There
are many myths concerning immigrants in the USA today. These myths are often
spread by the uninformed, but the media can also foster the misconceptions. It
is important to confront such myths in order to dispel much of the prejudices
against those who choose to live in the United States.
One
common misconception is that immigrants are here illegally. This is due in part
to the controversy concerning undocumented immigrants. However, most
individuals born in another country but now living in the USA are here legally.
It is estimated that 2/3 of the immigrants are here legally. Of the other one
third, almost half entered the US legally but then let their papers expire.
For
the first century of US history, there was an open immigration system, allowing
any able-bodied immigrant to move to the USA. Many of the current US citizens'
ancestors who moved here before 1924 would not have been allowed to remain
legally in the country. Today, the rules about who may enter and remain legally
are much stricter.
For
many, language is a sticking point. There is a belief that immigrants refuse to
learn English. However, early immigrant groups also held onto their cultures.
At the beginning of WWI, there were more than 700 US newspapers published in
German. Immigration from Germany peaked in the 1870s.
Today,
many immigrants speak their native tongue at home, but most speak English well
or very well. In addition, many who want to learn to speak English find that
available classes are full and have a waiting list. While immigrants might
speak with an accent, they do not think with an accent.
While
many people have the false belief that immigrants do not want to become a part
of American culture, 500,000 become naturalized citizens each year. Many
overcame great obstacles to moving to the USA. These obstacles include getting
here, locating a job, dealing with the language barrier, paying money for
naturalization fees, taking a written test for citizenship and dealing with a
slow moving immigration board. They do not take becoming an American lightly.
Immigrants
are individuals who deserve our respect. They are often working hard to learn
English and American customs while also attempting to preserve some of their
own customs for their children. While they may watch Arabic channels online to
keep up with news from their home country, they come here by choice. Most want
to make friends in the United States and consider it their new home.
