Whilst immigration has added to American culture throughout history, many now feel it has gone too far and fear a “takeover”.
Another reason why immigration is seen as a good thing in the USA is because employers want cheap labour. And as immigrants are willing to work for low wages which in comparison with their country of origin is a relatively high wage, this can help employers reduce their costs and offer cheaper prices for goods and services. For Example, in Texas and California, immigrants are vital for the economies of these areas.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, the wage standards or wage levels for the immigrants are kept low. Since immigrants are willing to work at such low wage levels, it becomes a standard for all jobs to maintain that level for all employees which can pose as a problem to Whites or other non-immigrants as they expect higher levels of wages. For example, a white janitor would expect to be paid more than a hispanic immigrant or he would refuse to work but in reality, an employer would favour the hispanic due to the savings on cost.
While immigration has benefited businesses in reducing labour costs and allowing for employers to offer cheaper prices, many of the unemployed and employed feel that the overall wage standards are slipping due to cheap labour and cheap wages.
Immigrants are also willinging to do the jobs that other Americans do not. Normal Americans would feel that these jobs are “beneath” them being brought up in a country where there is more education and professional jobs than the immigrants country of origin. For example, a immigrant would be more willing to sweep streets or even pick fruits than other Americans.
But many Americans complain that their jobs are being taken by immigrants. The jobs that would normally have been vacant are being filled by the “masses” of eager immigrants. For example, there are also complaints of college places being taken by immigrants meaning that Americans are missing out on their education.
While immigration helps fill the vacancies of jobs that other Americans are not willing to do, many feel that they immigrants are taking jobs that they would do. Not only that but immigrants are taking college places that belong “rightfully” to Americans.
Finally, immigration can be seen as a good thing to the US economy as immigrants contribute economically. Immigrants in the US will also spend their wages in the US. For example, it is estimated that immigrants contribute $30 billion to the US economy.
However, it is also argued that immigration is costing the US economy too much. Through health, education and welfare, many argue too much of the taxpayers money is being spent and wasted on immigrants. For example, it has also been estimated that immigrants cost the US a total of $30 billion.
Despite the fact that immigration contributes to the economy, many feel that it also has an equal but opposite effect and costs the taxpayer too much.
Overall , despite the fact that immigration has many benefits to the US in terms of adding to culture and contributing to the economy, it is argued in each case that America is being takenover by this new “force” and that Americans are being replaced by essentially a cheaper workforce.
Arfan Rauf – Higher Modern Studies