Immigrants v.s. Low-skilled Americans
There are many arguments that go against the increase and steady flow of immigration and the one's that will be explored today are typically economically oriented arguments.
If there is an increase in the need of workers, companies tend to pay less when it comes to the hiring process. It is implied that firms and companies tend to favor employees who don't expect higher salaries, which leads to the argument that immigrants take away jobs because they are susceptible to settle for lower incomes. Is pride getting in the way of some Americans in terms of settling for a job or is immigration really stifling job opportunities for native-born Americans?
There is of course, the argument that "high-skilled immigration really can make America wealthier" because of the fact that eventually, it will produce more productive tax payers in American society. While researching "the other side", I am able to see the apparent financial consequences that come with immigration, even if my personal opinions lean more towards on the moral obligations of providing care for refugees and those seeking a better, more fulfilling life.
Although, there is data from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that states that "the impact of wages on the wages of native-born workers overall is very small." There is another factor that comes in that shows that immigration decreases the amount of work native-born teens have to work.
With all this information, there is still a voice in my head that is asking whether or not it is immoral to judge an individual based on their level of intellect and skill. What makes a wealthy immigrant with experience more superior than a family struggling to survive and are living from paycheck to paycheck? Who knows what contributions low "skilled" and "educated" people can bring to American society? In fact, it's quite inspiring seeing individuals rise even when dozens of obstacles were once thrown their way. I wouldn't want to take away from the beauty of the "American Dream" or the ambitions of people. No one can ever choose how much wealth and stability they are born with, but individuals are able to climb the social ladder if their ambitions align with their actions. That is what immigration provides for yearning individuals.
It's all been a debate on whether or not we should focus on financial consequences on America's native-born people or if we should allow those seeking the American Dream to still be apart of American society. Although, it would probably be less of a debate and more of a compromise if policy makers and politicians worked together to make compromises in immigration reform. Providing an increase of support for Americans (low-income, low-educated) and uplifting their desires while still having an open mind for the influx of immigrants is something that America should aim for.
If there is an increase in the need of workers, companies tend to pay less when it comes to the hiring process. It is implied that firms and companies tend to favor employees who don't expect higher salaries, which leads to the argument that immigrants take away jobs because they are susceptible to settle for lower incomes. Is pride getting in the way of some Americans in terms of settling for a job or is immigration really stifling job opportunities for native-born Americans?
There is of course, the argument that "high-skilled immigration really can make America wealthier" because of the fact that eventually, it will produce more productive tax payers in American society. While researching "the other side", I am able to see the apparent financial consequences that come with immigration, even if my personal opinions lean more towards on the moral obligations of providing care for refugees and those seeking a better, more fulfilling life.
Although, there is data from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that states that "the impact of wages on the wages of native-born workers overall is very small." There is another factor that comes in that shows that immigration decreases the amount of work native-born teens have to work.
With all this information, there is still a voice in my head that is asking whether or not it is immoral to judge an individual based on their level of intellect and skill. What makes a wealthy immigrant with experience more superior than a family struggling to survive and are living from paycheck to paycheck? Who knows what contributions low "skilled" and "educated" people can bring to American society? In fact, it's quite inspiring seeing individuals rise even when dozens of obstacles were once thrown their way. I wouldn't want to take away from the beauty of the "American Dream" or the ambitions of people. No one can ever choose how much wealth and stability they are born with, but individuals are able to climb the social ladder if their ambitions align with their actions. That is what immigration provides for yearning individuals.
It's all been a debate on whether or not we should focus on financial consequences on America's native-born people or if we should allow those seeking the American Dream to still be apart of American society. Although, it would probably be less of a debate and more of a compromise if policy makers and politicians worked together to make compromises in immigration reform. Providing an increase of support for Americans (low-income, low-educated) and uplifting their desires while still having an open mind for the influx of immigrants is something that America should aim for.
Of course there are serious and varying implications to immigration, both on the high-skills end and regarding refugee immigration, too. I think a basic economic argument for allowing immigration in general is that our society is built in a pyramid--we need more citizens at the bottom to continue to pay taxes and into our social security net to cover older workers when they retire. So if Americans aren't all having 3+ children each, then our population won't grow enough to support that structure. So immigration is quite necessary financially; and there are plenty of jobs that most Americans don't want to do--think work in agriculture. So there is a demand for many of these immigrants but people just want to make blanket arguments about these immigrants taking white-collar jobs (doesn't usually happen). Perhaps more study and education on these issues would allow the general public to understand the economic nuances of necessary immigration?
ReplyDeleteYes, I absolutely agree! There are so many jobs that many people in America don't necessarily want and will not tolerate. Especially in agriculture and labor-emphasized jobs.
DeleteBut, immigrants will most likely take any opportunity that comes their way. I've watched this first hand through my parents, and I've seen them tolerate the sometimes unacceptable work conditions they have had in past jobs. They dealt with those conditions no matter what. In my head, I could not fathom how they managed to cope knowing how people treated them and the environments they were in. I felt conflicted knowing that they were doing this to provide for me and my family, but I never wanted them to be placed in a position that dehumanized them.
I agree that the general public would benefit from more study and education in immigration as well! That would definitely create progress in the future of immigration and the reform that goes along with it.
One thing that always comes to mind when the "immigrants taking american jobs" argument comes up is the common type of jobs that are associated with immigrant workers. You brought up the fact that low wage blue collar jobs are usually those offered to immigrants especially those who come from poorer countries with close to nothing. These hands on jobs are ones that I believe many (american) people are too prideful or unskilled in certain areas to take in the first place. They tend to compare apples to oranges. Being laid-off from a computer analysis job is not comparable to or the direct fault of a fruit farmer or free-lance worker. All this said I do like this topic you've chosen for the believing game because it seems to be one (at least to me) that is insanely difficult to switch over for on either side of the argument.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree! It was quite difficult playing the believing game for me on this topic. Although, it was interesting to see the mindset of those who are against immigration for these "economic" reasons. That is exactly why I set the question on whether or not immigrants are actually "taking" jobs or if pride is in the way of some Americans when dealing with certain jobs. I also really like the analogies you mentioned as well! I hope this creates more insight for both sides of the argument.
DeleteImmigration is one of the biggest conflict that’s happening the U.S. and not many American are comfortable to talk about it. It might be because of their pride, dignity, or something else. When some Americans are stating that ‘immigrants are stealing their job’ is it actually true? In my opinion, I would disagree with that statement. Immigrants don’t just show up to the place that’s hiring and skip the application process and interview and takes the job. They work hard, like any other Americans, and try their best to be hired. Do we [Americans] understand the without immigrants, America wouldn’t be the same as it is today? Now imagine if there weren’t immigrants in America. Many things will changes compared to how it currently is. Most immigrants won’t care what type of job it is (such as farm work, construction, housekeeping, etc.) as long that it will be enough [sometime barely] for food and shelter for their families.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how you said this topic is super uncomfortable for many Americans to talk about it, and maybe it's because of the lack of education and exposure to research on immigration! America provides opportunities for everyone and just because someone from a foreign country is out in America being successful and is providing for their family, it doesn't mean the average American should be threatened by their presence. And yes, immigrants are super hardworking and will take any opportunity that comes their way because of means of survival.
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