Why Have Immigrants Come To America?

America as we know it today has been shaped by immigrants. It can be argued that America shapes immigrants as well. It is a nation that people, nationalist or foreign-born, desire to assimilate partially or fully into. According to a New York University professor, “Immigration, however, played a key role not only in making America’s development possible but also in shaping the basic nature of the society” (Diner, p. 2). It is a nation built on this idea of the “American dream” which varies depending on the person. However, it is something that holds steadily in an immigrant’s mind that is possible to achieve. America’s past, present and certainly future will be formed by immigrants, and once they get here America will coincidentally form their being as well.

The United States is a country that was built on immigration. The first settlers, Native Americans, represent less than 2% of the total population; the remaining 98% of the population are immigrants or decedents of immigrants. Today, the US still has the highest immigration rate in the world with 757,434 naturalizations in the 2012 fiscal year only (US Naturalizations 2012, Department of Homeland security). People try to immigrate to the United States for many reasons. Some people immigrate because they have been granted a refugee status or asylum and other people immigrate to fulfill their dreams. Immigration has an effect on the American society and economy. The US cannot survive without immigrants.

The articles "We Are Not A Nation of Immigrants" by Gina Loudon and "Many Forget U.S. is a Nation Built by Immigrants" by Lisa Miller both focus on immigrants living in America. Loudon's essay is primarily focused on how the United States is a nation created by pioneers and settlers; she argues that the U.S. is not a nation built by immigrants. Miller focuses her essay on the idea of America being a melting pot; she calls America a "blend of many different world cultures" (1). Despite the contrasting focuses of the essays, both Loudon and Miller are discussing aspects of immigration that either benefit or negatively impact America's future.

Immigrants are part of a very important role in our American community. And it is that the historical roots of the United States can not be explained without immigration. Since its independence in the late eighteenth century, the country has experienced several waves of migration. For many years, the presidents of the United States have tried to end immigration no matter the damage or problems they can cause to immigrant families and the country. Immigration from the United States is made up of people from all over the world, people from different countries, races and, colors. Over time, groups of people in the United States government have created programs to help immigrants

In the United States, the cliché of a nation of immigrants is often invoked. Indeed, very few Americans can trace their ancestry to what is now the United States, and the origins of its immigrants have changed many times in American history. Despite the identity of an immigrant nation, changes in the origins of immigrants have often been met with resistance. What began with white, western European settlers fleeing religious persecution morphed into a multicultural nation as immigrants from countries across the globe came to the U.S. in increasing numbers. Like the colonial immigrants before them, these new immigrants sailed to the Americas to gain freedom, flee poverty and

America consists of a variety of people, with all kinds of different backgrounds, such as their immigrant ancestors. “In the same sense, we cannot speak of a particular “immigrant contribution” to America because all Americans have been immigrants or the descendants of immigrants; even the Indians, as mentioned before, migrated to the American continent,” (Kennedy 23). Everyone that is “American”, their

The first step into becoming a citizen is to determine whether or not are eligible to become a U.S. citizen. You do that by reviewing the naturalization eligibility worksheet. Basically, this work sheet provides you with questions to help you decide if you are eligible to apply for citizenship. According to the worksheet, you must be at least 18 years old, have been living in the united states for at least 3-5 years, have traveled outside of the US for more than a year, stayed in the state that you are applying to be a citizen in for the last 3 months, know basic English, know U.S history and e.t. This is important because it helps you

“We are nation of immigrants. Some came here willingly, some unwillingly. Nonetheless, we are immigrants, or the descendants of immigrants, one, and all. Even the natives came from somewhere else, originally. All of the people who come to this country come for freedom, or for some product of that extraordinary, illusory condition. That is what we offer here—freedom and opportunity in a land of relative plenty.” (Middletown Journal 2005)

Thousands of years ago America was just a piece of land where Native Americas lived, many years later immigrants form Europe, South and Central America, Asia, and many other continents have all contributes to the populating of the United States. Immigrants brought new ideas and cultures, creating an evolving synthesis. Thanks to all the immigrants and diversity that has happened during the years America has become The Land of Opportunities. Immigrants come to the U.S. so improve they social and economical status, something that many cant do in their home country. Not only do they have to adjust to a new environment but also leave their loved ones behind to be able to provide for a better life and be able to provide a better education to their

Based on its history, it can be argued that the United States is itself composed of immigrants; thus, to put limits on immigration would be to contradict its own existence. Immigration has been critical to the history of the United States and has contributed significantly to the country in many ways. In addition, I maintain that the forward progress and strength of America as a country depends on, and benefits from, an immigrant population. Type equation here. ...we are and always will be a "Every American who ever lived, nation of immigrants. We

Since the beginning, America has been a nation of immigrants. During the colonial era, people were coming across the Atlantic Ocean, and other lands, to either start a new life or to escape religious prosecutions. American history has been shaped by the ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity brought by immigrants in the 19th and 20th century. Without a doubt, immigration has had a very large cultural impact and influence in America.

Immigrants built America into the country it is today. Some were fleeing persecution in their own countries. The immigrants came as free individuals, indentured servants, or slaves. Most came here to pursue a better life. America welcomed those individuals, and it has a process in place for those wishing to gain legal citizenship. The immigration issue is a hot topic in the United States today and concerns individuals who are entering the country illegally. Our representatives are proposing new laws to limit access to our country through other than legal means. There are strong feelings on each side.

The United States of America is, “a nation of immigrants” as John F. Kennedy called it. Apart from the Native American ancestry, all others trace their culture back to somewhere else (Soerens, M. 2013). In my opinion, the U.S has increasing rate of immigrants, than any other country. It is also successful in providing facilities like education, employment and various career opportunities for global immigrants even today.

Since its founding, the United States has attracted immigrants from all over the world and consists of a variety of different cultures. Immigration has had an enormous impact on American society and economy and shaped the country remarkably.

Americas the Melting Pot. The United States has a long history of immigrants. Immigration is a key factor to the success of America. However, certain parties oppose the current immigrants in America due to the growing illegal drug trends rising south of the border and the fear of terrorism since September 11. The drug use and the immigration crime have also gone down. Immigration is necessary however, because immigrants do jobs that other Americans will not do! Immigrants make up a number of our population, and a few of those are illegal. 3,000 to almost 8,000 or even more immigrants cross the border every day just to work or to find work. The immigrants have left their mark in America because they have added their culture and children to the American society. America is a land of immigrants and it will continue to be so because it is a land of opportunity. The new struggles for immigrants today are that they are trying to raise families and keep their culture while trying to “fit in” society. The children of these immigrants are also trying to fit. These kids are the culture of America and they are already in the process of becoming successful in America because they are in our public school system. One can not forget the fact that a child born in the United States is automatically a United States citizen. Presently, this entitles them to the same rights and responsibilities as any other citizen. The children are the future and our countries hope for success.