An Immigrant Writes Rhetorical Analysis

Response on An Immigrant Writes

Mr. Schwarzenegger uses the power of persuasion and his knowledge on immigration to make his essay more effective rather than ineffective. At the beginning of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s essay, An Immigrant Writes, he mentions a statement from President Reagan about immigration. Afterwards he states “He believes, as I do, that we can have an immigration policy that both strengthens our boarders and welcomes immigrants.”(Schwarzenegger 26) Using this example is part of the reason why his essay is so effective.

Mr. Schwarzenegger uses a great deal of ethos (an appeal to authority) in his essay. It starts with the fact that he’s a well-known actor, a well-known body builder, when he was younger and was the governor

of California. Mr. Schwarzenegger began his career as a body builder and then became a great actor. His most famous movies are The Terminator and Sabotage. President Clinton is used to address the root of immigration in the U.S. and so is President Bush. President Clinton helped Mexico stabilize their economy when he was in office in the 90’s. President Bush established a free trade zone in the Americas (both north and south) when he was in office in 2006. A free trade zone is an international trade area where taxes are kept low. (27) As mentioned in the introduction, President Reagan is used to open his essay and to establish his thesis. All of these examples of ethos are effective because he used people, including himself, that have made an impact in the world and are looked up too.

Pathos (am appeal to the emotions) is used in a unique way in his essay.

It is spread throughout his essay, starting with the statistic he provides. The statistic states, “We are advised that in order to secure the boarders, we must deport 12 million people. Never mind who they are or where they and that it could cost up to $230 billion to do it.”(Schwarzenegger, 26) That appeals to pathos because that is a lot of money and its innocent people getting deported. Mr. Schwarzenegger uses 9/11 to his advantage also. Before 9/11 Congress assumed everyone had good intentions; after 9/11 Congress feels like they cannot assume that anymore. 9/11 is a part of pathos because it was a very traumatic event when the towns fell and, many people died. He also appeals to the family providers by using the example of the father not letting fences stop his dreams of providing for his family. Schwarzenegger also used the fact that some charities are being punished for helping immigrants.

(27)

Besides Mr.

Schwarzenegger being an: actor, body builder and former governor, he is also an immigrant. Since he is an immigrant, some people might suggest that his essay is somewhat bias or opinionated. People may say that he’s more for immigrants because he is one even if that isn’t the case. He uses “should” and “must” throughout his essay showing that this is what he thinks needs to happen. He says that immigrants are good people but, are all of them good? He doesn’t know that for sure. The statistic he used in his essay wasn’t credited to anyone. Even though that information could be found on any government website, crediting your source makes it more reliable. He could have added some more facts or statistics on immigrants. He also could have received a statement from a congressmen to explain what congress is doing to control the boarders or about the immigration policy. These suggestions could have helped but, the essay is still effective without

them.

Even though Mr. Schwarzenegger used some opinions and didn’t credit his source, his essay overall is very effective. He uses ethos and pathos greatly to his advantage. Mr. Schwarzenegger uses his power of persuasion and his knowledge of immigration to help convince his audience and he does it successfully.