Why Hispanics Face a Daunting Problem When it Comes to Immigration

Hispanics have the same immigration issues every other ethnic group had upon first arriving in the US. A new land, a new culture, and adaptation. However, the crucial difference between the Irish, the Italians, the Jews, and the Hispanics is that there exists a self-condemning resistance to assimilate. This is due to the fact that, frankly, most of them partially live (whether emotionally or physically) in their home countries and their goals are often to come in, make money, and leave.

This "ideal" is especially difficult when it is perpetuated throughout generations. They commit these ideas to their US-born offspring by way of stigma in the Hispanic community if you act too "American" or if you refuse to speak Spanish. It is considered an insult on your own family, heritage, and blood if you behave in any way to outwardly reject being Hispanic (defined sometimes as simple as not eating ethnic foods).

This "love of home country" phenomenon is best exemplified by the Italian community, which Hispanics should take cues from. Italians are English-speaking Americans who have a fervor for their roots that doesn't inhibit their ability to fully participate in this country as social citizens.

The problem is further worsened by media. Hispanic media expresses itself in two tiers to accommodate everyone in the family. First is the fully Spanish content that explores news and weather from all of South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. This is geared towards the older, or newer, immigrants and usually these people are the heads of the household. The second tier is for those in between, combining multi-lingual content for young adults who are Americanized to some extent yet are still emotionally invested in their home countries. This can be anything from channels on CW in SAP or Latin Pop.

Although it may seem like the nation is going bi-lingual for the mere 12% of the population who speak Spanish, this is not a beneficial instrument in socially aiding Hispanics. I know someone who emigrated from Cuba in 1978. He's lived here ever since. He can only say 3 things in English. While Spanish radio stations, channels on basic cable, and magazines are countless, to watch a channel in Polish, Russian, French, Italian, or Japanese, you need to pay a fee.

Part of this complex issue is that Hispanics view this as a sign of progress ("our voice is being heard in this country") and while Lou Dobbs argues with CNN anchors about how Spanish should be a core language in this country, it isn't. This nation was founded out of resistance to England and it is a crucial part of its identity. Additionally, English is the international language of business and commerce.

During my time in college, I did a study on ethnic identity and examined how the Irish managed to move up the ladder. Business as usual, was the short answer. In order for the progression of the Irish from loathed émigrés to more American than America, they had to engage in business practices and financial activity that was already set in place when they arrived. In order for that to happen, they had to assimilate.