Immigration has shaped American culture from its founding. The “melting pot” United States attracts immigrants worldwide seeking opportunities. Since the 1600s, immigration has shaped American culture, politics, and economy. Immigration has always divided Americans. Americans have debated immigration laws, illegal immigration, and how many people should be allowed in for decades. Immigration policy has changed according to economic, social, political, and public opinion factors. No straightforward solution exists for this topic or its questions. This essay will aim to respond to Theodore Roosevelt’s 1907 statement, respond to the Thomas article, and provide further research on immigration in America.
Theodore Roosevelt’s 1907 comment on immigration and integration prompts deep reflection on the meaning of American citizenship and patriotism. The ongoing immigration and national identity conflicts in the United States demonstrate the continued relevance of his argument. Nevertheless, we must consider the historical moment in which his comments were written and acknowledge the changes in perspective towards immigration and diversity since then.
Roosevelt’s statement represented the general attitude about immigration in the early 20th century when the US received large numbers of immigrants from Europe. Immigrants were expected to absorb American culture to become citizens. This necessitated taking on American ideals, language, and culture instead of their own. To be treated fairly, immigrants must become “nothing but an American,” Roosevelt’s comment illustrates this idea.
This idea of assimilation has been criticized as problematic and outdated. It has been argued that immigrants must maintain all of the cultural practices that allow them to be known as total residents of the USA. They differ in favor of a national identity that is extra accepting of its citizens’ many cultural identities. More and more people are beginning to see how racism and inequality have hindered the integration of immigrants and minorities into mainstream American life.
While instances have been modified, Roosevelt’s words are nevertheless timely. Many individuals, mainly the ones involved in discussions about immigration and countrywide security, place a premium allegiance to the American people and a dedication to American beliefs. Nevertheless, the 21st century may present a significantly different interpretation and enforcement of these ideals compared to the early 20th century. We must reevaluate what it means to be an American as American tradition develops and diversifies, and we deal with everyone equally and respectfully.
The article emphasizes the importance of immigration to the development of America, highlighting that all Americans except Native Americans were once immigrants to the land. It makes the case that the social re-mixing due to immigration was crucial to the progress of the United States and ultimately produced a more diversified society. This is an important argument because it emphasizes how the United States’ reputation as a cultural crossroads has always been an integral part of the country’s identity (Thomas 8). Immigrants, the article continues, gave the United States a distinctive character crucial to its growth. This view is backed by the fact that Americans have benefited from adapting to a diverse mosaic of cultures and interpretations of the truth. The article says that immigrants were crucial in constructing America’s infrastructure and expanding its borders, suggesting that their impact was far broader than cultural. The article concludes by arguing that liberties in the United States have advanced thanks to the efforts of immigrants (Thomas 13). A more accepting and welcoming society was partly facilitated by the influx of people from different cultural backgrounds and linguistic traditions that immigrants brought to the United States. The article concludes that the records of immigration to the USA have consistently improved and expanded rights and liberties.
Throughout its history, immigration has performed a vital function in molding the American way of life as people worldwide have introduced their languages, traditions, and rituals to America. Hispanic/Latino culture, formed by waves of immigration from Latin America and the Caribbean, is among the most influential in contemporary American society. Hispanic and Latino American culture in the United States has evolved in large part due to the process of assimilation. Many Spanish immigrants to the USA have struggled to evolve into the American lifestyle because of linguistic and societal limitations (Sequeira et al., 390). Many, though, have integrated into American society while keeping their customs alive. For instance, many Americans have adopted Hispanic cultural practices, such as eating and listening to Hispanic food and music.
Nevertheless, difficulties have arisen along the way of absorption. Unfortunately, some Latinos have experienced bias and prejudice in the workplace and the classroom. Bilingual education and the value of cultural variety have also been heated discussions in recent years in the United States. Despite these obstacles, Hispanic and Latino culture in the United States continues to rise in prominence. Cultural traditions of Spanish Americans are being loved and embraced by Americans of all backgrounds, and Hispanic Americans are becoming increasingly essential in politics, leisure, and different sectors of American society (Sequeira et al., 400). Recognizing the contributions of all cultures and working toward a society that appreciates diversity and tolerance are crucial as immigration continues to change American society.
In conclusion, immigration is a hallmark of American culture that has helped shape and enrich the country. Notwithstanding the continued polarization surrounding discussions of immigration guidelines and integration, it is critical to mention the valuable contributions that immigrants have made to American tradition and society. As the population of the United States continues to diversify, it is more important than ever to foster an environment that welcomes and appreciates people of various backgrounds. Doing so will help us create a more stable and unified country.
Thomas, Kessner, “Immigration | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.” Www.gilderlehrman.org, 1 Mar. 2017, www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/curriculum/immigration. Accessed 8 Apr. 2023.
Sequeira, Sandra, Nathan Nunn, and Nancy Qian. “Immigrants and the Making of America.” The Review of Economic Studies 87.1 (2020): 382-419.