Immigration
(immigrate-to come to a country of which one is not native, usually for permanent
residence (Dictionary.reference.com) in this world plays a major role in many
areas such as diversity, cultural inspiration upon the community and of course
an increase in population. Although it may seem like much, only eight to twelve
point five percent of the United States is made up of immigrants. Many
individuals come in this world for a better lifestyle, to get out of their poor
living conditions that exists within
their country, to have their children receive a better education, and also to
have a chance to receive more opportunities. Luckily, many individuals can come
legally and receive all the opportunities they came into the United States for,
but a lot of times people come here undocumented and unfortunately have to make
a living by working “off the books” while being afraid that they can get
deported back to their country at any
moment. Although many advantages come along with moving into the United States back
in the 1800’s
many problems arose that affected many individuals both mentally and physically.
“Between 1846 and 1860,
large numbers of Irish immigrants sought relief in the U.S. and many settled
here, at least until the next wave of immigration swept them out” (B.G. p.119). Even
though they came here and obtained jobs life was still difficult for them. When
a person first migrates and tries to adjust to the new lifestyle “There is or of not
being fully oneself and not being “seen” by others as a whole person who has competence
and skills “(Ainslie,
p.560). Most of the time a person it not treated respectfully because they
cannot speak the language well and others automatically assume they do not have
skills for certain jobs to be done. This then leads to a decrease in self
confidence and raises the thought in one’s head if this was the right choice for
themselves. “Acceptance
or rejection that societies offer to their immigrant families and children will
exert a major impact on their psychosocial adjustment “ (Chuang,Gielen p.275).
Adjustment to a new place is one of the hardest and sometimes most longest things
for a person to accomplish. Even though it was hard many immigrants avoided
that issue because they realized that might have been their final chance in
surviving compared to their former living conditions.
Physical
damage can also occur during the process of adjustment. Back in the 1800’s specifically in the
Lower East Side of Manhattan many immigrates were migrating in this area and
starting families. When families were being started health became a major
concern and due to the unsanitary living conditions in the streets and what
animals were eating resulted negative outcomes in human’s health because of
their consumption of the animals. The immigrants did not have enough money and
were slightly uneducated in making proper health decisions which led to death
of many family members especially young children.
Although
many problems occurred with immigrants this did not stop anyone from coming in.
“The
high-water mark of immigration came in the early years of the 20th century”(B.G. p. 119). Individuals
were coming in and moving to Manhattan, Brooklyn and Bronx . With the
population increasing this resulted in the economy in doing well. Among
immigration comes the availability of more workers which increases the economy
of America.
Overall,
as one may see immigrating into another country is not an easy process. However,
to that individual it may be the best thing for them regardless of what the
future may hold. Moving into a place that provides opportunity to gain a job or
live in better living conditions maybe the better choice for that individual. Although
America was not at it’s
best during the 1800’s
immigrants considered it to be good for them. Comparing 1800’s immigration and
present day immigration, people currently immigrating is doing are a good
thing. Many countries today do not help out the population in food or health
with leaves a lot of individuals dying. America has shaped up itself so much since the
1800’s
that currently it turns out to be one of the best places to live.
References
Ainslie.R. (2011). Immigration
And The Psychodynamics Of Class. Psychoanalytic Psychology. 28(4), 560-568
Chuang.S.S., Gielen.U.P. (2009).
Understanding Immigrant Familes From Around The World: Introduction to the
Special Issue. 23 (3), 275-278
Presentin Wright, C.V. (2008).
Blue Guide: New York (4th ed.,) pg (493) United States
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