America needs to embrace immigration
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents along with Rep. Juan Vargas open an emergency door at the U.S.-Mexico border in California during an event where immigrant families were able to spend three minutes together. … The first time was in 2013, when one family could reunite for only two minutes
Illegal immigration seems to be one of the most divisive issues of this past election season. From the racial slurs to the struggles to make it better, there are so many different point of views from so many people that it’s hard to gain a true understanding of the situation.
We seem to forget that this country was founded on the idea of immigration. Over 300 years ago, the British came over on ships and started a civilization in the northeast part of modern America. Three hundred years later, people are still wanting to move here. Sadly, it seems that many Americans are still not as accepting of it.
As a society, we shouldn’t discriminate against immigrants. We should sympathize with them. There’s nothing wrong with someone changing countries for opportunity.
There should not be any bias when it comes to opportunities they can have. According to the National Employment Law Project, 37% of immigrants are getting a pay of less than minimum wage. They should be judged on their actual potential and capabilities, not their citizenship and origin.
According to The Washington Post, as of 2013, 41% of immigrants who are 25 and older continue their education to earn a Bachelors degree. Immigrants, who bring more culture and diversity to the nation, also bring more job possibilities. They can use their education to not only employ themselves, but even others.
When it comes to immigrants, it seems like most of the attention is put on Mexicans, rather than those from other countries. Mexico is not perceived as the most amazing place in the world, with the constant drug wars and violence that has lead to 33.1 million reported crimes, according to an Envipe survey in 2014.
Their stereotypes should not define them. They can be kind and independent, despite what others may think. Despite the perception, Mexico is a country full of culture, love, wonderful food, beautiful people, tourism, and diversity, all of which we should learn to appreciate.
We need to stop unnecessarily overreacting and start welcoming people. Immigrants only want something better for themselves and those they care about. They don’t pack a burden for this nation in their bags and most of them don’t evoke any negativity.
They took a chance, a risk, by coming to a completely new world, and they deserve respect for that. Let them work, learn, live, just as any other American born citizen would.