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Week 6 Discussion: Immigration and Migration
Danita Rosholt posted Sep 18, 2024 03:58
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According to Gonzalez-Barrera and Connor (2019), a growing number of people around the world view immigrants as a positive asset to their nations. Their study, released by the Pew Research Center, reveals that most individuals in various countries specifically the U.S, the UK, Geremany, France, and Canada think immigrants enhance diversity and provide economic advantages, underscoring an overall positive perspective on immigration amid existing political and social conflicts; wheras countries like Greece, South Africa, Hungray feel immigrants are a burden.
Three common perceptions societies may have about migrants are positive and negative:
1.
Positive Impact
: In the United States, a significant number of people think that immigrants contribute positively to the nation through their skills and efforts. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that 59% of Americans see immigrants as advantageous, especially regarding their impact on the economy and culture. Furthermore, Segal (2019) highlights that migration can serve as a source of cultural enrichment and economic dynamism in host countries globally, with more individuals believing that immigrants represent a strength rather than just an enrichment of cultural and economic vitality in many nations.
2.
Negative Impact
: Migrants are often viewed as a potential cultural threat. In Germany, there are worries that they may not sufficiently assimilate into society. A significant number of Germans think that immigrants prefer to preserve their cultural identities instead of embracing local traditions. According to Pew, this apprehension about cultural division has fueled tensions between native Germans and immigrant groups.
3.
Negative Impact
: Migrants are often viewed as illegal and burdensome. In the United States, many see migrants, especially undocumented ones, as a strain on social services and a threat to employment opportunities in recent years. According to Flores and Schachter (2018), the label “illegal” is socially constructed to undermine certain migrant groups, reinforcing the belief that undocumented immigrants unjustly consume resources. This reflects the current attitudes towards immigrants. The ongoing debate surrounding sanctuary states highlights this issue, as local law enforcement in sanctuary cities or counties do not inquire about the immigration status of individuals they encounter. Sanctuary jurisdictions commonly decline requests from federal immigration authorities to detain undocumented immigrants who have committed minor offenses and also refuse to allow their local law enforcement to act as federal immigration officers. This situation can lead to numerous preconceived ideas, particularly if crime rates rise.
Globalization has heightened migration patterns and has important effects on ethnicity and public health. In her article “Globalization, Migration, and Ethnicity,” published in Public Health, Segal (2019) examines these relationships. She highlights how global interconnectivity promotes migration and influences ethnic identities, health inequalities, and social unity. Segal (2019) underscores the necessity of tackling the public health issues arising from migration and advocates for inclusive policies that prioritize the health and well-being of migrants.
The social construction of immigrants in the U.S. plays a significant role in the immigration discussion. Flores and Schachter (2018) explore how “illegality” is socially defined and the effects it has on immigrants within the country. In their study published in the American Sociological Review, they highlight that views on illegality are influenced by socio-political narratives and policies that frequently marginalize and stigmatize undocumented individuals. The authors contend that these socially constructed identities have a major impact on immigrants’ lives and the overall social context.
References:
· Lahoud, R. G. (2019, March 19).
It’s official: New Jersey is a sanctuary state – immigration matters. Immigration Matters.
official-new-jersey-is-a-sanctuary-state/
·
Libguides: Immigration law: Sanctuary cities. Sanctuary Cities – Immigration Law – LibGuides at Franklin County Law Library. (2017b, January 25).
· Flores, R. D., & Schachter, A. (2018). Who are the “Illegals”? The Social Construction of Illegality in the United States.
American Sociological Review,
83(5), 839–868.
· Gonzalez-Barrera, A., & Connor, P. (2019, March 14). Around the world, more say that immigrants are a strength than a burden. Retrieved from
· Segal, U. A. (2019). Globalization, migration, and ethnicity. Public Health, 172, 135-142. Retrieved from
