Privilege and Race (1)

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Privilege and Race Student's Name Institution Course Instructor Date
Privilege and Race The debate about the American immigration policy revolves around various basic ideas. Cultural diversity and assimilation is the first concept that relates to immigration. Considering this concept, some favor variety and immigrants retaining their background, while others argue for rigorous assimilation to protect national identity (Parrillo, 2014). Furthermore, white privilege is the second concept. This concept encompasses those advocating for stricter immigration regulations expressing concerns that an influx of immigrants could erode the longstanding advantages white Americans enjoy (TEDx Talks., 2017). On the other hand, supporters of more inclusive immigration policies argue that diversity enriches society by bringing various perspectives, talents, and cultural influences, making America more vibrant and dynamic. (Mcthosh, 1989). Finally, humanitarian concerns and the issue of border security come in handy. Some people want to implement stringent border controls for economic reasons and to guard against threats like terrorism. However, others feel that a less hostile approach might be adopted whereby the plight and vulnerabilities of the victims are considered. Comprehensive immigration reform could fix divisions on borders, assimilation, and humanitarian problems, contributing to national security benefits and promoting the advantages of diversity. Various immigration policies exist within America and other developed countries. The United States enjoys a long tradition of immigration and heterogeneous regulations, but certain developed countries practice more uniform policies. For instance, the United States has a family- based immigration policy that fosters familial cohesion and ethnic inclusion (Gubernskaya & Dreby, 2017). In contrast, countries such as Japan depend on employment-based immigration, limiting the process of securing citizenship by non-Japanese nationals. Also, in countries like
Canada, an advanced education and skill-based system is used to attract skilled immigrants. In contrast, the U.S. diversity visa lottery program promotes immigration from underrepresented countries ( Chand & Tung, 2019 ). Immigration law policies are incredibly different within advanced countries due to separate populations' needs, labor demands, and the nation's history. Many perceptions of Americans regarding immigration are heavily impacted by racism and ethnocentrism. These biases influence views regarding race or the immigrant's country of origin ( Parrillo, 2014 ). Immigrants from Europe have always enjoyed a preferred status relative to those from Asian, Latin, and African countries. These forms of bias give rise to unfair treatment and discrimination against some immigrants. They also establish patterns of value in immigrant categories. Such biased perception may result in immigration policies that support or marginalize certain immigrant groups, causing further societal segregation. However, we must acknowledge those biases and develop an immigration policy that values diversity and human rights above any race or ethnicity. The US government must use a balanced strategy to solve the immigration problem. Improved management of borders assures internal security and prevention of undesired migration. But at the same time, there should be a similarly strong focus on the humanitarian element (Parrillo, 2014). Reducing the motivation to cross borders illegally is possible by making administrative procedures faster to obtain residency and other legal status. This requires comprehensive immigration reforms that outline an understandable and accessible process of getting documented for illegals. Such measures would be consistent with the US value of fairness towards all and protecting national security interests. A more fair and effective immigration policy focuses on striking an equilibrium between security and compassion.
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References Gubernskaya, Z., & Dreby, J. (2017). US immigration policy and the case for family unity. Journal on Migration and Human Security , 5 (2), 417-430. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/233150241700500210 Parrillo, V. N. (2014). Strangers to these shores . Boston, MA: Pearson. Chand, M., & Tung, R. L. (2019). Skilled immigration to fill talent gaps: A comparison of the immigration policies of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Journal of International Business Policy , 2 , 333-355. https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/joibpo/v2y2019i4d10.1057_s42214-019-00039-4.html TEDx Talks. (2017, May 19). I grew up in poverty. Here's why I recognize my white privilege | Tom Rietz | TEDxDePaulUniversity [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=xp8YYVxIeVQ