Examining the Role of Immigration in American Society

Throughout different periods in history, people with various backgrounds immigrated to the United States. Beginning around 1500, African slaves were forced into slavery through the triangular trade route. Starting in the 19th century, Mexican immigrants came to America because of labor demands. European immigration began with Christopher Columbus in 1492. Immigration has contributed so much to American society that it has been named as the melting pot. If minorities have such a core role in American history, why are minorities being targeted and harassed in schools? Education is what shapes America’s future, which is why schools need to be protected as a safe space for all minorities.
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James Baldwin, author of “A Talk to Teachers,” argues that a future of equality in schools cannot be created unless past acts of racism are recognized. He writes “... as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated” (Baldwin 1). This statement argues that it is impossible to be American and black at the same time. Baldwin explains that the American side advertises equal opportunity, whereas being black implies that he has contributed nothing to society, and his sole purpose is to serve white people. Challenging the American view on race is what pushes society forwards. On the contrary, students who are uneducated may unknowingly perpetuate the same racism that hold back education. In a study conducted in 2016, Maureen Costello commented that students who cannot connect or comprehend important policy, they are more likely to make an uninformed decision. One teacher commented that “’The white students ... say terrible things about immigrants, while sitting next to their immigrant friends...the others[immigrants] are quiet and afraid’’’ (Costello 12). The ignorance of students perpetrates an unsafe and uncomfortable learning environment. Immigrant students are aware of this tension because they are not only being targeted, but in a way that is not legitimately supported by facts, but rather propaganda and ignorance. Because of situations like these, administrators in some school districts have created protocol for situations for extreme intolerance built on a platform of