Activists express their support for immigrants and refugees. (Nitish Meena)
The United States is a country created and built by immigrants from all over the world. Throughout our history, immigrants seeking a better life have flocked to our shores — reinvigorating our labor force, enriching our cultural fabric, and making our democracy stronger.
Yet even though nearly all Americans are descendants of immigrants, we have often had a tempestuous relationship with newcomers. Whether because of nationalist sentiment, xenophobia, or simply fear of change, our country has at times enacted policies that have run contrary to American ideals. The Chinese Exclusion Act, the 1924 Immigration Act, or quota-based laws restricting immigration from certain parts of the world, are just a few examples of reactionary policies that gained wide support in the past.
Today we are living through a resurgence of these sentiments. At a time of rapid change driven by technology, globalization, and demographics, there are many Americans who are directing their fears toward immigrants, believing that they are changing the culture and values of the United States. We have seen how these fears translate into harmful policies: our politicians are promising to wall off our borders and threatening to deport undocumented immigrants who had been granted protection because they arrived in the United States as children.
At a time of rapid change driven by technology, globalization, and demographics, there are many Americans who are directing their fears toward immigrants, believing that they are changing the culture and values of the United States.
While each successive wave of immigration adds to the unique blend of cultures that define the United States of America, it is wrong to believe that immigrants pose any threat to American values. The truth is that today’s immigrants, just like our forefathers, arrive here seeking the ability to freely worship, to express themselves without fear of government retribution, and to chart their own economic destiny.
These immigrants, for whom the reality of oppression or lack of freedom is a not so distant memory, come not to undermine our values, but to embrace them.What better reaffirmation exists for the strength of our values than the validation we receive daily from people seeking to immigrate here?
Today’s immigrants, just like our forefathers, arrive here seeking the ability to freely worship, to express themselves without fear of government retribution, and to chart their own economic destiny.
It is true that America does not look like what it did in the past. Between 2000-2015, Latinos accounted for more than half of the country’s total population growth. During that same period, the country’s Asian population grew by 72 percent.
Yet America’s culture has always been a shifting kaleidoscope. What has remained constant is our values – a common belief in liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. This is how, out of many, we become one.
Our diversity also contributes to our economic vitality. Over half of the startups worth over $1 billion were founded by foreigners.These companies create jobs, promote innovation, and contribute to our country’s economic productivity.
Instead of weakening our values and democracy as some may claim, immigrants enrich and revitalize our institutions and beliefs. While people may arrive as Mexicans, Russians, Ethiopians, or Chinese, over time they and their families become Americans.
Instead of weakening our values and democracy as some may claim, immigrants enrich and revitalize our institutions and beliefs. While people may arrive as Mexicans, Russians, Ethiopians, or Chinese, over time they and their families become Americans.
This does not mean they forget where they came from; rather, it is because of their past that they so passionately embrace American values. It is why after centuries of continued immigration, the United States is stronger than ever.
Immigrants to the United States landing at Ellis Island, New York, circa 1900. (Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)
In today’s divisive political environment, we must learn from the mistakes of our past and not let fear dictate our policies. The only way that our system, based on the foundations of freedom, democracy, and justice, will prevail is if we continue to enrich it by welcoming new stakeholders in the American dream.
Now more than ever, we have an opportunity to uphold the values of our forefathers. Almost 250 years after our founding, the United States remains the world’s beacon of hope. Let’s not extinguish liberty’s torch.
As someone deeply engaged in the discourse surrounding immigration and its impact on American society, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise on the subject. My understanding extends beyond the historical narratives to the contemporary challenges faced by immigrants in the United States. This includes the sociopolitical landscape, policy implications, and the broader implications on culture, values, and democracy.
Evidence of my expertise lies in my comprehensive awareness of historical milestones such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, the 1924 Immigration Act, and quota-based immigration laws. These historical events, rooted in nationalist sentiments, xenophobia, and fear of change, are crucial to understanding the complexities of America's relationship with immigrants.
Analyzing the provided article, it articulates a nuanced perspective on immigration, emphasizing its historical significance and the current resurgence of sentiments that fuel anti-immigrant policies. The author notes the historical challenges faced by immigrants, drawing parallels with contemporary issues such as the threat of border walls and deportation of protected undocumented immigrants, particularly those who arrived as children.
The article further dispels the notion that immigrants pose a threat to American values. It highlights the common aspirations shared by today's immigrants with those of the past — the pursuit of religious freedom, the ability to express oneself without fear of reprisal, and the opportunity to shape one's economic destiny. This argument is rooted in a deep understanding of the motivations that drive individuals to seek a new life in the United States.
Crucially, the article addresses the changing demographics of America, acknowledging the significant contributions of Latino and Asian populations to the country's growth. It emphasizes that, despite these demographic shifts, the core American values of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness remain steadfast.
Moreover, the article explores the economic impact of immigration, citing statistics that over half of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. This economic perspective adds depth to the argument, illustrating how immigrants contribute to job creation, innovation, and overall economic productivity.
The conclusion of the article calls for a reflection on past mistakes, urging a rejection of fear-driven policies. Instead, it advocates for the enrichment of American values by embracing new stakeholders in the American dream. The article positions the United States as a beacon of hope, stressing the importance of preserving liberty in the face of divisive political environments.
In summary, the article effectively weaves historical context, contemporary challenges, and a forward-looking perspective on immigration, showcasing a profound understanding of the subject matter.
