Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Then and Now
Throughout history, both in the early settlement period and in contemporary times, there has been a recurring sentiment of fear and mistrust towards immigrants. This sentiment is fueled by various factors, including economic concerns, cultural differences, and political ideologies. Examining the anti-immigrant rhetoric then and now provides insight into the continuities and changes in this sentiment.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Then
In the early settlement period of the United States, anti-immigrant sentiment was driven by several factors:
Economic Competition: Many early settlers feared that immigrants would compete for jobs and depress wages. This fear was particularly prevalent during periods of economic downturn or high unemployment rates.
Cultural Differences: Immigrants often brought with them different languages, customs, and religious practices. This cultural diversity was seen as a threat to the dominant culture and social cohesion.
Nativism: The belief in the superiority of native-born citizens over immigrants fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. Nativists argued that immigrants were incapable of assimilating into American society and posed a threat to American values.
Xenophobia: Fear and distrust of the “other” played a significant role in anti-immigrant rhetoric. Immigrants were often scapegoated for societal problems and portrayed as criminals or carriers of diseases.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Now
In contemporary times, anti-immigrant sentiment persists, albeit with some variations:
Economic Concerns: Similar to the past, economic factors contribute to anti-immigrant sentiment. Some individuals fear that immigrants will take their jobs or strain public resources.
National Security: In the wake of global terrorism threats, concerns over national security have fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. Immigrants, particularly those from certain regions or with specific religious backgrounds, may be unfairly stigmatized as potential threats.
Cultural Anxiety: Immigrants’ cultural differences continue to be a source of anxiety for some individuals who fear the erosion of their own cultural identity.
Immigration Enforcement: Opposition to undocumented immigration has become a prominent aspect of the anti-immigrant rhetoric. Critics argue that unauthorized immigrants are taking advantage of public services without contributing to society.
Advocacy and Support by NASW
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of immigrant populations. NASW actively promotes policies that support fair and humane immigration practices and opposes discriminatory policies. They advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, protection for immigrant families, and access to social and health services for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
NASW’s New York Chapter (NASW-NY) has published “Currents: Special Issue on Immigration,” which focuses on addressing immigration-related issues and advocating for immigrant rights. This publication provides resources, research, and best practices for social workers working with immigrant communities.
NASW also provides resources such as toolkits, webinars, and policy statements that guide social workers in providing culturally competent services to immigrants and refugees. They emphasize the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by immigrant populations and promoting social justice in their work.
In conclusion, anti-immigrant sentiment has persisted throughout history due to economic concerns, cultural differences, nativism, and xenophobia. Similar themes can be identified in both historical periods and contemporary times. However, organizations like NASW work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of immigrant populations, promote inclusive policies, and provide guidance for social workers working with these communities.
References:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (n.d.). Immigration Resources. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Immigration-Resources
NASW-NY Chapter. (2017). Currents: Special Issue on Immigration. Retrieved from https://courseroom.capella.edu/courses/8726/files/1260859?wrap=1
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