In this most recent reading of We Wanted Workers the author heavily focuses on the idea of assimilation and the implications that assimilation has on both immigrants and the rest of the American public. The author notes that all throughout American history assimilation by groups of immigrants has been relatively quick and common. The author states that nearly every group throughout previous American history has assimilated and has done so at a rapid pace. This is important to note due to the fact that immigrants from Mexico, according to the author, have not been assimilating at the same pace as other groups from other countries. The author believes that one of the main reasons for this lack of American assimilation is due to the fact that there is a significant amount of immigrants from Mexico who are moving to places that already have a large Mexican population. This leads to a lack of assimilation because, as the author points out, if people immigrate to America but do not live with the population they will not be exposed to the American values and culture which will lead to them not assimilating as fast. This is particularly important in regards to the Mexican population because there are a significant number of immigrants coming to the country which means there are more areas, or as the author puts it enclaves, in which Mexican immigrants live. This leads to a less immersive experience in American culture and can explain the slower assimilation that the author has pointed out. I believe there is value in assimilating to American culture in that it is beneficial for immigrants to become accustomed to American culture to simply have more opportunities available to them. Assimilation is not necessary nor should it ever be forced upon any immigrant population but it is clear that assimilation simply helps immigrants gain more opportunities in America as they have more information about our society after assimilating. I personally think that assimilation is helpful but not necessary and the idea that that all of the problems surrounding the issue with immigration and the struggles that immigrants face when they arrive in America would be solved by assimilation is not accurate. Is assimilation the root of the current issues immigrants face when arriving in America? How would assimilation be encouraged or mandated without infringing on the freedoms of those in America?
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4 replies on “Assimilation”
This is a well thought out reflection. In many cases, one might assume that all immigrants would have to assimilate quickly so that they can get jobs and fit into society. Borjas’s argument that immigrants from Mexico have not been assimilating as fast as immigrants from other places is one that I never considered, but it definitely makes sense due to the large population of immigrants from Mexico in the United States. This ties into the idea presented by Huntington that the idea of the American identity has began to develop other subnational identities from different groups of immigrants.
I think that assimilation, or the lack thereof, of Mexican immigrants in the United States is definitely one of the root causes of the hardships the immigrants face upon arrival. Because it is so hard to assimilate, immigrants are often seen as “outsiders” which makes the American citizens more likely to push racist and xenophobic ideas. However, it is also possible that assimilation for Mexican immigrants is so hard because of the American citizens that already have racist and xenophobic views. I find your discussion on this topic very well written and your questions could provoke an interesting conversation.
The topic of assimilation is interesting, because it brings up the question of what creates for the best quality of life among immigrants. One could argue in the short term that communities where immigrants don’t have to assimilate so quickly leaves immigrants comfortable, happier, and maybe even more productive. However, this might not be beneficial for their children, or even in the long term. It also could change the cultures of specific areas, and the economies, but not necessarily for the better or worse.
A great argument in advocating for a non-intrusive style of assimilation that would be helpful to the cultural lifestyle of immigrating peoples, yet keeping the idea that these individuals have rights and liberties that must not be infringed upon in this pursuit. I think one way the American Government might be able to do this in the way you described is to give more national holidays and federal budgets for local communities to celebrate together in inclusive groups. This would encourage immigrants to participate in American traditions while ensuring that their liberties are protected.