Rejaret C 1999 Troubled By Newcomers Anti-Immigrant Attitude

Readjaret C 1999troubled By Newcomers Anti Immigrant Attitudes

Read: Jaret , C. (1999). Troubled by newcomers: Anti-immigrant attitudes and action during two eras of mass immigration to the United States . Journal of American Ethnic History, 18 (3), 9-40 ANSWER ONE: 1. How would you characterize the different "waves" of immigrants that arrived to the United States during the past century? Who were they? What continent or regions did they represent? What were the complaints against them? 2. What is Nativism? How has it changed or has it? 3. What is the current public opinion on immigration? Does it differ from the past? How or Why not? 4. What are some of the arguments against immigration and against particular groups of immigrants? Develop one of those arguments and formulate your own response to those claims.

Paper For Above instruction

The history of immigration to the United States over the past century reveals distinct waves characterized by the origins of immigrants and the societal reactions they provoked. These waves reflect shifting demographics, economic needs, and evolving perceptions of nationality and cultural integration. Additionally, understanding attitudes such as nativism and current public opinions offers insight into how immigration debates continue to shape American society. This paper explores these themes by examining the waves of immigration, the concept of nativism, current public sentiment, and arguments surrounding immigrant groups.

The first notable wave of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries primarily involved Europeans. Irish, German, Italian, Polish, and Eastern European Jews arrived in large numbers seeking economic opportunities and fleeing political unrest or persecution in their native countries. These immigrants often settled in urban centers, contributing significantly to industry and infrastructure development. However, they faced substantial resistance from native-born Americans who accused them of taking jobs, lowering wages, and diluting American cultural values. The complaints centered around concerns over economic competition, cultural differences, and the perceived threat to societal cohesion.

The second major wave occurred after World War II, with increased immigration from Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 marked a shift, dismantling earlier quotas favoring Europeans and opening pathways for immigrants from Asia, Central and South America, and other regions. These groups included Vietnamese refugees, Cuban exiles, and Mexican laborers, among others. Like earlier immigrants, they encountered resistance, sometimes rooted in racial prejudice and economic fears, but also shaped by the broader socio-political context of Cold War tensions, economic need, and changing attitudes toward diversity.

Nativism, a term regarding the protection of native-born citizens’ interests against immigrants, has played a central role in American attitudes toward immigration. Historically associated with xenophobia and racial prejudice, nativism manifested through legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) and the Immigration Act of 1924, which favored Northern Europeans over other groups. Over time, nativism has evolved but persisted in different forms, often shifting from explicit racial biases to concerns about cultural integration, economic competition, and national identity. Contemporary nativist sentiments tend to focus on fears of losing cultural dominance or economic stability rather than explicitly racial fears, although racialized discourses still influence anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Public opinion on immigration today is deeply divided and frequently influenced by economic conditions, political ideology, and media portrayals. Polls indicate that while a substantial portion of Americans support legal immigration, there is also considerable concern about unauthorized immigration and its impacts on resources and job opportunities. Compared to the past, current attitudes are more polarized, with some viewing immigrants as essential to economic growth and cultural diversity, and others perceiving them as threats to social cohesion and national security. Factors such as economic downturns, political rhetoric, and media coverage contribute to fluctuating attitudes, emphasizing fears of cultural dilution, security, and economic strain.

Arguments against immigration often revolve around economic, cultural, and security concerns. Opponents claim that immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented, take jobs away from native-born citizens, drive down wages, and burden public services. They argue that large inflows of immigrants threaten national identity and social cohesion, potentially fostering crime and terrorism. For example, some critics contend that uncontrolled immigration leads to increased unemployment among native workers and strains infrastructure and healthcare systems.

In response to these claims, it is essential to recognize the positive contributions of immigrants to the economy and society. Immigrants often fill labor shortages, create new businesses, and diversify cultural landscapes, fostering innovation and economic growth. Studies have shown that immigrants tend to contribute more in taxes than they receive in public benefits over time (Kerr & Lincoln, 2010). While societal concerns about security and integration are valid, evidence suggests that immigrant communities are generally law-abiding and that the benefits of diverse immigration far outweigh the purported negatives. Policies encouraging immigrant integration and addressing economic fears through comprehensive reforms can mitigate tensions and promote social cohesion.

In conclusion, understanding the historical waves of immigration, the persistence of nativist attitudes, and current public opinions provides a nuanced perspective on immigration debates. While opposition to immigration has historically been rooted in economic, racial, and cultural anxieties, the societal contributions of immigrants are significant. Recognizing these contributions and adopting inclusive policies can help foster a more equitable and prosperous society, counteracting fears with facts and empathy.

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