When thinking about the idea that boundaries are more than just physical I think that there are many different point of views in which you can address it from and all seem to show interconnections to social and cultural boundaries. I think overall when engaging upon the topic of immigration one must go about defining the so-called “problem” at hand. Looking back in America’s history we are a society that is quick to act on a situation that is not in our favor or out of the normal, but not necessarily a problem by other’s standards. We have proclaimed that immigration negatively impacts our country due to that immigrants take our jobs and are free riders when it comes to obtaining benefits. I think this prevalent idea that immigrants are taking our jobs does have some truth to it, but that doesn’t mean it is good or bad. We as a society have praised that America is the land of the free and home of the brave. A place where all individuals have the ability to chase the American dream and live a life of prosperity. So how can we criticize and claim immigrants cause problems when they are indeed just like those who have built our country to where it stands today. I recently read an article in the New York Times relating to the status of U.S. border patrol in the southern U.S. along Mexico. The author spoke about how the smuggling of illegal drugs and guns is an increasing problem due to the high demand being fronted by Americans on U.S. soil. One can easily see that this not only affects the safety with in the U.S., but also hurts Mexican immigrants wanting to obtain entry into America. Mexican immigrants now face a stronger physical barrier relating to heightened U.S. border patrol, but also social barriers as a result of newly acclaimed stereotypes. Stereotypes that depict Mexican immigrants as those who are trying to bring harm to America by smuggling drugs and weapons. We as a society have to realize that this activity is also occurring within our own cities and that this rising problem is a result of our actions. One must realize we have no social right to deny many of the Mexican immigrants entry to our country. Many of which are seeking entry out of desperation to survive or to make a better life for themselves. I also think the real problem is that Americans have become desensitized to the idea that life in America has always been prosperous. American society has come to adapt the point of view of how can I achieve success with putting in the least amount of effort. With the advancements in technology and fast paced lifestyles we have lost sight of the reality that the only way to prosper is through hard work and dedication. A reality that many immigrants know and willingly support as their reasoning for migrating to a place where such opportunities are available.
To solve problems, such as immigration, we tend to go about it two ways in which we address a problem with a public policy or we allow our public policy to create the vision of our problem. This is where I think the idea of boundaries comes into play in that boundaries are created due the solutions we provide to our problems. For instance after World War II when many immigrants were brought to the U.S. to do work in factories and then once the work was done our government began deporting them back. One can see that a physical boundary was set in that immigrants were not allowed to remain in America to live and work. But one cannot help to think that the policy we instilled not only created this physical boundary, but also a social boundary throughout American society. Our solution created this vision for many Americans that immigrants negatively impacted our work force due to their overpowering presence. When in reality, back then and in the present, immigrants account for a substantial amount of the American work force. A work force that allows for the continued success and prosperity witnessed here within America.
I also think that physical boundaries not only create, but they seem to strengthen the intangible social and cultural boundaries of society. Social and cultural boundaries can exist, but as many Americans do one can allow themselves to believe they are not there or are have little significance. The policies we offer and physical boundaries that are created as a result bring these intangible boundaries to reality and make them seem as concrete as the policy itself. One can go onto think about how this knowingly affects immigrants who are kept out, but also affects those who are already accepted with in American society. Although those with in society are not affected by the physical boundary the social and cultural boundaries seem just as concrete and prevalent. Public policy keeping immigrants out clearly portrays to many with in that they are not truly welcome and lead them to question what makes me any different from those who are denied access. A question that most Americans should too ask themselves in which many will answer it is due to a mere problem of overcrowding. Well I think since we pride ourselves so highly on technology and education wouldn’t it seem reasonable for someone to provide a suitable solution for all to live comfortably. I think the American society has to realize that by setting physical boundaries you are not only out casting those pleading for entry, but you are also socially and culturally out casting those already with in our country. Essentially we are socially and culturally out casting individuals that truly make America the great country it is. I think American society has to resurface the respect for diverse groups and individuals due to their unique culture and talents that make this great country so prosperous.
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