[captionpix imgsrc=”https://pvnn.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/paulimmigrant.png” captiontext=”Photo courtesy of bradatech.com”]
Race and division have been a major element in American society and a heated topic of discussion for many years. The issue with Mexican immigration was used to catapult Presidential Candidate Donald Trump to lead the polls in the Republican National Primary. Inadvertently, within the family of structure of Hispanic communities, a new fear is arising f pending legislation is passed and hardworking families will be torn apart. As this issue becomes a heated nationals discussion, the question and vendetta to be discussed is connected to the issues and hysteria associated with immigration. How can the U.S. combat the negatives of Illegal Immigration without imparting hysteria and fear, while finding ways to create more diverse communities?
No one can deny the impact of the economy being prevalent in every corner of the nation. Things seem to be flowing a bit more smoothly in Hispanic communities. Immigrants, illegal and legal, have work available to them in the service sector, labor jobs and throughout infrastructure.
This brings us to the other side of story; a chapter of the division created in American society that has been ongoing for many years. It is of community lines being drawn and groups among the populous that will not live together for better or worse. Throughout Los Angeles County, there are many communities which are over 85 percent Hispanic. In addition, most of what was once part of South Central Los Angeles are now owned by immigrants who take pride in their homes and their budding communities. There are also many other upper scale communities that are mostly of Hispanic Population. Many of the people living in these regions can be labeled as success stories, however this does not account for assimilation into other areas of American society. There also are many situations in communities in the United States where many people from different background live in harmony especially with various popular subcultures. Unfortunately, other groups, as the norm, do not live with Hispanic communities. In reality the only other large group who assimilates with the Hispanic population are the very wealthy who require multiple service jobs.
As a direct and natural cause of polarization, areas that are so densely populated with a Hispanic population, have by default many jobs going directly to people in the community. Government jobs, city worker jobs, construction projects, major building projects are spearheaded by Hispanics who in turn give the jobs to people within the community. Yet because this is a direct result of a polarized population, corruption rears its ugly head within in Hispanic Governmental politics, giving way for problems in the community infrastructure. Deep layers which are difficult to penetrate, keep high waged workers away from secure, well-paying jobs for transient low paying positions and high turnover. There are many people who profit from polarization, these people and businesses profit heavily by giving jobs unfairly both over and under the table.
Within immigrant communities in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, problems with gang and violence are big concerns for people who worry for their own safety and well-being, and choose not to occupy residencies in these places. Moreover many instances of crime have been of huge concern of late. However both gangs and a propensity for crime have become prevalent as people have exited the communities. In almost every situation when the population becomes increasingly homogeneous or mixed homogeneous- Hispanic and African American criminal and gang activity go on the rise.
Considering that this issue plays a part to the increasing sense of division in the United States, the question needs to be asked of how this gap in society can be lessened. Studies should be conducted as to what makes people steer clear of neighborhoods and what encourages people to desire to reside in heterogeneous neighborhoods. Having a discussion about a successfully functioning community and what takes for two sides to live together cooperatively and in good spirits is a key factor to making the immigration problem less about race and more about fairness. Indeed, Teju Cole – a Nigerian-American writer – once stated, “marginalized voices in America have fewer and fewer avenues to speak plainly about what they suffer, the effect of this enforced civility is that those voices are falsified or blocked entirely from the discourse.”[ref][ref] Thought Catalog, “23 Quotes That Perfectly Explain Racism (To People Who Don’t ‘See Color’),” accessed September 2, 2015, http://thoughtcatalog.com/erin-cossetta/2014/04/quotes-that-perfectly-explain-racism-to-people-who-dont-see-color[/ref].
Change in population first requires change within the political structure. Focus should be engaged on electing candidates that will not side with or pander to the base elements. Grassroots should be encouraged in the Hispanic communities, with honest candidates. The political infrastructure is so rotten in Southern California, so that fear tactics remain as viable option in the political process. Underhanded tactics and more power in the hands of local politicians than should ever be given to even to the President of the United States have been increasingly prevalent in many Hispanic communities.[ref]”An In-Depth Look at Public Corruption in California,” California Common Sense, accessed September 2, 2015, http://cacs.org/research/depth-look-public-corruption-california[/ref] Having a fair election system with candidates protected should be a central focus as well.
Polarization and divisiveness is a weakness in American Society. It can be argued that it is one of the main causes of many of our problems today. To bridge the gap it is essential for people to learn to live together in relative harmony. It is also essential to work on fixing the problems persisting without pointing fingers and making communities a better place and attractive for others to want to be a part of.
Take Action:
Fairus is an objective organization which seeks to keep people informed on the true facts on immigration. Offers ways to seek action, and keeps people informed on upcoming legislation.
Transparency is an organization that aims to expose corruption in all parts of the Globe. Members can keep informed on corruption and report instances of corruption in communities.
