The Harm of Immigration and Cultural Stereotypes

Illegal immigration has been a hot button issue in the United States within the last few years. With the rise of media coverage has also come the rise of misinformation, wrongful stereotypes and ignorant attitudes. Instead of aiding in a solution for the growing illegal immigration problem these stereotypes and misinformations lead to violent hate crimes, injustices and prejudices. In a country that was based on freedom and immigration these acts of ignorant prejudice reflect on the nation in a negative light by which it is judged in the eyes of those around the globe. Not only do these stereotypes affect the treatment that many immigrants, both legal and illegal, experience but they also affect the treatment and quality of life for many minority race Americans as well.

The main problem with the stereotypes is that many people believe them as truths and then develop serious prejudices against anyone they believe to be of the origin the stereotype is about. That in itself creates many problems for people of all races and class. Currently is a problem which is affecting many Americans of Latin or Hispanic decent or origin as well as those of Islamic or Middle Eastern origin or decent. It affects not only issues of safety but job security, employment and general everyday community treatments. Many believe the endless stereotypes in circulation and fail to realize that not every person of ethnic decent is an immigrant and that not every immigrant is an illegal one. Hate crimes toward ethnic owned businesses and residences have been steadily on the rise since immigration has become a more politically charged issue and since media outlets have followed suite and have failed to report on all but one angle of the subject. These crimes are a direct result of excess stereotypes and zero education on or sensitivity to the many diverse cultures that together make up a great part of the US population.

One way for Americans today to better understand the reasons for and truthful effects of immigrations is to carefully study the culturally rich and diverse history of the United States. It is a country that was funded by immigrants for immigrants and without passports or green cards in hand. Immigration and cultural diversity have long been a source of pride and respect for the US. It is crucial that Americans realize that immigration is not the issue at hand. Illegal immigration is the issue. Instead of alienating people on the basis of the country they were born in, efforts would be better spent to realistically find solutions that benefit all parties involved. Spending millions of dollars to cover up and avoid the issue entirely is clearly not working and a waste of valuable resources. By understanding our own diverse history we can then educate ourselves against the wrongful stereotypes and avoid alienating our fellow Americans both present and future.

Instead of placing belief in the misguided and uneducated stereotypes that are rapidly spreading today, it is important to seek the truth and educating ourselves as to the matter. The more that Americans of different origins, descents, beliefs and faiths can understand one another then the less prejudice, hate, intolerance and fear that there will be. The United States of America is known as a diverse and beautiful melting pot of cultures and dreams, the prejudice and hate that spread through ignorant stereotypes threaten to ruin that very essence of harmony that this country was founded to be.