Changing opinions on immigrants
An article in the Christian Science Monitor, quoted at Hispanic Trending:
There’s no doubt that Americans are concerned about the issue. “A growing number believe that immigrants are a burden to the country, taking jobs and housing and creating strains on the healthcare system,” the Pew Hispanic Center wrote recently. “Many people also worry about the cultural impact of the expanding number of newcomers in the US.”
Between 2000 and 2006, for example, the percentage of those polled who feel that immigrants are a burden because they take jobs and housing grew from 38 percent to 52 percent. At the same time, those who feel that immigrants “strengthen the US with their hard work and talents” dropped from 50 percent to 41 percent. In just the past 15 months, those who say “the growing number of newcomers from other countries threaten traditional American customs and values” has grown from 40 percent to 48 percent. Meanwhile, those who say newcomers “strengthen American society” has dropped from 50 percent to 45 percent.
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
I am from Canada, but lived in USA for 3 years, so I had to express my opinion about that article.
It is interesting how is that the “number of newcomers is growing” USA didn’t make any proceures easier on foreigners. Quite the opposite,from 2008 even Canadians will have to use the passport to enter USA. There are also a lot of researchs (read previous Forbes issue) that shows that immigrants and their first generation children, are more succesfull than American born. So I wonder how do they “threaten american customs and values.”
Thank you, Mr. R. You have an important perspective, and I’m glad you shared it. I feel these are important issues to discuss.