Eth 125 Week 4 DQ 1 Answer:
Immigration is controversial due to a number of reasons. The video "Immigration and Assimilation" demonstrated that in the early years of immigration those coming to America were eager to learn American customs and language. They were pushed to "...become Americanized and adopt American values." Ironically, those ethnic groups that became more Americanized than remained within their ancestral customs are some of those individuals who judge today's immigrants the most.
In an effort to fairly employ various ethnic groups and not by bias overlook qualified applicants, Affirmative Action was developed. Some believe this law has restricted fair hiring and the tables have turned to meet quotas rather than actually hire the best, qualified applicant.
Also, more and more immigrants are maintaining their ancestry and culture and resisting American language and customs. Thus, concessions have been made, i.e., Spanish signage, automation tellers and phone recordings, as well as Spanish as a Second Language classes in school. Religious mandates and reform is prevalent.
Illegal aliens have put a drain on the legal system and health care industry. Emergency rooms and clinics debate on the ethical need to provide health care to those individuals who have not paid taxes or have insurance. Others argue that monies are remitted out of the country and economic development is jeopardized "here at home."
More and more immigrants are willing to work substandard labor positions in agriculture and meat packing plants. These are hard labor jobs and often seasonal. They often provide false identification or are not screened adequately by employers. Many Americans complain because unions were developed to raise the standards of work conditions and yet these illegal workers become under that radar.