What Are The Pros And Cons Of Asian Immigration

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Asian immigrants also faced discrimination when they first started coming to the United States attempting to seek a better future. Even though the building of the West would not have been possible without Asian immigrants such as the Chinese, they were still looked down upon by American citizens. They were not only accused of taking mining jobs away from citizens but they were also blamed for bringing down the wages companies offered employees (Egendorf pg.19). Since mining companies were notorious for paying Asian immigrants next to nothing for their hard work, American citizens looking for employment in the mines found it difficult to compete for jobs. A number of laws were created specifically targeting the new Asian immigrants. For example, …show more content…

There were also laws approved that stopped immigration from Asia altogether, mining taxes were implemented on the Asians to deter them even further from coming to the United States(Laura K. Egendorf pg.36). The harsher restrictions on Asian immigrants again did nothing to help the issue of job shortages and wage decreases. All it did was direct the American citizens rage towards the immigrants. Learning our history with this problem is the first step in figuring out a solution. The second is to understand the pros and cons of immigration to make it possible to create an action plan. The cons are the same gripes that are always associated with immigrants, the main one being the shortage of jobs. Many Americans believe halting immigration will help the problem out. However, history teaches us that this strategy hasn’t worked. If we understood the pros of immigration we would realize that they’re presence here is crucial to our growth and …show more content…

Without the help of Chinese immigrants the railroads would not have been built as swiftly as they were hence the West would have taken longer to conquer and civilize. During the 1930s when American farmers were leaving the farm to fight the war, Mexican immigrants took their place in the field under the “Bracero” program to help keep the farms running (Egendorf pg. 20). A prime example of immigrants being called upon to help the United States out. The pros of immigration are still evident to this day. In 2006 it was announced that over 60,000 immigrants were active duty soldiers, making up 5 percent of U.S armed forces. Putting their life on the line for a country they were not born in, but nonetheless a country they loved enough to serve. Immigrants make up 20 percent of the soldiers who have been given Medal of Honor awards during U.S wars (Egendorf pg. 66). The Medal of Honor award is the most prestigious medal that can be bestowed on an American

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