Immigration to the U.S.

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the United States remains one of the only nations to openly welcome immigrants as a national policy; Canada is another. The writer looks at the beginnings of immigration to the U.S. and notes that immigrants to the United States arrive for personal, financial, or political reasons. The writer points out that for centuries the United States has relied on immigrant labor to fuel industry and add nuance to the nation's cultural fabric. The writer maintains that the United States is no longer viewed as a melting pot because of the increased pride among immigrants in their native cultures and languages. Balancing assimilation with preservation of culture is still the most difficult task for immigrants, many of whom hope for a more stable life in the new world while still retaining the values and lifestyles of their ancestors. The writer concludes that refugees continue to hold a unique social, economic and political status in the United States.

From the Paper:

"The United States is a country populated primarily by immigrants; in fact, the nation was founded by European settlers fleeing the Continent for various reasons including perceived persecution and financial opportunity. Although the vast majority of immigrants to America arrived in search of economic opportunity or personal freedom, a large number came strictly as refugees. Immigrants arriving on American shores due to war or extreme poverty in their homelands comprise a far different demographic base than those who left their homelands voluntarily. Refugees are thus granted separate status in United States immigration policy. Regardless of the conditions of their countries of origin, immigrants also assimilate differently or at different paces. Some expatriates form ethnic enclaves within urban or suburban centers that preclude total assimilation, allowing individuals to retain elements of the culture of origin including religion and language. Other immigrants integrate into American society almost seamlessly. Interestingly, language and culture do not necessarily have a bearing on how completely a particular culture assimilates into American society."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Branigin, William. "Immigrants Shunning Idea of Assimilation." The Myth of the Melting Pot. Washington Post. May 25, 1998. Retrieved Jun 14, 2008 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/meltingpot/melt0525a.htm
• Clemetson, Lynette. "Bosnians in America: A Two-Sided Saga." The New York Times. April 29, 2007. Retrieved Jun 15, 2008 from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/us/29youth.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&adxnnlx=1213585920-/U4w96yxQS4h7/bEHNl%20Ug
• Federation for American Immigration Reform. "How Mass Immigration Impedes Assimilation." Retrieved Jun 15, 2008 from http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=iic_immigrationissuecenters641a
• "The Great Immigration Panic." The New York Times. June 3, 2008. Retrieved June 15, 2008 from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/03/opinion/03tue1.html
• Laster, Jill. "Refugee flees war-torn home, finds second chance in U.S." Kernel Mixed Media. April 14, 2008. Retrieved June 15, 2008 from http://www.kernelmixedmedia.com/2008/04/14/refugee-flees-war-torn-home-finds-second-chance-in-us/

More papers on Immigration to the U.S.:

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• Research Paper # 19041 : "Soviet Jewish Immigration to the U.S."

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