Economics Essay Example

not possess the same rights as myself. If I were to illegally enter Mexico, I would likely face imprisonment. This paragraph serves as a condensed summary of pages 65-74 from "A Nation of Immigrants: An Overview of the Economic and Political Conditions of Selected Racial and Ethnic Groups." The economic development in North America has progressed through various stages, including a plantation-slave economy and mercantilism initially, followed by a competitive industrial economy, and currently characterized by multinational capitalism. Both economic institutions and government actions have influenced migration patterns and immigrant adaptation. The original inhabitants of North America were Native Americans.

These Indigenous individuals suffered the loss of a significant portion of their land and endured the loss of many lives due to the harsh invasions by Europeans. While multiple waves of immigrants came to America, each group left their homeland for different reasons and circumstances. Some immigrant groups arrived as slaves, while others sought low-wage labor positions, and some came as aspiring business owners. The level of discrimination experienced by these groups differed based on the resources they had. Immigrants who willingly traveled to America with financial means found it much easier to find high-paying jobs compared to those who had less freedom and fewer resources.

Unfortunately, most immigrants did not have access to small business opportunities. The waves of immigrant migration to North America can be divided into different phases. The first phase occurred during the 1600s to the 1800s and involved English colonists. These colonists established colonies and took lands from the native population. Additionally, they implemented a form of capitalism.

During this period, Africans were forcibly taken from their homelands and brought to America as

enslaved individuals. Simultaneously, Irish Catholics also immigrated to America due to famine, oppression, and poor living conditions in their native land from the 1830’s to the 1860’s. These Irish immigrants were able to find low-wage employment. Another wave of immigration occurred during phase two, with Chinese individuals arriving in the United States from the 1850’s to the 1870’s. They came in response to recruitment efforts and in the hope of improving their living conditions. Chinese immigrants primarily worked in construction and menial service jobs. Lastly, Italians arrived between the 1880’s and the 1910’s.

The Italian people were solicited for construction and other comparable low-wage employment positions. The Japanese immigrants settled in Western America, having relocated from their homeland to Hawaii during the years spanning from the 1880s to the 1900s. The Japanese individuals were also enlisted as laborers. The third wave of immigration to the United States arose with the Mexican people from the 1910s to the 1990s, prompted by labor scarcities from Europe and Asia. Starting in the 1940s and continuing until the 1990s, the Puerto Rican people commenced their arrival.

The individuals in question sought employment in agricultural roles as well as in various blue-collar professions. Beginning in the 1960s and continuing until the 1990s, Asian and Caribbean communities migrated to the area due to political turmoil, finding refuge and pursuing political ambitions. The East Coast colonial expansion by English landowners led to the rise of commercial capitalism and a society reliant on slave labor. The region's early economy thrived due to a blend of ventures administered by English authorities and independent entrepreneurial ventures.

Slave plantations were part of this system, as English colonial settlement aimed

to secure raw goods and markets for English products. English merchants invested in the colonial industries, while other Europeans immigrated into the colonies with the desire to become small farmers. In the colonies, there were two main types of production: small farms and plantations overseen by merchants.

From the 1600’s to the mid 1800’s, African people were enslaved and used for labor in colonial plantations. By around 1860, the United States had a staggering number of slaves, reaching as high as 3.9 million due to the high demand for their labor.

The political and economic power in the government had been predominantly held by the Southerners until the end of the civil war, when the Northern Industrialists gained majority power.

In addition to Africans, immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia also formed part of the labor force in Northern Industrial society and small farms. These European immigrants were recruited from their home countries or left due to factors such as famine, political and economic problems, and aspirations for a better life.

The immigration of Europeans resulted in the emergence of racial conflict patterns. Following their emancipation from slavery, African individuals began working for entrepreneurs as low-wage laborers. In some instances, African Americans were employed as strikebreakers, thereby exacerbating racial tensions. Gradually, European immigrants started displacing African workers from their jobs. Despite being oppressed by the English in their native land, the Irish people eventually assimilated into the dominant white race after a few generations in America.

The Native and Mexican communities were greatly affected by the westward expansion during this period. It resulted in the loss of their land, significant casualties, and further solidified the belief among white settlers that

these races were inferior. It is important to emphasize that the Mexican people did not willingly move to the United States; instead, their land was annexed after winning the Mexican-American war. After the Civil War, major corporations controlled key sectors of a thriving industrial capitalist economy.

With the expansion of industrialism, labor recruitment expanded to include workers from China and Japan. After successfully winning the Spanish-American war, the United States annexed Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Cuba, resulting in a significant increase in immigration from these countries to the mainland. These governmental actions had a profound impact on racial and ethnic relations. Additionally, while the Homestead Act granted land to many individuals, it posed challenges for African Americans attempting to acquire land.

The lack of opportunity for African families to generate wealth led them to primarily work as low-wage laborers in the newly reconstructed South. This restriction to the South posed difficulties, if not impossibilities, for African Americans in accumulating wealth. Nevertheless, the urban migration of African Americans mirrors that of European immigrants. Ultimately, Africans should be given the chance to attain comparable economic progress as European settlers.

The argument that African Americans faced more racial discrimination is challenged by the notion that Europeans had greater group mobility. This can be observed in the case of Jewish individuals, who were among the most mobile groups. Nevertheless, when African Americans migrated to the North, they lost their jobs to recently arrived European immigrants. In contrast to their white European counterparts, African American migrants encountered significantly more racial discrimination. Furthermore, this period saw a rise in racial tensions due to economic competition between Europeans and Africans, leading to hostility and

discrimination against African Americans by European Americans. It is important to note that modern Mexican immigrants arrived after World War I when industrialization had reduced the pool of available laborers.

The migration of Mexican workers to the United States was driven by increasing labor demands, while international corporations have heavily influenced U.S. politics and economy since the 1920s. During the depression, African and Latino Americans encountered challenges as white individuals took over numerous low-wage jobs. Nevertheless, after World War II, the United States became a dominant force in the global economy for an extended period.

In the past, a significant number of white Americans moved to suburban areas near major cities and traveled to work, while individuals with lower socioeconomic status resided in inner-city neighborhoods. This physical segregation further widened the gap between these two social groups. Prior to the 1960s, there were restrictions on Asian immigrants entering the United States. However, once these limitations were lifted, a wave of new Asian immigrants from countries including China, Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam arrived. These individuals made the decision to migrate to America in search of better prospects and opportunities.

Following Fidel Castro's rise to power, a considerable influx of Cuban immigrants arrived in the United States. Mostly acknowledged as political refugees, these individuals were received with open arms by the U.S. government. At the same time, a significant number of Haitian refugees also made their way to the United States. Nevertheless, they experienced contrasting treatment in comparison to Cubans due to the absence of communist regime oppression faced by Haitians.

Although opposition to communism remains, various immigrant groups continue to come to the United States for similar reasons as

previous European and other immigrants. Notably, a considerable number of these newcomers are undocumented Mexicans. With the decline in European immigration, there has been an increase in Asian and Latino migration. As a result, native-born Americans view these recent immigrants as problematic, resulting in the implementation of immigration restrictions that specifically focus on these groups.

The Latino and Asian populations in the United States are increasing steadily, with some regions on track to become majority non-white. As this growth continues, there will be a need for equal treatment and opportunities in politics, society, and the economy. This introduction has examined immigration to the United States and how it has been adjusted in terms of economic and political factors. It has been suggested that variables such as arrival timing and resources brought during migration can impact a group's economic and political achievements.

Understanding the migratory patterns to the United States necessitates examining political and economic factors, as well as group mobility. The government's actions have influenced both the nature of migration and the relationships between ethnic and racial groups, impacting the development of distinct cultures. By analyzing the issues faced by these communities, we can identify and address the underlying reasons behind modern challenges, including political and economic conditions, timing and motives for migration. Unfortunately, a historical legacy of inferiority associated with people of color remains, perpetuating tensions among different ethnic groups in many regions.

It is essential to acknowledge the progress made in ethnic relations in present-day America, even though it requires significant effort and time. To achieve a future where the United States becomes an egalitarian society, modern American society must be devoted extensively. Education about diverse

cultures, positive interaction among all ethnicities, and eradicating stereotypes, stigmas, oppression, discrimination, and labels are crucial factors for realizing this vision. By taking these actions, the American people can peacefully coexist and build a harmonious nation.

In the 19th century, a significant wave of immigration occurred in the United States. Between 1820 and 1900, more than 20 million immigrants arrived from Europe. Their reasons for migrating varied, as some came to escape economic struggles and find better job prospects, while others fled religious or cultural persecution.

Many immigrants chose to come to the US due to the abundant opportunities they had heard about. One immigrant expressed their desperation, saying, “We have no prospects and nothing to hold onto; we must leave.” However, upon arrival, the immigrants were treated as inferior citizens by the majority of Americans. One American criticized them, saying, “I cannot comprehend those lowlifes, those immigrants, as they speak and act differently from me.” Moreover, the influx of Europeans overwhelmed the limited charitable services available at that time. A historian described the settlement house movement as being “as effective as using a teaspoon to bail out the ocean.” Despite facing terrible working and living conditions, immigrants were willing to pay the high price for the opportunity to better their lives in America. They sought refuge from political persecution and economic hardships in their home countries, where certain ethnic groups were unjustly targeted.

Both Yugoslavia and France attributed their economic problems to Jews. The French Secretary of the Treasury expressed this sentiment, stating, “Those Evil Jews who befoul our towns shall not work here, for they are second. Christians shall get the right.” Consequently, Jews faced police

brutality and sought refuge in the United States, known as the “land of the free”. Within Europe, job opportunities were scarce due to high levels of unemployment, particularly in some countries where up to 50% of the workforce was unemployed. However, England stood apart from the rest as it thrived on its industrial sector, much like the United States. Pamphlets promoting opportunities abroad, such as “Good work, a free life, a good life for all”, enticed workers to migrate to the US. The increasing demand for factory workers prompted immigrants to take a chance on this opportunity.

According to one immigrant, coming to the US was their only hope because they had nothing else. However, their expectations of a better living standard were not met. Instead, they were forced to endure poor living and working conditions. Most immigrants resided in cities and lived in overcrowded tenements. These apartment buildings were poorly constructed and consisted of very small apartments. The buildings were typically six to eight storeys high and had a distinctive dumbbell shape due to the air shaft between them. Inside, twenty four to thirty two families were crammed together. This living arrangement made residents highly susceptible to diseases, resulting in a significantly lower life expectancy compared to other areas. Some city blocks housed up to 4,000 people.

Families lived in cramped quarters, with one or two small rooms and thin walls that offered little privacy. As one immigrant remarked, the thinness of the walls made it impossible to have a conversation without the entire building overhearing. Bathrooms were usually located outside, although in the early 1900s, some started to be built inside the tenements. The high

susceptibility of tenements to fires was made worse by the enclosed air shaft between buildings, trapping air and leading to more fire incidents.

Due to the flammable material used in the construction of tenements, fires were frequent and had devastating effects. The sight of an entire block engulfed in flames horrified one immigrant who described the experience. Additionally, the working conditions for immigrants were extremely appalling as they typically engaged in two types of labor.

There were two types of jobs that Americans wouldn't do and immigrants were willing to take. The first type were unskilled jobs that almost anyone could do, regardless of nationality. The second type were jobs that Americans had abandoned, which provoked anger among Americans who believed immigrants were "stealing" their jobs. Immigrants were often used as strike breakers because they didn't understand the concept of strikes due to cultural differences. Guillaume Fouchon explained that in their home countries, there were limited job opportunities and a surplus of workers, which is why striking was unfamiliar to them. Additionally, organizing people who spoke different languages made it difficult for immigrants to comprehend the process of striking.

Despite their lack of political power, immigrants were not overly concerned about it. As one immigrant expressed, their main focus was on achieving success rather than worrying about political influence. Although certain groups such as the Irish had some political power, the majority of immigrants initially had none. However, as the century approached its end, immigrant votes became significant, accounting for 15% of the voting public in New York alone. Consequently, immigrants started to gain more political power through their voting rights. Among the immigrants, the Chinese were commonly

referred to as the devils.

The Chinese immigrants stood out from other immigrant groups due to their distinct appearance, making them a target for increased discrimination. Settling primarily in California, they often secured railroad jobs that were previously held by Americans, leading to violent acts of retaliation including stoning and arson. Shockingly, these actions received approval from both major political parties.

According to a Democratic National Committee spokesperson, efforts were made to eradicate the Chinese population, which was seen as evil. This statement was significant because even the Democrats, known as the "party of immigrants," expressed opposition towards the Chinese. Unlike most Europeans, the majority of Chinese immigrants wished to work in the US and then return to China. However, the American public held a deep resentment towards the Chinese and regarded them as a second-class race. Consequently, the Chinese faced significant restrictions on immigration, denying them the opportunities that earlier immigrants had benefited from, as noted by Robert Ingersoll.

Immigrants in America embarked on a journey hoping to maintain their cultural heritage, a feat hindered by the education system. They aspired to elevate their social status to match that of Americans while preserving their distinct identity. Upon arrival, immigrants established ethnic communities, such as Little Frances or Little Italies, serving as havens for individuals of shared ethnicity, hometown, or province to cherish their cultural traditions. Remarkably, Chicago alone hosted 17 vibrant little Italies.

It was crucial for these immigrants to have these places to safeguard against assimilation. According to Verduccio Marsongeri, an Italian immigrant, "I require my little Italy because the old country is still so significant to me." Consequently, the free education provided in the US to

most children, regardless of their nationality, was a mixed blessing. While it undoubtedly prepared immigrant children for better employment opportunities thanks to a superior education compared to their parents', education also led to a loss of cultural identity. Immigrant children schooled in the US absorbed American values and English as their primary language, rather than preserving the traditions of their home country. This was indeed an intentional outcome of the educational expansion: assimilating immigrant children into American culture in order to eliminate foreign influence on the US.

Immigrants were willing to have their children assimilated into American culture in exchange for better education, resulting in a significant increase in students from 7 million in 1870 to 22 million in 1920 and an increase in participation from 57 to 78 percent. Although primary education was accessible to immigrants, higher education opportunities were limited, with only lower tier private colleges and state universities available instead of prestigious institutions like Yale, Harvard or Stanford. Nevertheless, this still marked a significant improvement as immigrants could now receive education on par with Americans. Ultimately, immigrants arrived in the US seeking opportunities but encountered harsh conditions.

The immigrants in the US faced significant challenges and sacrifices, despite the opportunities and progress they achieved. Factory workers endured appalling working conditions and low wages, with limited prospects for advancement. Some yearned to return home, but financial constraints prevented them from doing so. Nevertheless, many willingly chose to remain. The true advantages of American opportunity and culture would later be inherited by future generations. The immigration from Europe and Asia to the US was unparalleled in global history.

According to Christa Jackstone, a historian, the impact of

immigrants on the United States during the late 19th and early 20th century was significant as they were the ones who actually built the country. Similar to how black people had done before the Civil War, immigrants carried out the labor-intensive tasks behind the scenes while others received praise for it. Despite the sacrifices made by the immigrants themselves, they willingly initiated actions that would have long-term benefits for future generations. The world has undergone a revolutionary change and has witnessed significant transformations. Through advancements in modern medicine and new farming techniques, global death rates have been significantly reduced.

In the 1950s, we sprayed to eradicate mosquitoes in Sri Lanka, resulting in the extension of everyone's average life by eight years. This accomplishment significantly reduced the mortality rate without affecting the birth rate, causing the population to increase rapidly. At the time when the Statue of Liberty was constructed, there were approximately one billion inhabitants in the world.

The world population is currently 4.5 billion and is growing rapidly. In the next eleven years, the world will add one billion people, which is equivalent to 224,000 people every day. Experts predict that there will be an additional 1.65 billion people living in the world in the next twenty years. It is important to understand the implications of these numbers, particularly for the U.S., such as the impact on jobs. The International Labor organization estimates that there will be an increase of 600 to 700 million people seeking jobs in the next twenty years. Additionally, eighty-eight percent of the world's population growth occurs in the Third World.

Over a billion individuals presently receive an annual salary of approximately

$150, an amount that is lower than what the average American earns in a week. Furthermore, an increasing proportion of these underpaid individuals can be found in developing nations. Throughout the 1970s, countries around the world began regulating the influx of immigrants they would permit, whereas the United States did not adopt such measures. Consequently, a significant number of immigrants who are denied entry in other countries seek refuge in the United States. The magnitude of this immigration issue is immense.

The population of Latin America is currently 390 million people, but it is projected to reach 800 million by 2025. Over the years, Mexico's population has tripled since World War II, with one third of its population being under ten years old. Consequently, Mexico's unemployment rate is expected to increase by 30 percent in the next decade as these children grow up and enter the job market. In 1990, there were approximately four million illegal aliens in the United States, with about 55 percent of them originating from Latin America. These individuals often look to the United States for better opportunities. Throughout history, human population has continuously migrated to new lands, much like waves moving across the ocean.

However, for the first time ever, there are no fresh lands or new continents available. This means that we must carefully consider and determine our approach towards immigration. Presently, the American immigration policies have resulted in our borders being completely unregulated. The border patrol apprehends 3000 illegal immigrants each day, amounting to 1.2 million per year. Additionally, for every one individual caught, two illegal immigrants manage to enter unnoticed. Moreover, the individuals who are apprehended often attempt to

reenter the country. As a result, over 1 million people are entering the United States.

Legally, there has been a consistent annual influx of newcomers. From 1983 to 1992, a total of 8.7 million newcomers arrived, which is the largest number in a decade since 1910. In 1991 alone, a record 1.8 million individuals were given permanent residence. As the current law prioritizes family unification, these newcomers can also bring their spouses, sons, and daughters with them. As a result, approximately 3.5 million people are currently awaiting their turn to enter.

Once here, they can bring in their direct relatives. As a result, there exists no visible limit to the number of legal entries.

All Articles Were Transmitted Within

The United States is the land of diversity largely due to the immense amount of immigration to the United States throughout history. People from all over the world leave their homeland to journey to the United States. Why do these people leave their native country? What makes the United States so appealing to them? What makes their country so unappealing? There are many different reasons why particular immigrants emigrate to the United States.

Immigrants may choose to come to the United States for a variety of reasons, whether they be personal, economic, or political. The motivations behind their decision to immigrate are diverse, but all are acknowledged as factors that lead individuals to leave their home countries. The conditions of their homeland often play a significant role in pushing immigrants to seek better opportunities abroad. Many immigrants hail from impoverished and underdeveloped nations, where living standards are poor and unemployment rates are high. Even if they manage to secure employment,

wages are typically insufficient to adequately support their families.

"At 4.25 an hour, the U.S. minimum wage is about six times higher than Mexico's minimum wage, which is higher than most Central American countries." (Portes and Rumbaut, pg. 409) It's no wonder that many people would want to leave and find work just across the border with wages like that available. The demand for low-skilled workers is high in the United States, so immigrants know they can easily find employment. (410) Not only can they find work, but they also receive relatively generous pay compared to what they are used to. Immigrants simply want to improve their quality of life."

If immigrants see that it is possible in the United States, they will pursue it. For certain immigrants, it is a simple decision for basic survival - if they cannot find employment, they know they can go to the U.S. and find a job quickly. Immigrants perceive the United States as a place of opportunity and prosperity, and they desire to be a part of it.

The United States is a major attraction for many immigrants due to the opportunities and benefits it offers that their home country does not provide. It goes beyond just jobs and wages; the United States offers a wide range of advantages that may seem ordinary to American citizens but are unimaginable to some immigrants. For example, the United States has well-established healthcare programs, which are lacking in many impoverished nations. In such cases, individuals desperately in need of medical treatment are unable to access it, whereas in the United States, medical care is easily accessible. Additionally, the United States has welfare programs

to aid those facing financial difficulties and in need of assistance.

The United States offers unemployment programs to assist its citizens. In cases where individuals are unable to find employment, they receive monetary assistance until they secure a job. This form of government support is one of the factors that contribute to the United States being regarded as a favorable country. Unlike other nations, not all countries have comparable programs to aid their citizens, and this is why immigrants are attracted to the United States. The United States government endeavours to improve the lives of its citizens in any way possible, which is highly appealing to immigrants coming from countries where the government's concern is minimal. Moreover, the United States ensures children receive a quality education, thereby increasing their chances of obtaining prosperous careers in the future.

Education is universally recognized as a crucial factor for success, regardless of one's origin. While many discussions on immigration revolve around impoverished immigrants who come to the United States in dire circumstances, it is important to acknowledge the significant number of skilled immigrants who come seeking career advancement in specific fields. These professional immigrants are not driven by poverty; rather, they aspire to earn higher incomes and enjoy better working conditions. The United States, being at the forefront of technological advancements, offers these foreign professionals the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and access the best available opportunities.

It is proven that professional immigrants make a good choice by coming into the United States. After working hard and advancing in their field, they earn large salaries (412). These immigrants, who are well-educated and welcomed into the country, face little difficulty in

immigration. However, one major reason some people choose not to immigrate is the unwillingness to give up their current life in their home country, including family, friends, culture, and other aspects.

The emergence of ethnic enclaves in the United States is what convinces scared immigrants to leave their native country. These enclaves, which are almost entirely populated and run by immigrants, retain the culture from which the immigrants originate, making the transition less unfamiliar and uncomfortable. As stated, "This city is wonderfully textured with Chinese sensibility."

Graceful calligraphy shines brightly from neon signs on banks, fish markets, and boutiques. The Chinese language is spoken everywhere and various elements of Chinese culture are visible all around. Chinatown serves as a sanctuary bridging east and west, a refuge of the Orient firmly established on our western coast." (Bentz, pg. 333) These neighborhoods ar