How true that nativism has almost always been linked to general fears or uneasiness in American society. But that is so often true of “anti” everything. Anti-Semitism anti-gay, anti-illiterate, anti-physically or mentally handicapped. These feelings are so often based in fear and it seems fear in so many cases is closely tied to ignorance…a lack of knowledge, understanding. Even more troubling, a lack of wanting to know or understand. Ignorance is bliss, but ultimately, that never seems to work.
That Asians were excluded from the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution is really shocking. Constitutional law making Asians “ineligible to citizenship” by federal law. And supported by the opinion of the majority of Americans at the time. The rise of the superior ethnic group and racism against presumed inferior peoples of European origin. Yet, these beliefs were held by the “best and the brightest.” Were they just being self-important and selfish? Narrow and judgmental, certainly, but why? This backlash against immigration is echoed across America today. It could not be felt more keenly than it is right here in California. That is not to say that this is not a complex problem with many impacting economic and social issues. But with the long history of invaluable contributions made to this country by the immigrants who came here and made this country their country as well, there should be a more progressive and inclusive way to approach the issue of immigration.
I agree with Daniels that some sort of limit on immigration is probably desirable, but how to accomplish that in a non-discriminatory and non-racist way is a challenge. The economic issues facing our country right now are not far from those of the Great depression. People are stressed. Families are working hard and losing their jobs, their homes, and health care. Their standard of living has decreased. Jobs are scarce. Many of my friends having graduated from college and are back living at home, under-employed if they are employed at all. Those that are underemployed are working for employers that manage to employ them at 32 hours a week – just under what would be required to qualify for benefits. And if you don’t like it you can quit, because there is an endless line of people willing to take that job – and those aren’t even immigrants. When there are cutbacks in public services and schools, when there are cutbacks in health care, it is hard for the average person to care about the immigrant. People are busy trying to take care of themselves. When there seems to not be enough to take care of the people already here, it creates resentment and intolerance towards the immigrant population. It is unfair for sure. It is based in fear. America needs to do better. Government needs to be united to be for and of the people. Partisanship needs to end. Bitterness seems to be everywhere. Occupy Wall Street is real. I only hope that the leaders of our country are paying attention. It is time to step up. It is really a call for leadership and all citizens need to keep demanding that their government be responsive.
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