Immigration and migration in America: social impact and social response

Abstract

The author discusses various social problems resulting from migration to and within the United States, including poverty, acculturation, education, housing, employment, social adjustment, and family difficulties. The potential impact of migrants on the U.S. society and economy is assessed, and government policy responses to their problems are considered. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA)

PIP: Characteristics of immigrant and migrant populations in the US include 1) the newest immigrants are mainly from southeast Asia, commonly political refugees, and often their multi-generational families join them; 2) the largest and oldest group is Hispanics who are mostly farm workers and now have complete families with them; and 3) whites and blacks who usually move for greater economic prosperity. The social problems of immigrants and migrants include 1) poverty, 2) acculturation, 3) education, 4) housing, 5) employment, and 6) social functionality. Family problems of immigrants and migrants include 1) leaving the support system of the extended family behind, 2) causing stress and financial difficulties if job search efforts are unsuccessful, 3) differing perceptions of the concepts of basic human rights, and 4) differing perceptions of the roles and responsibilities among family members. Policy issues designed to address the needs of immigrant and migrant families must be heavily weighted in favor of local control and administration. One approach to solving immigrant and migrant problems may be to provide direct services through some form of education or intervention. Often the critical issues facing both the migrant and immigrant population which migrates are basic literacy and methods for achieving this goal in a constantly mobile population. Poverty among migrant and immigrant families continues to increase. Even though the new immigration laws are intended to stabilize the conditions of immigrants and migrants in the US, in general, the social impact of a large and growing population of immigrant and migrant families is negative. The author concludes that the US should 1) permit a flexible quota system which would be sensitive to the fluctuations in labor needs, 2) deemphasize the family reunification aspect of the immigration policy and redress occupational qualifications as important criteria for US entry, 3) look more carefully at the unique characteristics of the various migrant groups and decide upon social needs accordingly, and 4) attend to social welfare issues.