Assimilation?

In a study conducted by Jacob L. Vigdor for the Manhattan Institute, the assimilation of Mexican immigrants into the United States was "measured." Assimilation was defined as

• Ability to speak English
• Intermarriage (whether an individual’s spouse is native-born)
• Number of children
• Marital status


Based on this graph and the many others posted in the study, it is apparent that Mexicans are having a hard time assimilating and are taking much longer to do so than other ethnic groups. What is the explanation for this? What separates Mexican immigrants, whether or not they are illegal, from Korean or Polish immigrants?

A Day Without a Mexican

In 2004, a humorous film commenting on the cultural impact of Mexican immigration was released. Although the film is not a "serious" production, as it pokes fun of the situation instead of providing a real fix, it makes a clear statement that Mexican immigrants are a vital, necessary part of our lives as well as our economy.

Some people resent the influx of Mexicans into our country; however, these people have not considered life without the very group they despise. Our culture is constantly being shaped by immigrants groups: Mexican fast food and popularity of learning Spanish are only a few indications of Hispanic culture becoming intertwined with "American" culture. But of course, American culture is defined by the immigrant cultures that have created it over years and generations. Food for thought.

Why Here, Why Now

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.