Immigration has been present in the United States since the establishment of the government. People of Latino descent have long been an important subject regarding immigration to the United States. Juan Gonzalez states that two out of every three Latinos in America are of Mexican American descent (96). Miami has a large population of Cubans. Gonzalez also states that the Hispanic population in Miami skyrocketed from fifty thousand in 1960 to more than 580,000 in 1980(110). Gonzalez says that, 375,000 Mexican Americans served in the U.S armed forces in which five Mexicans have been awarded the congressional medal of honor during world war two (103). It is evident that Latinos of both cultures are an integral part of our society and have influenced …show more content…
our country in many ways. Mexicans and Cubans have been subjected to racism and have been oppressed throughout history but Cubans have received much better treatment in the united states than Mexicans. Cubans have contributed much to American society and may have been some of the most educated of immigrants into the united states.
Gonzalez states that in the 1960s to the 1970s much of the immigration consisted of the upper and middle class which brought with them valuable technical skills (109). There are often negative views associated with the immigration of Latino immigrants but the initial migration of Cubans in the 1960s is a rare exception to this. These immigrants found jobs and pay in organizations and places such as the CIA, Constructions companies, and factories. Juan Gonzalez argues that the united states government provided assistance programs under the 1966 Cuban adjustment act; These are programs, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans and other Latinos never received (110). Cubans perhaps received this treatment due to the nature of Fidel Castro and the intense anti-communist views of the US at that time. This special treatment came to a halt says Gonzalez in 1994 when Clinton stated that refugees were to be detained and denied automatic entry just like any other immigrants (108). This action was what many would say a form of oppression that Mexicans and other Latinos had been experiencing for years. There is an argument that Cubans must cross part of the sea to reach the United states and that was the reason for such a great welcoming. Similarly Mexicans must also cross an obstacle of their own which is often a very large and hot desert but yet they have never received …show more content…
such a welcoming as their Cuban counterparts. Mexicans constitute the overwhelming majority of Latinos in the united states, Gonzales states that Mexico has sent more people than any other nation (96). Although they did not receive much of the benefits afforded to the Cuban people. Many Mexicans did not know how to read or write and did not understand their rights says Gonzalez and anybody could tell them their grandfather lost his land, sold it and they could not prove otherwise (100). This is alarming information in that it would be very easy for an educated Anglo settler to take advantage of the Mexican people who lack an understanding of American law and the English language. Anglo settlers could simply fabricate a falsehood to take hold of the large abundance of land occupied by illiterate Mexicans of the time. Gonzalez states that 500,000 Mexicans were deported during the 1930s in which many were US citizens (103); Despite this 375,000 Mexican Americans served in the US armed forces during world war two in which as many as a quarter of the wounded were Mexican American (103). It is undeniable that the Mexican population has been oppressed even though these people have served this country and have contributed positively economically, culturally and in regard to national defense. When Cubans are considered in this subject they were not denied access to the country until 1994 and enjoyed various government funded privileges not offered to Mexican American people. Instead of allowing immigration of Mexicans, they were deported, this is very much the opposite of the treatment offered to Cubans. Government funding offered to Cubans included Medicaid, food stamps, scholarships and low interest loans according to Gonzalez (110). Of course, the Cuban people have experienced discrimination but it has been limited to the people of darker skin and of lower class.
Generally speaking, the Cuban people that have been subjected to this oppression have been after the Elite immigrants were no longer part the of the population of immigrants. Gonzalez says that almost overnight in 1980 the Mariel boat wave of immigrants was broadcasted on television and then people realized that this was no longer the Elite but black, poor, and unskilled and in some cases the mentally ill or dangerous felons (112). This way of thinking is similar to what Mexican Americans have experienced since Texas gained independence from Mexico. Mexicans have been subjected to violence, deportation and have been cheated out of their land. In “Harvest of Empire” by Gonzalez it is stated that a corpus Christi correspondent wrote that, “The whole race of Mexicans here is becoming a useless commodity, becoming cheap, dog cheap” (109). This of course is disturbing to think that Mexicans have been regarded in such a
way. Mexican and Cuban immigrants are an integral part of our society and are a rich part of our countries history. Cubans have received very good treatment when it potentially benefited the US government and perhaps due to the tensions with the US had with Fidel Castro. Cubans received benefits and citizenship which no other Latino group received. Mexicans were here before there was even a Mexico or United states, yet they were cheated out of their land and were even subject to violence. Cubans have shared the fate of Mexicans but it is when they were no longer part of the Elite citizens of Cuba with valuable skills and knowledge. The fact of the matter is that Mexicans have received much more oppression by the U.S government than the Cubans have received despite the various contributions by the Mexican people to our nation.
During these times, the Latino community grew stronger and more diverse when different ethnic backgrounds migrated to the United States (predominantly New York City and Florida) such as Dominicans, Colombians, Cubans, and others who followed in those footsteps. The reader learns not only of the radical groups in the United States but the ones outside of it such as the groups in Cuba; Omega 7, Acción Cubana, and the Bloque Revolucionario. These groups were created to override the dictatorship that Castro implemented among the island. Throughout the 1970’s, the vast majority of the population in the United States was made u by the Latino community and soon their numbers made their votes principal towards the Anglo politicians. At the beginning of the Voting Rights Period, the United States saw that the Latino communities were no longer as involved in politics as it saw a decline of organizations. As time has repeated itself, the movements themselves reverted back to their primary goals which was political equality except this time around, it would be mixed together with both cultural pride and ethnic
The 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act grants Cubans a unique place in U.S. Immigration Law and Policy by declaring that all those who arrive in the United States are accepted as political refugees, and are eligible to become legal permanent residents after one year (Marc R.). It was created to offer protection to Cubans escaping oppression from their Communist government. As might be expected, this law is always the debate of Cubans who think about coming to America seeking freedom and a better life. For many Cubans to reach American territory is all a dream, mostly because of the chances of attaining a better economic situation for themselves and their families. A lot of them also pursue to reunite with their families in the United States after many years of separation. Some others are opponents of the Castro regime. Because they don’t have freedom of speech and can see their lives threatened if they speak out against the government, seek for more political freedom and a democratic form of government, in a land of capitalism where there are fewer restrictions and more opportunities.
Immigration is a large aspect of American history. In the book Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez, we are able to see the struggles of one Hispanic boy immigrating to the United States from Mexico. Many of the people in the community that Francisco lived in didn’t really accept Hispanic people. It was really depressing that he would make friends, go over to their house and their parents wouldn’t let him come over again, simply because he was Hispanic. In Diversity Matters the text states, “Unique stresses created by the process of immigration to another country and discrimination faced in the new country can create psychological distress for many immigrants” (Spradlin 126). During this time in America, there was still a lot of discrimination going on not only with Hispanics, but other minority races like African Americans. This really goes to show how far our country has come over the years. There is still a long way to go, but I think that if people are more educated and aware of the discrimination people face on a daily basis they will be more open-minded. The United States is becoming more open to diversity, but first we will look at the struggles of one Hispanic boy growing up here illegally in Breaking Through.
The entire struggle that Helg is alluding to in her book is founded within the racial hierarchies and racial ideologies that were formed early on in Cuba’s history. Several aspects of Cuban society (as discussed by Helg) served to foster the racism and the antagonistic attitudes that whites had towards the Afro-Cubans. An acute example of the inequality that the blacks were made to suffer was the denial of citizenship after 1886. According to Helg, Afro-Cubans were denied the titles of "Don" and "Doña" on their identity cards. This was a blatant form of discrimination against because it prevented blacks from being considered as first class citizens, "…despite the fact that they were full taxpayers". (25) What Helg means by this is that even though the Afro-Cubans were participating in the economic spectrum of Cuba, they were still denied access into the political and social arenas.
Recommendations of the US Commission on Immigration Reform, and Favoritism for Cubans. 20 Oct. 2000, http://www.fairus.org.
“ Ironically I faced discrimination from other immigrants rather than Americans themselves”, stated Valentina Luma when she was been interviewed. This quote was the most relatable to my experience of being an immigrant to United States of America compares to hers. Valentina Luma was the age of nine when her and her family immigrated from Dominican Republic to the United States. Luma’s journey to the United States wasn’t arduous physically rather mentally where the process to get accepted took almost a decade, she admits to understand why some immigrants would rather come to America illegally than wait almost a decade to come. Some of the positive
for better paying jobs or perhaps a better life. They were not only willing to pick up and leave Mexico, but they were willing to call a foreign place home. For many Mexicans who believed that things would go well for them in the U.S., that dream was not realized. Today restrictions on Mexicans are continued to be enforced and propositions to deny them benefits re-appear. Julian Nava best describes this relationship between the United States and the Mexican immigrant saying that, "in history, the U.S., a mighty nation with high principles, has eagerly sought workers from across the border and, after benefiting from their labor, has rejected them coldly, making Mexicans feel like unwanted things, rather than
Latinos have struggled to discover their place inside of a white America for too many years. Past stereotypes and across racism they have fought to belong. Still America is unwilling to open her arms to them. Instead she demands assimilation. With her pot full of stew she asks, "What flavor will you add to this brew?" Some question, some rebel, and others climb in. I argue that it is not the Latino who willingly agreed to partake in this stew. It is America who forced her ideals upon them through mass media and stale history. However her effort has failed, for they have refused to melt.
Today, the Hispanic population has grown tremendously over the years. We have watched the Hispanics community growth rate grow faster than any other racial and ethnic group in the nation. The Hispanic culture and community has populated all around the United States, introducing new traditions and customs. I was traveling to different to city in the States, I notice the wide spread growth of Hispanic communities, For Instance in Miami the Cuban and El Salvadoran culture is heavy populate in the area. In New York the Puerto Rican culture is dominating through out the several boroughs. I have come around town and Hispanics are known for their good food, which tends to have more diverse people try new cultural customs. Hispanic or Latino Americans are a group of people made up of distinct characteristics. Hispanics or Latinos are defined as a people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central American, or other Spanish speaking cultures.
The United States is a country known for its variation of nationalities and ethnic races. After extensive research, and questioning I discovered that my ancestors originated from Norway and Switzerland. My family migrated to the United States in the late 1800’s from Norway due to social, economic, and religion reforms as well as, a surplus in the population. Learning of my ancestor’s migration to America has very much influenced my views on the existing immigration problems that the U.S. currently faces.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants, legal and illegal, from around the world, come to the United States. These immigrants come because they want a chance at a better life; others are refugees, escaping persecution and civil wars in their home country. Many people believe the United States is the best place to go. There is more freedom, protection, and benefits, which seems like a good deal to immigrants. But the large number of immigration is affecting the current citizens of the United States. Taxpayers are forced to pay for the welfare and schooling for many of these immigrants, some who are illegal aliens. Some citizens believe that immigration can be hazardous to the environment. Others blame crime, poverty, and overpopulation on immigration. About sixty-eight million immigrants have been added to the United States since 1970, and it is estimated that 130 million people will be added over the next fifty years. The government has tried somewhat to restrict immigration but the laws are still too lenient. Nearly every other advanced country in the world is moving quickly towards stabilized population or has already achieved it. The United States is moving towards it very slowly. This country would have to reduce immigration down to 255,000 a year to do this (Beck 1). If nothing is done to stabilize the immigration to this country, what will become of population in the next decade? The population will continue to grow even faster - not due to births, but to massive immigration to this country. Immigration can become a serious problem to this country if the government does not produce stricter laws.
During the mass immigration era of America, an abundant number of people traveled to the urban industrial society of the United States in aspiration to seek job opportunities and better lives than the ones they left behind. These groups included the Poles, Italians, Chinese, Mexicans, Japanese, East European Jews, and the African- Americans. However, one of these groups mentioned was distinctly different from the rest: the African-Americans. They were already American citizens, who migrated to the northern American cities to free themselves from segregation, oppression, and harsh conditions they experienced in the South and obtain equal rights and opportunities. Although the African-Americans' ambitions were exceedingly high, there were strong barriers that kept them from reaching their goals of Americanization. The historical legacy of slavery acted as a barrier, and left the African-Americans with fewer civil rights than all other Americans and immigrants. To understand the meaning of "civil rights," it can be defined as "the rights belonging to an individual by virtue of citizenship especially the fundamental freedoms including civil liberties, due process, equal protection of the laws, and freedom from discrimination" (Dictionary.com). African-Americans were similar to the new comers from abroad in that they both experienced change and adjustment when entering urban American, but due to the legacy of slavery and the impact it had on the African-Americans' civil rights, the African-Americans migration experience was clearly different than other immigration experiences.
Immigration in the United States is a very sensitive topic. Trough out the years the government in the United States have been developing different reforms regarding immigration that unfortunately have not helped to provide a fair solution to illegal immigrants. Looking at the history of immigration it is palpable that over the years immigration laws undergo different ways. For instance in 1950, the Internal Security Act barred admission to any foreigner who was communist because it would be prejudicial to the public interest or would endanger the safety of the United States. Different reforms had contributed to the way that illegal immigrants are treated in the United States.
Cristina García es una autora cubana-estadounidense que explora la experiencia de desterritorialización personal y cultural de los residentes cubanos y los inmigrantes cubanos. Cristina García nació en La Habana en 1958. Cuando Castro asumió el poder en 1959 sus padres eligieron vivir en el exilio en los Estados Unidos. García tenía sólo dos años cuando emigraron a los Estados Unidos, y por esta razón, ella no tiene recuerdos de Cuba. Esta falta de memoria ha moldeado a sus intereses académicos y se destaca en su escritura, donde la memoria y el sueño es un motivo constante. Desde los Estados Unidos, Garcia escribió su primera novela publicada, Soñar en cubano, escrita en inglés y traducida al español. En su obra, García explora el tema de la Revolución cubana a través de los efectos de la Revolución en los distintos miembros de la familia del Pino. La novela de ficción se enfoca específicamente en las vidas de las mujeres durante el periodo de la Revolución, dándole una voz opinada a cada una. La experiencia personal de Celia, la figura matriarcal de la familia del Pino, en el contexto de la Revolución Cubana la define como la nueva mujer de la Revolución y sirve de espejo de la experiencia nacional.
Cuba in the early 1900’s the equality of women to men was very comparable with other Latin American countries. The women in these countries faced social constraints that limited them in their options not just because they were Latinas but as women. Women who were Latin Americans faced negativity for being women and also for being Latino by the United States. This led them to immigration in the U.S. In the Mexican Revolution it grante...