The creation of a national border sends and international message: Keep out.
Undocumented immigrants have increased more than 40 percent since 2000. Every year, more than a half-million people come illegally or illegally overstay their visas.
The United States has been called the "Melting Pot" for a reason, it's a Nation that was built by immigrants and that can't stand without them. Being the most sought out country in the world; it's the land of the "American Dream."
Being an immigrant myself, this is an issue that touches me deeply. I know why some people leave family, friends and a culture behind to come to this country. Some people do it illegally, others are lucky enough to do it legally, but in the end we're all immigrants.
Prejudices, generalizations and ignorance help contribute to a negative image for immigrants that keeps gaining popularity. An accent and a skin tone are enough to be judged. So why live in a country where you're unaccepted by many? And more importantly, how can we this be changed.
The upcoming elections can signify a major change for many millions of illegal immigrants in the United States. They will be in the hands of either Obama or McCain for the next five years. Who can help them the most? That's what we're going to figure out.
6 comments:
I agree, immigrants are a big part of our country. My boyfriend came here from Puerto Rico three years ago and has largely immersed himself into the Spanish community present here in the U.S simply because it is hard for him to face the discrimination against him for having an accent and different cultural background. To me it seems hard for immigrants/foreigners to adapt because they immediately seek people, places, and things they are familiar with (their communities within the US).
I believe immigration has become a very important issue in the United States. The ability to come to our country is a dream for many. So often, we hear about the American Dream and see immigrants struggle to get here in order to pursue "their" American Dream.
I know that the situation with illegal immigrants has caused a lot of uproar, but I haven't heard a lot about immigration during the presidential debates. It will be interesting to see the stance that each candidate takes regarding the issue
I am very excited about reading your blog. I have worked with immigrant youth and have heard horror stories about the police who try to track down illegal immigrants (can't remember what they are called) - deportations without notifying families, children born in the US being sent to foster parents with no knowledge of their parents whereabouts, etc. This situation of looking at immigrants (especially illegal immigrants) as less than people must change.
Being a foreigner myself, I'm interested in your topic. In China, I read a lot about illegal immigrants to US or to other developed countries. They really sacrificed a lot, both financially and physically. Some immigrants hold an illegal passport and stay in China Town for their whole life. Some work in a clothing factory and receive the minimum wage. Apparently, this is not the life they are seeking. In such situation, I wonder if it still worth sacrificing so much to immigrate to US.
yes i completely agree with you towards America being a land with opportunities, where one can come from rags to riches through hard work.
While some American citizens are welcoming, there are those who are threatened by our presence because they see immigrants as competition towards their jobs and turn to the minority when issues arise, e.g. Bill O'reilly blaming illegal immigrants for the crimes that take place in the US.
With Obama's father had been an immigrant, it will be interesting to see how Obama will handle the issue should He be our next president.
Immigration is a major issue that completely died when the primaries were over. I feel it signifies that Obama and Mccain realize immigrants are essential not only to our economy but as well as our growth as a country. I am of Dominican heritage and all of my family is from the Dominican Republic so this is an issue that is always on my mind. It really is sad when immigrants are give the short end of the stick because i feel most of the time, the negative comments are just a hidden form of racism. I agree with Shelbey who points out it's hard for immigrants to adapt because they tend to seek out places they are familiar and comfortable with and i'm glad I attend a college where i can break from such a mold and bask in its melting pot of different cultures.
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