In America, immigration is one of the main problems which influence social and economic life of the country. Turning to those aspects of the immigration situation in this country, researchers find that they group themselves under the main heads: wages and standard of living, pauperism, crime, insanity, industrial efficiency and progress, amount and distribution of wealth, crises, social stratification, and politics. Thesis In America, immigration is often seen as a negative process which affects life of Americans and distribution if wealth, but David Cole is one of the researchers who rejects and opposes traditional views on the immigration and its negative impact on the country.
David Cole examines and explains the myths about immigration and its impact on economic and social life of the country underlining profound and positive influence of immigration on the society. The first myth is that “America is being overrun with immigrants” (Cole). Cole explains that America is a land of immigrants who came to America three centuries ago. The Anglo-Saxon element predominated overwhelmingly in the colonial population and determined the main features of American political, legal, and social development. Also, Cole cites figures and statistical data which show that: “much of the anti-immigrant fervor is directed against the undocumented, but they make up only 13 percent of all immigrants residing in the United States” (Cole). The second myth is that “immigrants take jobs from U.S. citizens” (Cole). The main problem is that there are no statistical results or critical reviews which support this fact. It is significant, however, that the bulk of immigration has been recruited from more and more backward races of Europe as the decades have succeeded each other. I agree with Cole because the immigrants simply force the native laborers up into higher positions is often urged in this connection. It is hard to see how any one can seriously hold this opinion. The present time most of the native workmen in industry are in the better paid positions, and that the lower grades are occupied by foreigners. The third myth is “immigrants are a drain on society’s resources” (Cole). If the American workman happens to be a foreigner, it is just as important for the welfare of the nation, and of humanity, that he be properly housed, fed, clothed, educated, and amused as if he were a native. Foreigners, as a part of labor market, are involved in production and creation of resources so they drain on society’s resources and create these resources for the society. I suppose that immigrants become equal to American workforce taking part in the distribution of economic and social resources. The forth myth is that “aliens refuse to assimilate” (Cole). It is not true because many immigrants study English language and accept American traditions, values and customs. In this case, it is possible to speak about such phenomenon as “melting pot” which means assimilation and development of homogeneous society. American language as such do not do anything: it is people who make claims or feel marginalized, and so on; and people will often disagree, sometimes quite fundamentally, about how their culture should be interpreted or understood. The fifth myth is that “non-citizen immigrants are not entitled to constitutional rights” (Cole). In reality, non-citizens are entitled constitutional rights except the right to vote and the right to hold a government position. These exceptions do not limit their freedom and liberty but help the country to protect its interests and social security.
I agree with Cole that these are myths created by anti-immigration interest groups who oppose immigration (Barnet and Bedau 2001). In reality, the most recent immigrant groups have tended to hold the most arduous and lowest paid jobs, as the earlier comers advanced to more agreeable and profitable occupations. Not only have immigrants contributed to general economic growth and wealth but they have also brought to this country organizing ability, enterprise, scientific knowledge, and inventiveness, which speeded the tempo of development and added immeasurably to the diversity of American life. The new industries and industrial processes introduced by immigrants have, for instance, played an important part in our whole economic advance. The tremendous contributions made by immigrants to national development are undeniable. Since immigrants have from the earliest days been completely absorbed into American life, in one sense it is almost impossible to conceive what American economic institutions might have been without the contribution of the immigrant.
References
Barnet, S., Bedau, H. Current Issues and Enduring Questions. (2001). Bedford/St. Martin’s; 6th edition.
Cole, D. (1994). Five Myths about Immigration. The Nation. Retrieved 30 June 2007, from http://www.seattlecentral.org/faculty/dloos/ESLAwareness/FiveMythsAboutImmigration.htm
