Our New Americans

Migrants have faced many challenges during and after their move to the United States, especially those who arrive with little education. Over the course of many years, several minority groups, including Columbians have faced the problem of being classified as Hispanic, even though they originate from many different countries.

The most notable waves of Columbian immigrants were in the years following World War II, and then again in the1980s. The latter group fled unrest in their home country, and as a result, many arrived with little education which severely limited their employment options. Earlier immigrants however, were more prepared and better educated, and therefore were able to assimilate into mainstream culture with ease.(Schaeffer, 2006) Although many Columbians leave to settle in other countries, the 2000 census showed that there were "460,000 Colombian foreign born in the US" (Bérubé, 2005, ¶ 7).

While many Columbian immigrants overcome poverty, there are those are employed in low paying jobs, while others operate or work in service industries which cater to people of their origin. Racism and poverty are a constant source of distress for Columbians, many of whom find themselves in a double jeopardy situation because of their African ancestry. Although many Columbians may share a common language with countless other Central and South American groups, they continue to live with the same level of discrimination and societal oppression which is directed at most of the Black and Hispanic population.

Similar to Columbians, Puerto Ricans also find themselves the target of prejudice. Puerto Ricans were given United States citizenship in 1914, but due to the physical resemblance they are often mistaken for Mexicans. In addition to this, some Puerto Ricans also have dark skin as a result of the African presence when slavery was in force on the island. The similarities of appearance and ability to speak Spanish contribute to the stereotypical views by most non-whites that Puerto Ricans are also part of the Hispanic or Latino group. Puerto Ricans do not classify their people as merely black or white, but rather on a scale of skin color from light to dark. This gradient system means that unlike the United States, Puerto Ricans as well as other groups from Central and South America are less likely to attribute their differences with others based on the presence of black or white skin.

Even though Puerto Ricans migrate to mainland U.S.A., they often return home to their islands to seek a new life for themselves. Those who choose to do so are often unwelcomed because they now have a better education a brighter economic future than those who stayed on the island. Locals refer to these returning residents as Neoricans (Shaeffer, 2006). From a political point of view, Puerto Ricans are divided in their desire to attain independence. While many see it as a means to carving a unique identity, others insist that breaking the close ties with the United States would jeopardize their rights to migrate to the mainland. Many of the islanders travel annually to work in seasonal jobs and then return to the island; if independence was granted, the right to be employed in the United States would also be terminated.

A small segment of what we have come to know as the Hispanic population in the United States, are Cuban Americans. Once again, the Spanish language is one common thread between Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and some other Latin Americans. Cubans however, enjoy a much greater sense of identity and a better lifestyle than those who are of Mexican descent.

Although Cubans have been present in the United States for around 250 years, a much larger settlement of Cubans came after Castro's rise to power. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 curved the numbers of Cubans entering America, but since then there has also been agreements to allow the entry of refugees. Today, Cubans are the third largest group of Latinos in the United States, and the majority of them live in Florida. Many Cubans are independent business people who cater to the needs of their own, and other Latino groups in the service industry. Like Columbians, Cubans are a close-knit community, and seem to prosper far better than other Latino groups in the areas of education and employment. Cubans do not like being referred to collectively as Hispanics or Latino, and many openly shun the panethnic terms. In many ways, Cubans seem to be respected far more than Mexicans, Puerto Ricans or any other Latino group.

The largest segments of the Hispanic group are Mexicans. Despite the millions of Mexican Americans who are U.S. born citizens, they are collectively given a bad reputation for being illegal aliens who are of a lower class, and who are prone to violence (Commission on Civil Rights, 1980). Many Mexican Americans first became citizens following the Mexican-American war. Thousands of Mexicans were granted citizenship after the United States acquired land previously belonging to Mexico. During the gold rush years Whites became increasingly greedy and acquired land previously granted to Mexican Americans; at time by illegal means (Shaeffer, 2006). Similar to the experience of Native Americans, Mexican American citizens found themselves being stripped of land which was rightfully theirs.

Despite the proximity of Mexico to the United States, lifestyles of the people are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Poverty is the motivator for most of the immigration from Mexico to the United States, and much of the agricultural industry employs seasonal laborers from across the southern borders. As much of this movement is not documented by immigration authorities, many Mexican nationals find themselves being detained and deported, while those who are legal residents or citizens of the United States continue their battle for a peaceful life free of prejudice and discriminatory actions by White society.

Mexicans in general have poor health, live in poverty and achieve a much lower level of education than all other minority groups in the United States. A young Mexican woman's role in the family helps to foster the problem of being exempt from education and social activities to some extent, although Mexican males are more likely to enjoy the benefits of mainstream America because their roles are largely outside of the home as providers. In general, life is difficult for most Mexican Americans due to racial profiling and poverty from menial jobs because of their lack of education.

One thing all members of the Hispanic society do value is the privilege of being present in the United States. They arrive for many reasons, and most are keen to learn the English language while maintaining cultural and family traditions within the family unit. Unlike many non-Hispanic citizens, Hispanics can see the value of obtaining a good education and subsequent employment, while at the same time caring for the elderly members of their extended families. We have a lot to learn from our new Americans, but sadly, most will never fully understand these proud people due to prejudice and ignorance.

Reference

Bérubé, M. (2005, November). Colombian Migration Flows and Policies of Receiving Countries. Retrieved March 2009, from Migration Policy Institute: http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=344

Schaefer, R. T. (2006). Racial and Ethnic Groups, Tenth Edition. Prentice-Hall by Pearson Education.