Progress Pond

Immigration. Intertwining Self-Interests and Ignoring Interdependence ©

Betsy L Angert

When discussing immigration it seems that what we in America know is what we ignore.  We know we want higher wages.  Americans strongly support increasing the income of native-born and naturalized workers.  Citizens of this country consider their wages and benefits vital.  Those of others in “foreign” lands are not our problem, or possibly, they are a cursory consideration.

Persons residing in the United States want to ensure their quality of life.  The general public wants “stuff.”  They are proud of their possessions and property.  They flaunt these on airwaves and movie screens throughout the world.  People in this nation want the others on this Earth to see how good they have it.  Americans say, “Look at me.  I am so happy and healthy because I have this, that, and the riches that you do not.”  People of the USA pose for the cameras and profess, “This is America, the land of the free, home of the brave, and the land of opportunity.”  Citizens of this country invite and entice people from afar to come to this great land.  Then when immigrants do, [the ugly] Americans says, “Now, go home!”

Americans are offended when those residing in this country without papers crave what citizens have or when they use our services and resources.  What happened to hospitality?  Hostility replaced it.

Americans once wanted the best, now the most will suffice.  Either way, my countrymen do not want to pay for what they purchase.  They prefer prices to be lower, while wanting wages higher. Thus, we have Wal-Mart and other fine outsourcers.  

The quality of goods and services decreases. Availability increases. Profits do too.  Americans are buying more junk.  They have to; nothing lasts.  Standards are low; craftsmanship is an idea of antiquity.  Then, of course, there is built-in obsolescence.  This is accepted, even expected.  Manufacturers must produce; production provides jobs and profits. For whom, when, where, and how will these affect us all?  Americans avoid these questions.

As a nation, we are willing to sacrifice excellence when purchasing commodities.  As long as the price is good, we can bathe ourselves in glitter.  “Streets paved in gold” is the notion that attracted our ancestors to this country.  Current “documented” residents also dream of gold.  Thus, they invest in America.

As shareholders, we appreciate the cycle of supply and demand.  Free enterprise is our strength.  We consider competition good, though we love our Big Box stores.  We spend in and support those “shops” that eliminated the prospects of success for Mom-and-Pop stores.  We want our companies to make a profit, and we do whatever it takes to ensure that they do.  Citizens of the United States shout, “Buy American,” and they do [and don’t!].  Individuals buy the stocks and bonds this nation sells.  Products? Well, that is the earlier story.  The price counts; we have our priorities!

Americans promote capitalism and the competitive spirit.  They hunger for success, however, only their own.  Thus, Americans create a scenario that they themselves find disturbing, immigration.  The citizenry here is a bundle of contradictions.

When we work to have better and higher wages, greater and grander benefits, we entice persons from poorer nations to come to ours.  We also create a deeper divide.  The disparate conditions that exist between ourselves and other nations cements what we disdain, flight.  Our closest neighbor suffers as we prosper, and we resent them.  How dare those from afar, those that have less, want more.  Americans can aspire for grandeur; however, that seems to be different . . . in their minds.

When those living “legally” in the USA parade their wares, gloat of achievements, and proudly express “this is the land of opportunity,” people believe.  Foreign dwellers think this is a place they can come to, to better their lives.  They believe it is possible to achieve the American Dream.  US citizens say we want those from distant lands to join us in our prosperity, however, selectively. They must fit our idea of ideal, our profile.

Native born and naturalized American citizens speak of “democracy” and “freedom.”  They advocate that they want this for all others.  People in the USA recall many of their ancestors came here seeking a religious sanctuary.  They know that even in 2006, there are those in other nations that yearn to practice their faith freely.  Why would these individual and families not wish to find refuge in a country such as this?  Why are we surprised when those that crave a safe haven show up on our shores?

More importantly, why do we Americans not see what we ourselves have created?

I ask America to teach others how to create what all humans desire.  I plead with those born in the USA.  You know that we are the strongest nation on the planet, act as it.  Be powerful enough to offer compassion, physical and emotional support.  Understand those that have less are as we, they want more. Recognize that we exist on this globe together and we must work collectively as one.  Be democratic, not autocratic; remember internal and external walls and wars are not a solution; they are symptoms of a situation that is not resolved.  Let us act on what is true; we as a nation are not isolated.  We are interdependent.  They need us and we need them.  May we please work together as one?

* Solid Growth for U.S. Payrolls, By Joel Havemann, Los Angeles Times. April 8, 2006

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

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