Immigration

As noted in a previous essay, America is a nation of immigrants. Everyone has come from a foreign country to the United States. The incentive to emigrate will vary from time to time and often driven by unsatisfactory conditions in the native country. For example: the potato famine in Ireland in the 1870’s and the failure of a upheaval attempt in the government in Germany in1848 caused a number of Germans involved to come to the United States. The pogroms in Russia caused many Jews to leave their homes in Russia and Poland.

However, the overriding reason has been the opportunity for economic advancement, freedom and a dream for a new and bright future. In my case, my ancestors stated they left Germany because they were tired of their “boys” having to fight in senseless wars. Also, I believe the stories relayed from friends living in the US regarding landownership, education for children and economic opportunity had a convincing effect.

Occasionally, men were brought into the country to perform necessary but difficult tasks. During the building of the transcontinental railroad in 1960’s workers were required to cut through mountains in dangerous terrain in California so Chinese men were imported to accomplish this task. When completed, they choose to remain so today California has a sizable group of Chinese. Proceeding from the east the route was fraught with physical and severe weather hazards, so workers from Ireland were enlisted to conquer these obstacles. Again, these imported workers choose to stay and a number of our Eastern cities have large Irish populations.

Immigration Figures

Immigration has been and is a source of talented, aggressive, and educated individuals who want to use their ability in a positive area and thus achieve recognition and advance economically. America has always been open to hard working people with new ideas and are willing to compete. Many of the new inventions, life changing ideas have come from men and women who brought their talents to the United States.

Our fine university educational system has also been a source of talented immigrants. Many foreigners enter US universities to receive a super, often technological education. They become researchers and elect to remain in this country. I am sure the parent countries are disappointed with this action, but the US is the benefactor.

Political unset can also lead to immigrants. The Jewish persecution in Nazi Germany led to an immigration of many scientists.

Although we are all immigrants, sometimes the established immigrants resent and look down on more recent arrivals. Instead of assisting new comers, they place roadblocks in their way. They may discriminate in where they can live, jobs, and community affairs. The attitude of I worked for my position with no help, now I am not going to make it easy for you.

This is especially prevalent in today’s political atmosphere regarding the Mexican illegal’s. For years Mexicans came into the US by simply crossing the border with Mexico. Employers were looking for low wage workers and although the wages were low by US standards, they were high compared to Mexico. Thus, the employers encouraged the flow of workers and the government lent tacit support to the idea. During the Reagan administration these illegals were given the opportunity to become US citizens after passing citizenship tests. The last few years the flow has increased and suddenly people objected to this process and demanded a stop to illegal entry into the United States. The long, 800 mile, border has been strengthened and when discovered, illegals are returned to Mexico. Attempts by some politicians to solve the problem by legislation has been met by angry opposition.

People enter the United States from many countries and generally are welcomed because these immigrants bring an enthusiasm, freshness and a desire to advance economically. The US admits several million immigrants legally each year. Several millions in addition are admitted on student visas and more are given work permits authorize the entry for a short period of six months or even several years. Some try to overstay their permit and hope to become permanent, if illegal, residents. Most are eventually caught and returned to their native country.