Keep Ya Head Up!
Attitudes of Americans appear to be changing towards immigration. “For the first time on record, the number of Americans who believe legal immigration should be increased (32 percent) has surpassed the number who believe it should be decreased (24 percent). Those numbers are almost exactly reversed from the results of a CBS/NYT poll from 10 years ago—then 32 percent of Americans favored decreasing legal immigration while 23 percent favored increasing it.”[1](Nwanevu, 2018) This shift in sentiment is promising for those attempting to settle down and build lives in their new homeland.
The latest version of US immigration policy is set to grant a record low number of refugee visas in 2018. For many immigrants living in the United States true hope for a successful and safe future for themselves and their families is waning. When it was initially created the refugee program was designed to aid those who were being persecuted by Hitler’s Nazi regime. “Albert Einstein, for whom the planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum is named… was not only a brilliant scientist and a Nobel Laureate; he was also a German-born refugee and a fierce advocate for immigrant rights.”[2](Skorton, 2018) Maintaining optimism in the face of surmounting bad odds may well be the mainstay of the immigrant community living in the United States today.
Leaving ones homeland in search of a better life is a brave and courageous move. Some leave looking for better economic stability and others are escaping tyranny and oppression. “They made the journey here because they saw our nation as a beacon of hope and opportunity and freedom. Our present debate about immigration, therefore, is not merely about policy; rather, it is about what it means to be an American, and whether that beacon will continue to shine.”[3](Skorton, 2018) Worries over economic and/or physical safety are now pouring into the new lives they were once so excited to begin.
There are signs of support for the community popping up across the country. All over the US people are protesting the actions of this administration and their treatment of immigrants and their families. “[More] than 400 kids from across Ohio marched to the Statehouse steps to advocate for immigrant children who’ve been separated from their families. These kids tell us their voices are powerful and believe lawmakers will listen.”[4](Orozco, 2018) While governmental crackdowns are resulting in families being torn apart, there are signs of silver linings. Not the least of with is the growing voice of those who fight for humanitarian and protective efforts to keep shining the beacon of hope to the tired hungry and poor clamoring for safety.
While circumstances are not ideal for those seeking refuge on American soil, the alternatives still appear too dangerous for serious consideration. This means for many, facing xenophobic rhetoric is preferable to death at the hands of gang members or even governments. Simultaneously we are witnessing the growing roar of those who choose to speak out against what they see as the hypocritical injustices.
[1] Nwanevu, Osita, (July 5th, 2018) Is Donald Trump Winning on Immigration? https://slate.me/2u8gAUd
[2] Skorton, David, J (July 4th, 2018) Immigrants helped build our nation. We need to embrace them, not exclude them https://usat.ly/2L0gHaP
[3] Skorton, David, J (July 4th, 2018) Immigrants helped build our nation. We need to embrace them, not exclude them https://usat.ly/2L0gHaP
[4] Orozco, Jackie, (July 6th, 2018) More than 400 children from across Ohio rallied for immigrant children https://bit.ly/2KNS9oD
