Issue Proposal: Immigration

Immigration Throughout history immigration has always been evident in the United States, but in the recent years the amount of influx of immigrants has greatly increased and continues to grow. In the history books we study, immigration was always seen as an opportunity for America to grow and develop with the unique cultures and innovations that immigrants brought in. Today, immigration is seen in a negative light because people all around the country have an oversimplified idea of why people come to the United States and what they hope to achieve. In the belief of several Americans, when immigrants come to the United States they take jobs, increase crime, and do not make an effort to live the American culture. The problem with this common belief is that it is misconstrued; there is not enough knowledge in the country of the real issues. This issue is compelling to me and vital in this country because the lack of knowledge is causing the definition of the United States as a “free country” that is openly diverse, is coming to a standstill as the opinions throughout the country constantly contradict this idea of freedom and diversity. The personal experience of my family’s history easily contradicts the common belief towards immigration. At the age of 12 my mother came to the United States from Mexico, hoping to find some kind of financial security to help her family. My father, born and raised in Peru, came to the country at the age of 26, once again searching for financial security to support their families back home. Both of my parents held this responsibility being the eldest children in their families. After my parents met, got married, and eventually had children, their main goal was to live the so-called “American dream,” a life of economic prosperity, education, and rich culture. My parents have always encouraged my sister and I to work hard in school and to start a career, because they do not want us to suffer the way that they had to. Thanks to my