This is not a regular blog post. I am posting this in response to a stance I take regarding illegal immigration, particularly in California. I am PRO giving amnesty to illegal immigrant children who are "stuck" in the US without a country. I do not think it is fair to punish innocents for something their parents did (or failed to do in regard to filing paperwork, or refiling paperwork). I am opposed to MY tax dollars being spent on things that I neither condone nor approve! However, I do believe that immigration is a clouded issue that has been propagated as something it is not. The following is a research paper I did for a college class in May 2011. Comments are encouraged as well as rebuttals or arguments. (If you cannot comment here you can always leave a comment HERE.)
Illegal
Immigration: Melting Pot or Salad Bowl?
Historically speaking, the United
States is based on immigration. Since Columbus’ reports to European countries
about the beautiful new land, it has become a place of paradise and refuge, a
mythical realm of freedom with streets paved of gold. In the beginning English
Pilgrims fled religious persecution. Later it was the Irish and other Europeans
fleeing poverty and class distinctions for a better, richer life. During and
after World War II it was the persecuted Jewish seeking safety and refuge from
sure destruction. The gift of the Statue of Liberty from the French echoed the
American affirmation, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your
huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming
shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.” (Lazarus) Each influx of new habitants caused
its own discord and opposition. The United States of America became known as
“The Melting Pot.”
It is thought that immigration laws enacted
since the late 1800s has affected the way we view immigration and how
immigrants view themselves. It is common for immigrants to “seek out ethnic
identity” (Shukla) thus retaining their cultural identity and isolating
themselves from the rule. This tendency toward ethnic and cultural isolation is
sometimes referred to as the “Salad Bowl.” (Arnold)
In 1845 an article describing the
definition of becoming an American and how the country was affected by proliferate
immigration appeared. This literal
definition of “Melting Pot” describes the country’s feelings about immigrants
at that time.
People say that the American character
is unformed; and it is a fashion with some to say that there is no American
character as yet. I do not think so; the national type seems to me quite as
definite as most others. Like any other, the American character is of course
undergoing constant change and development, for growth has no fixed limits in
its processes, and we speak roughly when we speak of its stages. But our
character seems to me to have gained its features. No nation of equal size was
ever developed so rapidly. The fusing process goes on as in a blast-furnace;
one generation, a single year even, transforms the English, the German, the
Irish emigrant into an American. Uniform institutions, ideas, language, the
influence of the majority bring us soon to a similar complexion; the
individuality of the immigrant, almost even his traits of race and religion
fuse down in the democratic alembic like chips of brass thrown into the melting
pot. The resulting character seems to me a definite alloy; and its homogeneity
is a guaranty that the nation is to remain one… (Coan)
Up to
1882, when the first immigration law was passed that imposed a fifty cent tax
on all immigrants for registration and regulation fees, all people were
admitted with almost no questions asked. From 1882 until 1892 immigration was
handled via Castle Garden in Manhattan, NY. From 1882 until 1924 immigrants
passed through Ellis Island for inspection and could be detained until
admittance was accepted or denied. Those denied were then deported. Another law
was passed in 1924 that further complicated the immigration process. In 1952
the Immigration and Nationality Act, or INA, was passed. This act “collected and codified many existing provisions and
reorganized the structure of immigration law. The Act has been amended many
times over the years, but is still the basic body of immigration law. The INA is
divided into titles, chapters, and sections.” (USCIS) Ellis Island was closed
permanently as an immigration processing center in 1954 and was declared part
of the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1965.
Since
1952 immigration laws have undergone several additions and changes. There are a
number of ways for a foreigner to become an American or United States citizen today.
Naturalization is a process that includes acquiring a Green Card, taking
classes in U.S. History and Government and taking a test. There are multiple
documents and fees. (USCIS) Most legal immigrants at this time are from
middle-class origins in their home country.
Mexican authorities began abandoning
their forts and missions in 1835. After the Mexican-American war ended in 1848,
California became a U.S. territory until 1850 when it became a state. After the
Gold Rush the number of white settlers boomed to over 300,000. With the
expansion of the railroad to Los Angeles in 1876 travel to southern California
became easier across the continent.
Los Angeles County was formed in 1850
when California became a state. The Hispanic population has always had a
presence in Los Angeles’ history. Southern California’s population grew as a
result of the growth of Hollywood in the 1920’s to the discovery of oil in 1892
and booming production that produced a quarter of the world’s oil by 1923. “The need for Mexican labor
was so great in the United States that in 1918 the commissioner-general of
immigration exempted Mexicans from meeting most immigration conditions, such as
head taxes (small amounts paid to come into the country) and literacy
requirements.” (Becker, 75) However by 1924, concerns about illegal entry led
to the formation of the U. S. Border Patrol. Also, “as the Great Depression led
many Americans to blame the nation's unemployment on the illegal aliens.
Consequently, thousands of Mexicans—both legal immigrants and illegal
aliens—were repatriated (sent back to Mexico). (Becker, 75)
During World War II because so many young men were drafted into
the war the need arose again for extra workers, especially agricultural farm
workers and the Bracero Program was instituted. “In 1964 the United States
ended the twenty-two-year-old Bracero Program, an agreement with Mexico that
allowed migrant workers to enter the United States to supply seasonal
agricultural labor. However, ending the program did not stop migrants from
crossing the border for work they had come to rely on. Those who could get
visas often overstayed their time limits. Others simply crossed the border
illegally and found jobs. A population of illegal immigrants began to develop.”
(Becker, 10)
In 1954 the U.S. government
established a hard-lined approach to protecting the borders. Calling it
“Operation Wetback,” the U.S. Attorney General, Herbert Brownell announced “an
intensive and innovative law enforcement campaign.” (Hernandez, 1) During that
time more than a million illegal immigrants were deported back to Mexico along
the southern states. This harsh approach to border protection is still embraced
by some groups today. For whatever reason, Mexican immigration is considered
harmful to the U.S. economy.
More than 50% of
illegal immigrants are Hispanic. (Heer) Trying to establish the true numbers of
illegal immigrants is difficult as many avoid census taking and other
accounting practices Heer and Passel describe two ways to estimate the number
of illegal immigrants using census data and birth records. These methods are
moderately reliable although the article was written in 1987.
The
first method, called the survey-based method, uses a combination of …census
data and the results of a survey conducted in Los Angeles County. A sample was
selected from babies born in Los Angeles Country who had a mother or father of
Mexican origin. The survey included questions about the legal status of the
baby’s parents and certain other relatives. ...The second method, called the
residual method, is the method used… to estimate the number of undocumented
aliens counted in the …census for the United States and each state, respectively.
The method involves comparison of senses figures for aliens counted with estimate
of legally-resident aliens developed principally with data from the immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS). (Heer, 1)
Knowing the number
or even an estimated number of illegal immigrants in the Los Angeles area is
important in examining different kinds of solutions and revealing potential
problems. Having at least an estimated of undocumented residents gives a
starting place for estimating costs for emergency other services provided to
all residents of Los Angeles County.
It is thought that illegal immigrants take
sublevel jobs that are taking away jobs from average white men or women. The
truth is that companies that pay less for workers have more to invest in other
areas, which sometimes creates new jobs at higher wages for legal workers. They
are also able to buy better or newer equipment so the work becomes more
effective and thus creates more product and more profit. The result is more
money to reinvest in the company for more legal employment. (Porter)
Subsequently, if low cost employment cannot be found locally, businesses may be
persuaded to take their business outside the U.S., such as Korea or Taiwan,
thus losing even more jobs for qualified legal workers. (Portes)
There is an assumption that many
illegal citizens are tapping into the welfare programs in order to live “free.”
It is true “between the 1960s and 1990s it became apparent that the number of
immigrants receiving public assistance was rising rapidly.” (Borjas) After the
welfare reform act of 1996 it became more difficult for illegal immigrants to
qualify for programs. Studies show that “the rate of welfare participation
among immigrant households declined sharply.” (Borjas) Welfare reform
notwithstanding the “the total cost of illegal immigration to Los Angeles
County taxpayers alone exceeded $1 billion in 2008. Approximately $200 million
is spent on public safety, $400 million for healthcare and $450 million to
welfare and food stamps.” (NumbersUSA)
The numbers are extremely difficult to
track, however as other reports show “estimates that illegal immigrants
contribute between $379 million and $453 million a year in income, sales,
property and other taxes.” (Chambley) This report concedes that it is difficult
to calculate the actual amount illegal immigrants pay in taxes. Unfortunately
this is still a very controversial and untraceable piece of the immigration
question.
A 2004 study
reveals that illegal immigrants “costs to Californians is $10.5 billion per
year.” (Longley) In addition, Education funding is plummeting and many school
districts, particularly Los Angeles Unified School District, do not have funds
to provide free and fair education to all residents. Part of the problem is the
specialization needed to help Hispanic students understand what is being taught
either through bilingual education or translators. Illegal children attending
school constitute 15% of the student body and cost Californians $7.7 billion.
(Longley) This cost is excessive and causes a domino effect in all other areas
of educational spending.
County hospitals are full of Hispanics
that are illegally using state and federal funding for free healthcare. A study
conducted by the USMBCC (United States/Mexico Border
Counties Coalition) determined that “undocumented immigrants account for nearly
25% of uncompensated (hospital) costs incurred.” (Becker,77) This cost is
estimated at $1.4 billion annually in healthcare costs to illegal immigrants
and their families.(Longley)
The estimated cost for incarcerating
illegal immigrant criminals exceeds $1.4 billion. (Longley) “In the population
study of a sample of 55,322 illegal aliens, researchers found that they were
arrested at least a total of 459,614 times, averaging about 8 arrests per
illegal alien. Nearly all had more than 1 arrest. Thirty-eight percent (about
21,000) had between 2 and 5 arrests, 32 percent (about 18,000) had between 6
and 10 arrests, and 26 percent (about 15,000) had 11 or more arrests. Most of
the arrests occurred after 1990.” (Kouri)
“Most
Californians, who have seen their taxes increase while public services
deteriorate, already know the impact that mass illegal immigration is having on
their communities.” (Longley) The money budgeted for
County run public services including police, sheriff,
communications, disability services, housing, welfare, etc. is being drained by
the costs of illegal immigration. This budget crisis is causing Los Angeles
County to lay-off or furlough workers to meet their financial obligations.
Part of the problem we are having today was
caused by immigration policies in the past, particularly those with Mexico. The
on-again/off-again permission to pass back and forth across the border without
repercussions created a sense of entitlement for workers and businesses
dependent on those workers. In order to address the issue of illegal
immigration through reform or enforcement of current statutes, three areas
would have to be established. “First, they must accept that illegal immigration
is indeed a ‘problem.’ Second, they must accept the government’s intentions of
solving this problem in behalf of the best interests of the majority. Third,
they must assume that government agencies are indeed capable of carrying out
the proposed recommendations, even against resistance.” (Portes)
It is also important to note that the current
immigration issues are different from historical immigration practices because
“illegal movements from political or religious migrations or from ‘colonizing’
initiatives.” (Portes) Some kind of control is necessary in order to restrain
the chaos that is already happening. Immigration regulations over the years
have attempted a number of solutions to this continuing dilemma.
If the United States and Mexico borders were
free to cross at any time, and citizenship offered to all those that already
live in the state and surrounding states, taxes could be collected to make up
the difference in insufficient funding for services offered and given. Also, if
the United States is a single-language (English) speaking country than those
that arrive need to have all services offered in the one language. If it is
decided to adopt a second language then all citizens would need to be schooled
in both languages. Other countries have successfully integrated multiple
languages, such as Switzerland and Canada.
Unfortunately, companies would not benefit from the
low wages they now get away with paying to illegal workers. They need to either
enforce financial penalties to companies for hiring the illegal workers, as was
done in Arizona recently, or allow financial perks for only hiring legal
workers. This should encourage companies to benefit and have the monies
available for reinvestment and job creation. As long as companies are continued
to be allowed to hire illegal immigrants with no repercussions, they will
continue to do so.
With more taxpaying citizens other economical
issues would be eased. The costs for education would be funded as well as the
healthcare industry. Welfare services need to be completely overhauled anyway,
but making jobs available to legal citizens only would encourage people to work
instead of taking the dole.
Known for many years as “The melting pot,” the United
States is really more of a “Salad Bowl.” A melting pot implies blending and
integrating of cultures. While this may be happening to some degree more
assimilation may be necessary to breach the cultural and language gaps that
exist.
It may not be the burden of the United States to
free all peoples in all oppressed nations, but those who make a concerted
effort should be rewarded. Giving incentives to those who desire true
citizenship will only help to create a more unified state and country. We may
not ever agree on religion, politics or cultural peculiarities, but those are the
very foundation of this country. Our differences should be celebrated and our
similarities rejoiced. Giving in to ignorance and stereotyping only creates
more strife and struggle in any community whether it is the size of a small
town or a nation.
May the words of Miss Liberty once again ring true.
May we be the refuge for the poor, oppressed and the homeless. If we cannot be
a true “Melting Pot” of diverse cultures and ethnicities we can be the “Salad
Bowl” of variation.
Works Cited
Arnold, Faye W. Developing and Teaching a Cultural Pluralism
Course in One of America's "Uneasy Salad Bowls": "Immigration
and Ethnicity in Los Angeles" Teaching Sociology Vol. 23, No. 2, Teaching about Inequality and Diversity: Age,
Class, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity (Apr., 1995), pp. 94-110. American
Sociological Association. .
Bach, Robert
L. “Mexican Immigration and the
American State.” International
Migration Review. Vol. 12, No. 4, Special Issue: Illegal
Mexican Immigrants to the United States (Winter, 1978), 536-558.
Borjas, George J. Welfare “Reform and Immigrant Participation in Welfare Programs.” International Migration Review. Vol. 36, No. 4, Host
Societies and the Reception of Immigrants: Institutions, Markets and Policies
(Winter, 2002), pp. 1093-1123 The
Center for Migration Studies of New York, Inc.
Chomsky, Aviva. "They take our
jobs!": and 20 other myths about immigration. Boston: Beacon, 2007. Ebook. May 22, 2011.
<http://nu.aquabrowser.com/?q=aviva%20chomsky>
Coan,
Titus Munson. “A New Country.” The Galaxy Volume 0019 Issue 4 (April
1875), 468. May 21, 2011. <Making of America.>
Hanson, Gordon H. “Illegal
Migration from Mexico to the United States.” Journal of Economic Literature Vol.
44, No. 4 (Dec., 2006), pp. 869-924. American
Economic Association. May 27, 2011.
Heer, David M. and Jeffrey S. Passel. “Comparison of Two Methods for Estimating the Number of Undocumented
Mexican Adults in Los Angeles County.” International Migration Review Vol. 21, No. 4, Special
Issue: Measuring International Migration: Theory and Practice (Winter, 1987),
pp. 1446-1473.
Hernández, Kelly Lytle. “The Crimes and Consequences of Illegal
Immigration: A Cross-Border Examination of Operation Wetback, 1943 to 1954.” The Western Historical Quarterly.
Vol. 37, No. 4 (Winter, 2006), pp. 421-444.
Porter, Eduardo. “Cost of Illegal Immigration May Be Less
Than Meets the Eye.” The New York Times.
. April 16, 2006.
Portes, Alejandro.
“Introduction: Toward a Structural Analysis of Illegal (Undocumented)
Immigration.” International Migration Review. Vol. 12, No. 4, Winter, 1978, pp. 469-484. The
Center for Migration Studies of New York, Inc. <
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2545446>
