I recently read an article that discussed opposing viewpoints on Mexican immigration. The article, entitled "Immigration and Cultural Identity," was published in Issues & Controversies on File on March 23, 2007, at FACTS.com by the Facts of File News Services. It highlighted the question of whether or not allowed illegal Mexican immigrants to remain in our country is destroying America's "sense of national identity." It also mentions the unwillingness of some immigrants to assimilate into American culture at all. Though it is not stated, I assume that the motives those immigrants have are often times the economic benefits of living in the United States (i.e. more work opportunities and better salary).
This allowed me to think about a major issue at hand. What kind of cultural/national identity does America have? Are we not a melting pot of all different cultures? But yet, why do some feel the need to exclude themselves to the point that they do not actually "melt in" and mix with the rest? I understand that it is a gross generalization to assume that all people who are Mexican immigrants do not wish to be part of American society; however, it seems that a large enough amount have behaved in such a way to create a controversial issue in American society.
If the United States had an official language (presumably English), would this deter immigrants from entering our borders with no plans to assimilate culturally? I hypothesize that it would create turmoil for many making a decision to come to America, but I doubt that it would cull all illegal immigration. I would like to further analyze this question.
Michelle G.
This allowed me to think about a major issue at hand. What kind of cultural/national identity does America have? Are we not a melting pot of all different cultures? But yet, why do some feel the need to exclude themselves to the point that they do not actually "melt in" and mix with the rest? I understand that it is a gross generalization to assume that all people who are Mexican immigrants do not wish to be part of American society; however, it seems that a large enough amount have behaved in such a way to create a controversial issue in American society.
If the United States had an official language (presumably English), would this deter immigrants from entering our borders with no plans to assimilate culturally? I hypothesize that it would create turmoil for many making a decision to come to America, but I doubt that it would cull all illegal immigration. I would like to further analyze this question.
Michelle G.
