Despite of many systematic pejorative and demeaning accusations from the anti-immigrant American nationalists, Lamm (1990) wrote, “I do not believe immigrants are responsible for the social problems that afflict the United States” (p.107).
In my opinion, the decentralization of political and economic powers will help solve the major economic gap that exists between people. According to Daily Paul Liberty Forum (2009), the United States wealth distribution is: top 1% own 38.1%, top 96-99% own 21.3%, top 90-95% own 11.5%, and bottom 40% of population has 0.2% of all wealth.
In one of his interviews published in The Sun in June 2002, Ritzer said that it is clear that our society is set up to favor the wealthy and that by some definitions; it is the most successful economic system in the history. Yet, he added, it is a system that disproportionately benefits a relatively small percentage of the people. If one follows the tax cut formula enacted by G. W Bush administration and re-authorized (not too long ago) by Barack Obama, one will be able to understand the magnitude of the problem- regarding tax credit which is mostly awarded to the wealthiest Americans.
The American society can be challenging because of the complexity of social relations and other generalizations about people and their way of living. The American social structure is (un)fortunately complex and we the people have a tendency to make it more complicated because of our behaviors. As an example, we should revisit the two last debates regarding immigration reform. There were many opposing views, even within the same political parties or families. Decisions were made based on re-election prognostics instead of the common good. In Washington DC and across the country -- being popular is more relevant to many elected officials, especially during the election seasons.
It is apparent that the he lack of understanding of the globalized world is pushing many people to develop anti-immigrant sentiments. Many Americans do not feel that opportunities should be available to those that have circumvented the legal immigration process (such as arrival on visitor visas and failure to return). People ignore many important facts and consequently, they make many decisions based on their biases, lack of analyzes and critical thinking.
When we deal with immigration, there have (always) been two sides arguing how good or bad immigration is for this country. Many conservative and extremist Americans oppose the opportunities for legalization to be given to the hard working and so-called illegal and/or undocumented immigrants who earn the minimum wage and are exposed to ruthless work conditions.
During George W. Bush tenure, the U.S. House of Representatives wanted to criminalize illegal immigration and on the other side, the Senate wanted to create a path to legalization. This issue was dividing this country. Ritzer (2002) questioned the rationality and humanism of this society. He pointed out that we accept both the rationality and humanism because they are part of our ‘mythological code’ meaning that what is good for capitalism is good for the country, and consequently good for the people, regardless of who they are.
I hope I have been able to persuade you to persevere because it is an important aspect for social integration and achievement. The self-determination and willingness to take action in order to achieve the American dream is also paramount. Immigrants should believe that future would depend greatly on the work done now in order to guarantee stability, especially when they walk their way deep into the process of U.S. naturalization. I must say that the process of integration and citizenship in the United States can be confusing, difficult, and intimidating for many immigrants--but once one is an American citizen, the advantages surpass the pain. (Being Cape-Verdean in America - forthcoming).
References
Bentley, J. (1986). Refugees: Search for haven. Julian Messner. New York.
Daily Paul Liberty Forum (2009), US wealth distribution: 10% of US citizens own 70.9% of all US assets. Retrieved March 28, 2011 from http://dailypaul.com/111232/us-wealth-distribution-10-of-us-citizens-own-709-of-all-us-assets
Dudley, W. (2002). Illegal immigration: Opposing viewpoints. Thomson Gale.
Dudley, W. (2003). Examining issues through political cartoons: Illegal immigration. Thomson Gale.
Lamm, R. (March, 1990). The U.S. should limit immigration. In Bender, D., Leone, B.& Dudley, W. (1990). Immigration: Opposing viewpoints. (pp.105-112). San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, Inc.
Ritzer, G. (June 2002). The disenchanted Kingdom: George Ritzer on the Disappearance of Authentic American culture. Published in the Sun and retrieved from http://www.derrickjensen.org/ritzer.html on May 1, 2006.
Wolf, E. R. (1982). Europe and the people without history. The Regents of the University of California
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