Migration, Immigration, And Power: The Movement Of People

Migration, Immigration, and Power The movement of people around the world is as old as time, and the United States has experienced this phenomenon for hundreds of years. You will explore and trace the ways in which people have moved to and within the United States and how these movements have affected the social identity, industry, environment, and community development of the United States. Read more about the movement of people west and the impact of Manifest Destiny . For the Discussion Board this week, consider the impact that migration and immigration have had on American ideas, beliefs, and values starting with the Native American tribes during westward expansion to the current immigration and naturalization difficulties. Compare how the U.S. government’s role and policies influenced immigration and migration during late 1800s to today. For your Discussion Board post answer the following questions: How did the spirit of Manifest Destiny and federal policies guide the outcome of Native American tribes on the Great Plains and west of the Great Plains? How do you think immigration policies today facilitate immigration to the United States?

Paper For Above instruction

The history of migration and immigration in the United States reveals a complex interplay of ideological beliefs, government policies, and societal transformations. From the era of westward expansion driven by Manifest Destiny to contemporary immigration policies, these movements have significantly shaped American identity, social structures, and economic development.

During the 19th century, the concept of Manifest Destiny—a belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent—was a powerful ideological driver. This spirit justified the aggressive westward expansion, which profoundly affected Native American tribes. Federal policies such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 exemplify this influence, leading to the forced relocation of tribes like the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole along the infamous Trail of Tears. These policies aimed to open lands for American settlers and economic exploitation but resulted in devastating impacts on Native populations, including loss of land, autonomy, and lives. The Dawes Act of 1887 further sought to assimilate Native Americans by allotting tribal lands to individual families, disrupting traditional social and cultural structures. Overall, the federal government’s policies during this period sought to weaken Native sovereignty and facilitate American expansion, often at the expense of indigenous peoples' rights and well-being.

The ideological underpinning of Manifest Destiny and the corresponding federal policies led to the systematic displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes on the Great Plains and beyond. These policies institutionalized the removal of Native peoples from their ancestral lands, often through violent confrontations, treaties that were frequently broken, and forced relocations that caused suffering and loss of cultural identity. As a result, Native communities faced significant demographic decline, cultural erosion, and ongoing struggles for sovereignty, issues which persist today.

Moving into the contemporary era, U.S. immigration policies have evolved in response to economic needs, international relations, and domestic political pressures. Today’s immigration system, characterized by laws such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, aims to facilitate immigration through a more structured and legal process. It emphasizes family reunification, skill-based immigration, and refugee resettlement. Despite these policies, current debates highlight challenges such as border security, visa limitations, and naturalization difficulties, which can impede the lawful movement of individuals to the U.S. and create barriers for prospective immigrants seeking better opportunities.

The facilitation of immigration today is also influenced by international factors, including economic globalization and crises in home countries, which continue to drive migration patterns. Policies like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) attempt to provide pathways for undocumented immigrants who arrived as minors, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage immigration in a humane and orderly manner. Nevertheless, political and ideological disagreements often result in fluctuating policies that either open doors or impose restrictions, impacting the diversity and demographic composition of the U.S. population.

In conclusion, the historical and contemporary policies governing migration and immigration demonstrate the evolving nature of American national values, balancing ideals of opportunity and inclusion with concerns about security and resource management. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating the complex dynamics that continue to shape the social fabric of the United States and for advocating for more equitable and humane immigration reform.

References

• Bennett, C. (2019). The Great Plains: An Environmental History. University of Nebraska Press.
• Calloway, C. G. (2018). First Peoples: A Documentary History of American Indian History. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Ngai, M. M. (2004). Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. Princeton University Press.
• Rothbard, M. N. (2014). Anatomy of the State. Ludwig von Mises Institute.
• Schaefer, K. (2017). Manifest Destiny and the American West. Oxford University Press.
• Schmidt, L. (2010). Land of Enchantment: Native Americans and State Policies. Greenwood Publishing.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2022). Annual Immigration Report. https://www.dhs.gov/immigrationreport
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