Immigration and Citizenship: Presentation

This week, we focus on the controversial topic of immigration and citizenship. As you learned there have been several distinct waves of immigration in U.S. history, beginning with the conquest of Native Americans by Europeans. From 1840 to 1860, 4 million immigrants entered the United States mainly from northwestern Europe, followed by another 25 million from 1880 to 1920. The “newest” immigrants are those arriving in the United States after 1960, some 24 million mainly from Latin America and Asia. For this assignment, students will demonstrate and expand their knowledge and understanding on immigration and citizenship.

Within the presentation, students will answer the following questions:

· What is meant by immigration and citizenship? What is the difference between the two?

· List three reasons why people immigrate/migrate to the United States. Please be specific.

· Identify and discuss two United States immigration laws.

· Explain how immigration has at least 3 positive impacts on the United States.

· Explain how immigration has at least 3 negative impacts on the United States.

· Discuss sociological views on illegal immigration. Apply three social concepts and one social theory. Sociological theories include functionalism, conflict theory, feminist theory, symbolic interactionism, and others as mentioned in our readings and materials.

· Discuss three ways to improve legal immigration.

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Sample Answer

What is meant by immigration and citizenship? What is the difference between the two?

  • Immigration is the process of leaving one country or region to settle in another.
  • Citizenship is the membership in a political society.

The main difference between immigration and citizenship is that immigration is a process, while citizenship is a status. Immigrants are people who have moved to a new country, but they may not yet be citizens. Citizens are people who have full legal rights and responsibilities in a country.

Three reasons why people immigrate/migrate to the United States:

  1. Economic opportunity: Many people immigrate to the United States in search of better economic opportunities. The United States has a strong economy and a high standard of living.

Full Answer Section

  1. Education: The United States has some of the best universities in the world. Many people immigrate to the United States to pursue higher education.
  2. Family reunification: Many people immigrate to the United States to join family members who are already living here.

Two United States immigration laws:

  1. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: This law abolished the national origins quota system, which had previously limited immigration from certain countries. The 1965 law also established a preference system for family reunification and skilled workers.
  2. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996: This law increased border security and made it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status. The law also established a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which protects undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from deportation.

Three positive impacts of immigration on the United States:

  1. Economic growth: Immigrants contribute to the US economy by starting businesses, creating jobs, and paying taxes.
  2. Cultural diversity: Immigrants bring their cultures and traditions to the United States, which enriches the country’s society.
  3. Innovation: Immigrants are often more likely to start businesses and take risks than native-born Americans. This innovation is essential for economic growth.

Three negative impacts of immigration on the United States:

  1. Competition for jobs: Immigrants can compete with native-born Americans for jobs, especially in low-wage industries.
  2. Strain on public services: Immigrants can strain public services, such as schools and hospitals.
  3. Social unrest: Immigration can sometimes lead to social unrest, especially when there is a large influx of immigrants from a particular country or region.

Sociological views on illegal immigration:

  • Functionalism: Functionalists argue that illegal immigration fills important roles in the US economy. For example, undocumented immigrants often work in dangerous and low-wage jobs that native-born Americans are unwilling to do.
  • Conflict theory: Conflict theorists argue that illegal immigration is a result of the global capitalist system. They argue that corporations exploit workers in poor countries, which forces them to migrate to the United States in search of better opportunities.
  • Symbolic interactionism: Symbolic interactionists argue that illegal immigration is shaped by social interactions. For example, they argue that the way that the media portrays undocumented immigrants can influence public opinion and policy.

Three ways to improve legal immigration:

  1. Increase the number of visas available for skilled workers. This would allow the United States to attract and retain talented workers from around the world.
  2. Create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria. This would allow undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows and contribute to the US economy and society.
  3. Streamline the immigration process. This would make it easier for people to immigrate to the United States legally.

It is important to note that these are just a few of the many sociological views on immigration. The issue of immigration is complex and there is no easy answer. It is important to have a thoughtful and informed discussion about immigration in order to develop policies that are fair and beneficial for everyone.

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