Thursday, December 30, 2010

Text Assignment 1

Black’s Law Dictionary defines an immigrant as a “person who arrives in a country to settle there permanently; a person who immigrates” (Garner, 2006). The roots of immigration in America go back to the 1400’s but in the 17th century immigrants traveled to America for a better life, prosperity, opportunity, and to escape the current impecunious conditions (Diner, 2008). Today, this same scenario plays out again and again; just look at Mexican citizens who travel to America for the same exact reasons.
Immigration and citizenship has been a part of American discourse for centuries. In the late 1700’s, the 1790 Naturalization Act established a uniformed restriction to citizenship in America by stating that citizenship criteria for an Alien was limited free white persons, who have resided in America for at least one year, of “good character” and have proclaimed to abide by the U.S. Constitution (Dierks, 2010). This act included the children of these Aliens, whether born here or overseas, as long as the children were under twenty-five years old (Dierks, 2010). Since this time, much immigration legislation has been implemented; including the 14th amendment which states that all persons who are born in the U.S. are citizens. Today, anti-immigration advocates are trying to argue that the 14th amendment does not apply to the children of immigrants who are in America illegally.
The problem with immigration for many citizens stemmed from nationalist and native-born views. With white ethnic identity holding strong and fear of immigrants becoming stronger and successfully taking a stronghold and position in America, anti-immigration movements spawned. One of the earliest anti-immigration movements in the mid 1800’s sprouted the political party—The Know Nothings (Diner, 2008). The party’s goal was to stop immigration because they feared that America was being taken over by particular immigrant groups. With their success came legislation that stopped a particular group of people—The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (Diner, 2008). Soon after, the Alien Contract Labor Law was realized (Mintz, 2007) and immigrant quotas became the norm when the National Origins Act was passed (Diner, 2008). Since these early days in history, immigration and national origin have played a big role in our society. The only difference today, and the purpose of this blog, is that the immigration issues being discussed and argued here mainly effect Arizona, California and Texas; and the immigrant is Mexican. These states’ entire infrastructure is affected by the millions of undocumented and illegal immigrants while the anti-immigrant activists are fighting for similar acts as they did in the 1800’s.  
Mass mobilization generates social movements that are taken from the perspective of both sides to the issue of immigration. There are activists and movements on both sides of the issue of legal and illegal immigration. Protesters from both sides of the issue, both pro and anti immigration, call for immigration reform through legislation reform. One example is the National Council of La Raza with their goal is to get the 12 million illegal undocumented people in America legal (NCLR, 2010). La Raza does this by holding immigration events to rally their voice. Their goal through movement and mobilization is to crush anti-immigration legislation and policy (NCLR, 2010). On the other side of the spectrum there is the AIC (American for Immigration Control, Inc.) who takes the position that the Mexico border is producing millions of illegal immigrants in America to the detriment of America. One of AIC’s slogans for recruiting is to Join AIC as we work to save America” (AIC, 2010). Fear mongering might be evident in much literature for activist groups, but it works. Americans do not want to be depleted of varying types of resources because illegal immigrants have depleted them to their benefit.
I feel that cultural and emotional approaches play a big role in the fear mongering processes of illegal immigration to the masses of citizens of America which ultimately produces mass mobilization and changes policy. Do you remember back a few years ago when a pro-illegal immigrant demonstration took place in Los Angeles? Well, I do. And the number one issue was that the more demonstrators were marching and holding Mexico’s flag and then American flags. This picturesque issue played in the minds and hearts of Americans and it proved to many anti-immigrant advocates that America is not where the heart of these illegal’s lie. Many felt that America was being used for their resources, but even if these demonstrators gained citizenship, their hearts were still with Mexico. In the next big rally, protestors were told to bring American flags. I feel that this was a pivotal moment in California and it made the wedge between cultures deeper.  
So where are we today in 2010? Well, we are flooded with illegal immigrants who are reaping havoc on America’s infrastructure; esp. on the Mexico Border States. With Republicans gaining control of the House it will be interesting to see what happens to the 14th amendment interpretation, and the Dream Act; which is still up for debate. Also, with skyrocketing numbers of unemployment in America, American’s are particularly sensitive to their well being and the role illegal immigrants are playing on their well-being.





Americans for Immigration Control, Inc. (2010). Take Action: About AIC. Retrieved from http://immigrationcontrol.com/page1.aspx

Dierks, K. (2010). United States Congress, “An act to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization.” Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~kdhist/H105-documents-web/week08/naturalization1790.html

Diner, H. (2008). Immigration and U.S. History. Retrieved from http://www.america.gov/st/peopleplaceenglish/2008/February/20080307112004ebyessedo0.1716272.html

Mintz, S. (2007). Digital History. Retrieved from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/
historyonline/immigration_chron.cfm

National Council of La Raza (NCLR) (2010). Immigration. Retrieved from http://www.nclr.org/index.php/issues_and_programs/immigration/

4 comments:

  1. I too look forward to seeing what Congress does now that the House is controled by the Republicans. Although I don't really think it matters. The people in Washington are going to do whatever they want because of one thing, re-election. If they can get the DREAM act passed, can you imagine how many more votes they will get. I believe that if you are in this country illegally then it times for you to go back. If you are here legally, then congratulations. The word illegal is there for a reason. And yes they are reeking havoc on the border states. Not a day goes by when you don't hear something about people being killed on your Nation's lower border. I don't feel sending national guard troops without guns is the solution. We need to find a better way to guard our borders to help stop the influx of illegals flowing into our country.

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  2. I thought your comments on Americans worrying about coming a minority in their own land was interesting, I know it is a constant worry for Americans in this rough economy to stay above water. Passing the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was one good example of how America is fighting back. I know in more recent times, the new immigration bill 1070 has been passed and it will be very interesting to see what other bills and laws will be passed because of protests and desires of ones country. You mentioned the Dream Act as well, I think if this act is passed we will see some extreme changes throughout our country. I is to better our land and people who are citizens, those who have come here illegally need to go back to their own home land and make a future for themselves there.

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  3. Hey Calimont, I also do not believe that having the Republicans in office will do too much in promoting new law, but it may help in defeating some law. And yes, politicians will always pander for votes. Just wait until the new census report comes in. This will help decide on the laws that pass.

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  4. Hello Robyn, it is interesting how Americans were worried back then and still are today. It is kind of like the end of the world. Each generation fears that it is coming. The difference today with immmigration is that the numbers of legal and illegal immigrants are staggering. I bet the folks in the 1800's would be crazed to see what is going on now. The family reunification act is out of control also if you ask me. I will have to post on that someday.

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