criminal record is because they just can not find anyone. Mexican Immigration to the United States just did not affect society, bust well affected how Mexican Americans were seen by American society. American society often viewed Latinos as lazy and useless. Often portrayed as people who stole the rest of non-Mexican- American jobs. Mexican Immigration has affected American society. It has changed our amount of population size. Since Mexican Americans are one of the largest groups of migrants to the United States. Our society has evolved because of Immigration. Without any immigration of any ethnicity, the United States would not be as diverse as the way it is now. Gave a sense of open-mindedness to American Citizens. Even Though there are still some people who still use stereotypes toward immigrants. Especially Mexican Americans open new doors for other races such as Asians, and African Americans as well.

References

Primary Source

1. Miranda, Luis. “Get The Facts On The DREAM Act.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2010/12/01/get-facts-dream-act.

Secondary Source

1. Bean, F., & Bell-Rose, S. (1999). Immigration and opportunity: Race, ethnicity, and employment in the United States. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.
2. Cardoso, L. (1980). Mexican emigration to the United States, 1897-1931: Socio-economic patterns. Tucson: the University of Arizona Press. Mcleod, Saul. “Stereotypes.” Stereotypes | Simply Psychology, 1 Jan. 1970, www.simplypsychology.org/katz-braly.html.
3. Mindiola, T., Niemann, Y., & Rodriguez, N. (2002). Black-brown relations and stereotypes (1st ed.). Austin: the University of Texas Press.
4. The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. “Mexican Immigration to the United States: A Brief History.” Time, Time, 12 Mar. 2015, time.com/3742067/history-Mexican-immigration/.
5. Stribley, Robert A. “The Invention of Illegal Immigration.” Medium, Medium, 13 Mar. 2019, medium.com/s/story/the-invention-of-illegal-immigration-1ea740c9a08.

With the recent terrorist attack at a mosque in Christchurch, more than 40 people were killed, and another 50 people were injured. This is known as one of the biggest threads of national peace and security, and the first terrorist attack for us, New Zealand, a small country at the very end of the world, which has always remained safe from the unsettle incidents all these times. The topic of immigration comes up quite often in conversation. Topics, such as, how immigrants should be dealt with, what exactly are the benefits and/or detriments of immigration, and New Zealand’s immigration policy, are usually discussed. With immigration gradually becoming a trending issue in our country, various individuals have expressed their thoughts through means like social media and news sites, which are usually oppose it. I will present and discuss the benefits of immigration and provide evidence that highlights reasons why immigration should be widely accepted rather than being considered as a problem. How immigration has helped a country as American to become one of the greatest countries in the world, and how New Zealand can also benefit from immigration in the same way.

For us, New Zealanders, the issue of immigration may have not been clearly address to the public. As well as the pros and con of immigration which may cause a lot of us to wrongly form our opinion toward this topic. Although some opinions are easier to understand compared to others, the advantages of immigration are bountiful. Economically, immigrants significantly boost our country’s economy, providing new jobs, more money for companies and reducing unemployment, which is one of New Zealand’s biggest problems. A large influx of immigrants will help many of our companies because of supply and demand. With the average immigrant worker working for lower wages, immigrants reduce the amount of money a company spends when paying their employees, therefore, keeping costs lower for us, consumers. A writer in The Fiscal Times emphasizes this idea by claiming, “Without the immigrant labor, prices consumers pay for hotels and restaurants would be substantially higher”.

As well as keeping vacations and dinners more affordable, immigration has contributed to great results in the field of education. With the majority of immigrants relocating with their families or having a family in the new country, it is highly likely that they will send their children to school in that country so as to provide a better education for their children. This bodes well for the high school or college they attend because these children increase the graduation rate, which is one of many factors people use to determine how good a school is. Once these children have acquired a higher education, many of them will decide to open up their own business or join the job market. The former option has yielded excellent results for the United States, a country with large proportion of immigration, with immigrants owning almost one in five of the small businesses in America. The latter keeps our country’s workforce filled with workers who are at an ideal age for work, thus balancing out the numbers lost from the workforce due to our high retirement rate.

When people immigrate to a new country, it is almost impossible for them not to bring their culture along with them. One of the bigger cultural influences on societies is cuisine. Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and Italian food are among the major popular foreign foods in New Zealand; the new wave of immigrants has introduced foods from Korea, Thai and India. These cuisines have been praised by food critics for having healthier ingredients. As most people know, our country has an unhealthy obsession with fast food due to its accessibility and affordability. Therefore, healthier foods being introduced from these countries could benefit many people. A concentration of immigrants also creates cultural areas which are great for tourism. Having a greater number of immigrants from a specific culture in an area also promotes the holidays and traditions that they celebrate. This can be seen in many Western countries as more people are becoming aware of holidays such as the Chinese New Year and Hanukkah, leading our country to greater diversity.

While many people have uneducated and discriminatory opinions about immigrants, invalid points have been raised by people who oppose immigration. The biggest and most invalid argument against immigration is that immigrants are using up the nation’s resources. Many people worry that with the large influx of immigrants coming to our country, us, citizens, will be left with few resources. However, it is a government’s job to be accommodating us with reasonable needs. Once the government realize resources are being consumed more than the production rate, implementing new laws to produce more resources can easily be done. Also, legal immigrants pay taxes, meaning the government receives more funds. With more funds, the government can provide for our needs better, therefore, eliminating the fear of running out of resources.

Another argument is that immigrants who are living in a country illegally are wasting the government’s money. An example is that the children of illegal immigrants attend schools that are funded by tax paying citizens. However, an illegal immigrant is still illegal immigrant, they do not receive the benefits of being a citizen. Take a look at Canada, a country that is well known for giving its citizens free health care. Illegal immigrants would not receive free healthcare, meaning that they will have to pay for all medical bills they receive. By paying for medical bills, they give the government/hospital more funds to spend, which is never a bad thing.

With the advantages of immigration highlighted, myths debunked, and opposing arguments presented, immigration should be widely accepted rather than being considered as a problem. We all are once immigrants to this country. Our forbearers were as well stranger who crossed the Pacific Ocean, we all are here today, only because this country welcome them in and taught them that to be New Zealand is something more, something more than what we look like or what our last name are. What makes us New Zealand is our shared commitment to an ideal, that all of us are created equal, and all of us have a chance to make our lives follow what we truly believe. That is the country our parents, grandparents and generations before them built for us. That is the tradition we must uphold, and that is the legacy we must leave for those who are yet to come. Consider of the United States: a country built on immigration, similarly to New Zealand. From the time the pilgrims first arrived, followed by the rest of the Europeans, then the immigrants from Asia. If the natives who lived in America back then had a society advanced enough to decide on whether to keep or turn away these immigrants, what would be the outcome? Would the America we know today still be known as the ‘melting pot’ country? Or would it be a country with little diversity? Would the country be as financially successful as it is now, or would it be financially stagnant?

Immigration happens worldwide, whether it be because of active war or to reunite with family. Immigration has been happening since1600’s and is not coming to a stop in the future anytime soon. But why do people have different opinions on it? Well, immigration comes along with many other ‘unknown’ factors to the public eye. Other immigrants come to claim benefits but then there is the other side of why they flee their countries, for educational purposes, employment opportunities and to escape violent conflicts.

There are four main reasons for an immigrant to decide to move, they are: economic, social, political or environmental. Someone who migrated to a new country for a job opportunity or to seek better work, as the place they are at now is lacking, is called an economic migrant. Social migration is more of a personal decision the immigrant makes. Moving somewhere for a better quality of life or to be closer to family and friends, this can also include moving for religious beliefs and ethical reasons. Political migration is caused by either a war, the cause of a political disagreement, because of the individual’s political outlook and opinion, or one is forced to leave because of a government movement. Environmental causes of migration (also known as climate refugees) may include long-term effects to their environment such as severe flooding, fires and climate change, all affecting the well-being and safety of those living in that area.

Immigrants come to Australia because of the freedom and opportunity it offers. They come to work and build a better life for themselves and their families. Immigrants fill openings in the labor market where the supply of native-born workers tends to fall short of demand by employers. Without immigrants, our economy would be less productive and dynamic. Immigrants boost each country’s economic growth and raise the general productivity of workers by providing much-needed skills. Immigrant workers allow important parts of the economy to expand, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities for the native-born. A study shows that immigrants are more likely to start a business than native-born, whether it’s a corner shop or high-tech startup, immigrants generate new products, ideas and innovation. Without immigrants, many countries will soon begin to experience population decline. Immigrants increase the sustainability of government retirement programs by slowing the rise in the ratio of retirees to workers. Without a growing workforce, the economy of different countries could begin to lose its dynamism and their role in the global economy.

Evidence clearly shows that immigrants help with economic benefits, however there are many other advantages of immigration as well. In many cases, data supports why legal immigration is good for creating more jobs and medical resources. Immigrants change culture for the better by introducing new ideas, expertise, customs, culture, cuisines and art. They aren’t affecting the existing culture of the country to which they migrate, they are expanding it. Immigration has helped the world become more interconnected each year as people share cultures and develop friendships with people from different backgrounds all over the world. This can also help with global progress on ending poverty, hunger and gender inequality.

Common complaints about immigrants include: ‘Immigrants will take jobs, lower our wages, and especially hurt the poor’, ‘Immigrants are a major source of crime’, ‘Immigrants pose a unique risk today because of terrorism’ and ‘It ruins our countries culture’ю All these points are indeed true to some extent. With 1.8 million people out of work or looking for more hours and 250,000 new migrants moving to the country each year, there’s very little incentive for bosses to give workers a big rise. Lower wages also make it harder to live off simple things such as grocery shopping and cost of living. More houses are needing to be built for the increasing population which means the country itself is being harmed as well, and it has an environmental impact on the land being migrated to. Furthermore, it is indeed true that every immigrant who migrates to another country brings his own culture with him. This results in more and more cultures being forced to live and work on the same land and together. Many different cultures and religions can obviously disagree with each other and sometimes this can lead to physical violence, crime and terrorism, making the country dangerous for existing residents and children, the people of the future. But I think that all these consequences are somewhat exaggerated: yes, they really can and do take place, but not on such a scale as the majority of society believes.

In my opinion, there are still more advantages than disadvantages in immigration. Immigration is good because it gives people a second chance at life that they may not even have a choice to be in. Immigrants have been proven to contribute to all areas of life, especially in the labor force. Evidence continues to show that as the number of immigrants increases, the global the economy continues to thrive as a result.

Many immigrants come to America for a fresh start. They seek to obtain the best future they can, but many struggles come from being an immigrant. Growing up, the term has been around me since I can remember. Images and words are a way your view on things is changed. As oftentimes certain media outlets only give you one perspective of something, you never see the other side. Immigration is a great example of that because, over the years, it’s a term that is most certainly misunderstood. Instead of being positive, many people see immigration as negative, and that’s not the truth. The term has a good start with the definition being somebody wanting to permanently live in another country. But that’s not all the word is, the term can be so open-ended and interpreted in many different ways. This term has been thrown around many times with no one knowing what immigration means.

A huge number of people argue that immigration means terrorism and drug dealing. Immigration should never be associated with those two terms directly, especially as a stereotype. Tragic events such as 9/11 pay a great deal to the contributions and the choices of why people connect them. Immigration gets a negative image from many because of those instances. But what about people who, as soon as they reach another country, don’t want to do such a terrible thing? These are the people affected by the traumatic events that have occurred in the past, and because of them, they are being discriminated against. “Immigrants, especially those of color, are often the targets of discrimination or at least the victims of aggression. Whether subtle or overt, the negative impact of discrimination on the psychological well-being of an individual is still the same” (American Psychological Association). Growing up, I was out in public and I had a lot of people looking at me in odd ways. I was even pursued in stores to make sure I wasn’t doing anything. But I got used to the stereotyping of people at some point and learned not to let it bother me anymore. I know I’m not the only one because there are millions of immigrants in the world, and likely to have it worse than I have. Although tragic incidents have a correlation that questions the relationship between terrorism and immigration, there is a lack of clear evidence that connects them directly. Many of our views about immigrants are affected by stereotypes. Just because an immigrant enters America doesn’t mean they want to do harm.

The way immigrants are helpful is something that gets overlooked. You will not understand and note the benefits of it, just negative news about immigrants is what is being broadcasted. In the US, immigrants have improved economic growth and increased productivity by bringing to the table much-needed skills. With those talents, they also take on work that not many individuals would. The common misconception is that immigrants are taking jobs from Americans. Although that is partly accurate, they often compete with other immigrants rather than Americans. “As immigrants supply labor, they also increase demand for housing and other goods and services, creating employment opportunities for native-born workers. This is why, over time, there is no correlation between immigration and the general unemployment rate. In fact, the number of jobs and the size of the workforce tend to grow together” (Griswold). This encourages younger Americans and other individuals to not have to work as soon as possible as it would be in old times as immigrants come into work. This ensures that more people will stay in school and continue their education, rather than joining the workforce at a younger age. So, is immigration a negative thing because the economy is better? Not only are immigrants helping to build a stable economy right now, but they are also helping to sustain existing employment, provide much-needed skills, and open up more job opportunities in the years ahead.

Crime behavior is another myth about immigration, and one of the largest ones. Many people assume that more crime is being brought into the country by refugees, and that’s misleading. While some individuals pose as immigrants to commit crimes, not everyone does. “For all but four crimes that accounted for 0.18 percent of all criminal convictions in Texas in 2015, there were fewer convictions against illegal immigrants than against natives. The year 2016 shows even lower criminal conviction rates for illegal immigrants relative to natives in Texas” (Gridworld). Immigration is neither related to nor correlated with crime rates, and it should not be. While this subject is frequently debated in politics, there is a lack of a general understanding of questions regarding illegal immigrants and crime. In the quote above, it’s shown the percentage of crime caused by immigrants in Texas. For several years, this myth has developed. Compared to other natives, immigrants are less likely to be arrested. There are a few immigrants who commit crimes, but a vast majority do not, because there are a little less than five million immigrants in Texas. There have been many efforts to remove immigrants in America and say that the crime rates would change, but there has been little proof that the expulsion of immigrants indicates that the crime rates have improved or worsened.

Sometimes, the term immigration is seen as a negative thing. People say immigration is related to crime and terrorism. They create misconceptions and stereotypes that are chosen to be believed across several people. When you hear the word immigration, what do you think? Immigration should not be seen as a negative thing, but rather a positive thing that people should appreciate and have a better understanding of. It should mean people are willing to contribute to society rather than just moving here. As with immigrants in the past, today’s immigrants are learning and adjusting to the ever-evolving American lifestyle.

What are the effects of immigration?

The topic I have chosen for writing my individual report is trade and aid specifically about immigration and its long-term effects. Immigration by definition means the act of moving to a foreign country permanently. There are many different views regarding immigration some view it has a responsibility to help their fellow human beings but other think of it as a burden and a threat to their economy.

Pakistan is one of main hosts for immigrants it has sheltered approximately 1.38 million registered immigrants and there could be many more unregistered considering the lack of keeping tabs on this matter. Nationally people of Pakistan view these immigrants as threats to their lifestyle and income. Pakistanis believe that these immigrants are here to steal their job opportunities and are the main reason for the increase of drug and terrorist activities. DAWN newspaper has wrote an article titled “How would Pakistan treat Syria’s refugees” https://www.dawn.com/news/1221274 this was written on November 21 2015 The writer has written that Pakistan should be proud for being one of the major immigrant hosting countries in the world yet it is looked with and I quote “regret and contempt” Globally perspectives vary from country to country.

US used to be country were all people wanted to migrate to live the “American dream” and earning more but America was welcoming to many immigrants but in the recent year of presidency of Donald Trump this all could change. America is planning to build a wall on the border of Mexico to not allow any illegal migration and some Americans believe that immigrants are coming to steal their jobs and that they are the reason for rape, drugs and crimes. However not all Americans believe this they cannot stop Trump from building his wall http://theconversation.com/in-trumps-america-immigrants-are-modern-day-savage-indians-99809 This article written by “The conversation” published on July 17 2018 explains how immigrants under Trump’s eyes are savage, animals and how they will not be able to migrate to America. Some agree with Trump and his anti-immigrant policies while others do not.

Germany is another country with mixed views related to immigration it says that it has a crisis going on but in reality there is no such crisis in place. Angela Merkel is a German politician serving as a chancellor of Germany since 2005 who allowed 1 million immigrants in Germany to show its welcoming culture, but many of her opposition attacked her for this showing their dislike for immigrants in their country and Germany being another country with mixed views about immigrants and is a very serious political matter https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/07/03/what-you-need-to-know-about-germanys-immigration-crisis/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.c2e835b8890c this newspaper published by “The Washington Post” has a detailed account about the event of Merkel and the after-effects.

Iran is one of the largest hosting immigrant country in the world with approximately 1.6 million refugees. It has supported Afghan immigrants for almost three decades https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/11/20/iran-afghan-refugees-and-migrants-face-abuse this article published by the “HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH” on November 20, 2013 stating how afghan immigrants are being forced to move out and are deporting immigrants back to Afghanistan even though the situation is dangerous than ever before. Iran treated these immigrants horrifically verbally and physically abusing them and forcing them to move out due to Iran already having a high population of 77.4 million in 2013 and 82 million in 2018.Iran could not have accompany its people so it needed to remove all the immigrants.

My view on this topic is that amount of immigrants should be maintained and controlled especially in countries where population is extremely high. Pakistan can barely provide for its own citizens so how can it accompany immigrants and take care of them by providing food, shelter, and jobs. If countries keep on allowing immigration at such a large scale then progress of many countries will stop. Countries such as Afghanistan which allows its people to migrate it will not have any people to help the country to progress. Countries who allow immigrants to settle in will have to provide for them and it will change their focus. In my opinion migration at such a large scale should be stopped.

Causes and consequences

There are many causes for immigration https://www.concernusa.org/story/5-causes-forced-migration/ This article published by “CONCERN worldwide U.S” on April 12 2018 explaining some of the key reasons for people migrating to different countries and abandons their home countries. One reason being droughts in their home countries. Farmers’ livelihood depends on rain but if it does not rain that how can they provide for their family, drought does not affect just farmers but everyone in the area. Without any rain people have to resort to drinking dirty or contaminated water which can lead to serious diseases which could ultimately lead to death of hundreds if not thousands. This contaminated water can harm especially elderly, children and pregnant woman. Second reason for migration can be flooding and hurricanes, after the hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti in 2016 in left 1.5 million people homeless and 1.9 billion dollars’ worth of damage http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/06/rising-seas-could-result-2-billion-refugees-2100 another explains how by the year 2100 almost 2 billion people would migrate to different countries due to climatic changes such as droughts and floods.

The most prominent reason for immigration is because of war and conflict. Many innocent people immigrate to other countries to seek shelter and protection from their neighboring countries. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jul/07/war-and-violence-drive-majority-of-people-fleeing-to-europe-by-sea-not-economics this article published by “The Guardian” points out that over 80% of an estimate of 1 million immigrants migrate to European countries due to war in 2015. Most of these immigrants were from countries where there is constant war such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria and a quarter of these immigrants were children or under the age of 18.These children had been tortured in their home countries and were forced to move out due to the constant war in their countries. People migrate due to spread of disease in their countries, these disease can be life threatening and are not contained so people out of fear or in hopes of finding a cure migrate. Immigration can affect a country horribly and can have a devastating long term affects for any underdeveloped country such as India, Pakistan and Iran. These countries don’t have enough financial stability to provide the basic necessities e.g. water, gas and food how can they provide for immigrants. Immigration increases the economic burden on a country, unemployment and not being able to provide jobs for the people living in the country is already difficult for the country so allowing more people to settle and providing those immigrants with jobs will be near impossible. Allowing more people to settle in a country means that u will have to use resources on them as well and when they breed population will increase, increase in population more resources being used and the country will be left dried due to the overconsumption of limited sources.

Immigration can have devastating effects in the long term, If a country cannot provide for the immigrants it would need to take some form of loan or aid from another more developed country and that country would have a monopoly over that particular country, and countries such as Pakistan which are already in loan depth cannot afford to ask for more loans or aid and it would slowly crumble it would have to increase tax and market values will increase which will at the end increase poverty. Immigration can cause racial tension between the natives and the immigrants. We have a handful have of examples of racism against immigrants, African American when they migrated from Africa to America, Muslims being called terrorists in European countries, and France being infamous for their hate towards for immigrants in France it’s either you are French or u don’t belong here. Many immigrants have been harassed due to them being from a different countries and a different view of culture has separated the natives from the immigrants. Immigrants will always face racism wherever they go to and they will revolt which will cause fighting between them. Immigration can over the span of decades can actually be threatening to the culture of a country since immigrants bring their own beliefs, views and culture and their offspring will continue their culture and in the future might affect the culture of the host country this type of cultural change takes decades to occur but it indeed possible to happen

Steps to stop immigration

Many steps can be taken to stop immigration globally the world would have to work together to help and stop people from moving out. Developed countries such as the ones in Europe can easily help the countries such as Iran, Syria and Afghanistan who have majority of its population migrating, these European countries can easily provide aid in the form of military assistance to stop these wars and remove the suppressers who mistreat many of the citizens. War is the main reason for people moving out of their home countries and if wars are stopped or at least controlled people would not have to move out. The European Union should make rules that make sure that the developed countries help the more poor and defenseless countries these countries together can easily stop the wars. Countries that have been affected by natural disasters such as droughts and floods can also be helped so their citizens don’t have to leave their home country. Foreign countries can help in growing countries so that more rainfall occurs and can plant mangrove trees on the sea coast because mangroves are a good counter measure against floods and high sea levels. Developed countries can help and spread awareness to plant more trees and help prevent these natural disasters. Developed countries can pool in money together to provide money for a country so the underdeveloped country can make industries and produce jobs and increase the standard of living so it’s people will not have to migrate. Aid in the form of educated teachers and engineers can be paid to build infrastructure e.g. good quality roads, schools and hospitals so people will have a better standard of leaving and won’t leave, teachers can also be paid to teach so that the future generation can improve conditions and help the country progress. Conclusion My conclusion is that looking at the information I have gathered allowing immigration to other countries it will affect the economy, people and politics so instead of allowing immigration developed countries should try to improve the countries from which people are migrating so they won’t have any problem in stating in their home countries, if immigration is decreased then all countries can strive otherwise they will be burdened and won’t be able to progress because the priorities of the government will change, there is almost to no benefit of the hosting country and will slowly crumble and not be able to sustain itself

Reference table

1. https://www.dawn.com/news/1221274
2. https://theconversation.com/in-trumps-america-immigrants-are-modern-day-savage-indians-99809
3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/07/03/what-you-need-to-know-about-germanys-immigration-crisis/?
4. https://www.concernusa.org/story/5-causes-forced-migration/
5. http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/06/rising-seas-could-result-2-billion-refugees-2100
6. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jul/07/war-and-violence-drive-majority-of-people-fleeing-to-europe-by-sea-not-economics
7. https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/11/20/iran-afghan-refugees-and-migrants-face-abuse