Mexican Immigration to North Carolina, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The immigrants in North Carolina account for a substantial amount of the general population. The issue of immigrants in North Carolina has become a controversial issue among the receiving citizens in the state. The fast growth of Mexican immigrants in the state of Carolina attributed to multiple factors, but the main reason for immigration into North Carolina has been due to the desire for a better life[1]. There has been tension associated with these immigrants due to the demographic issues relate to the growth of immigrants illegally into the state.

Most of the Mexican immigrants in North Carolina are illegal immigrants. The legal process in the immigration too North Carolina as coupled with many difficulties and complexities and the immigrants not left with any other choice. The concern of these illegal immigrations has been more evident during the post 9/11 period compared to the period before. The citizens concerned with their safety due to the increase of both illegal and criminal activities associated with these immigrations[2]. The immigration policies in place lays emphasis on the Mexican immigration since the Mexican immigrants account for a greater population of immigrants to North Carolina.

This essay aims to look into the aspects of Mexican immigration into North Carolina. The points of focus of the essay are the social aspects of the immigration[3]. It examines the attitudes of the Americans towards the immigration before and after 9/11 and the impact brought by the immigration. It further discusses the problems faced by the immigrants in legal immigration process. The benefits and shortcomings of the immigration also included in the essay analysis.

History of Mexican immigration into North Carolina

The immigration of Mexicans into North Carolina started in the late 19^th century, but during these periods, the immigration was for a short period the number of immigrants was relatively low. The immigration during this era was temporary has the immigrants always returned after some time.

However, during the early 20^th century the immigration patterns have changed to include more immigrants seeking to relocate permanently to North Carolina. These changes in immigration patterns largely related to the economic factors in the home country and the needs of labor force in North Carolina[4]. The provisions on immigration as provide for by the 1986 immigration reform and control act. Global capitalization also played a role in the increase and intentions of immigrants into North Carolina. These factors are the increase in the flow of people money and goods across international boundaries.

The economic situation of Mexico and its slow growth rate add to the reasons of immigration to North Carolina. The economic policies in place, the devaluation of the peso in 1994 also play a crucial role in the immigration arrangements of Mexicans. Better economic environment abroad and the availability of employment motivated more individuals to migrate. The desire to migrate to North Carolina, however, faced with many hurdles. The immigrants always opted to immigrating illegally since the legal process involved seems complicated and difficult to attain.

The total number of immigrants has, however, reduced in the past due to change the employment terms from temporary agricultural employment to permanent employment[5]. The technicalities associated with the border controls and expenses incurred in the process have reduced these immigrations.

Reasons for immigration into North Carolina

The choice for immigrants to migrate to North Carolina was due to the economic factors present in the host state. During the 1990s, the economy of North Carolina was robust, diversified and dynamic. The companies in the state hired cheap immigrant workers to work in the industries rather than the expensive labor force of the locals[6]. The availability of ready employment in North Carolina provided motivation for these immigrants. The immigrants were not only from Mexico but also from other traditional settlement areas like California, Texas and New York running from the competition in these areas.

The operation of the IRCA also legalized the illegal migrants into legal migrants and provided for the immigration of the family members of these legalized immigrants[7]. The surge of immigrants during this period lead to the over population of the original settlements of these immigrants. The immigrants felt the freedom to migrate to newer settlement areas including North Carolina.

The boom in the construction sector in the region drove the immigrants as it provided employment. The availability of a wide agricultural industry and agricultural jobs gave an edge to the immigrants in the provision of employment. The settlement of the initial immigrants the availability of work and tranquility of the environment motivated other Mexicans, who were struggling with scarcity of work and difficult living conditions in Mexico, to migrate to North Carolina. The availability of job recruiters who worked across borders motivated the immigrants and provided information about the availability of work in North Carolina[8]. The choice of North Carolina founded on the accessibility of better living conditions.

Status of immigrants

Most of immigrants in northern Carolina are illegal immigrants. These immigrants’ mostly young uneducated or semi educated. The immigrants provide manual labor in construction agricultural and informal sector. The immigrants have a higher fertility rate compared to the locals attributed to the large number of immigrant families. The Mexican immigrants employed in low paying sectors and their income is minimal.

Attitude of Americans about the immigration before 9/11

The immigration concerns about the Mexican population welcomed initially due to the economic effects of the provision of cheap labor[9]. The attitude of the Americans during these times was positive due to the gains associated with the immigrants. Although some individuals had reservations concerning the immigration, the number of these individuals was minimal. These individuals were mainly the employees pushed out of employment or forced to work at a lower pay rate due to the competition for employment with the migrants. The issues like the incident of Franco Gonzales exemplify the position held by the Americans prior to 9/11.

The Americans did not have problems with Mexican immigrants initially, but consequently their opinion changed concerning the immigrants[10]. The rapid increased in the immigrant population led to numerous concerns among the Americans. The results brought by the sudden increase in the population gave rise to societal challenges of overpopulation, increase in crime rates and poor environmental hygiene and management. The lack of proper measures to provide for these shortcomings gave rise to concerns of immigrants to the Americans.

The lack of measures to check these problems and the inadequate policy controls for the prevention of the vices brought by the immigrations fueled the negative attitude among the Americans[11]. Their concerns were majorly on the number of illegal immigrants who resorted to illegal activities and crime majorly due to failure to engage in employment activities. These concerns increased over time prior to the 9/11 period.

Attitude of Americans after 9/11

The attitude of Americans on illegal immigrants changed after 9/11 on security concerns. The policies put place post this period aimed at discouraging illegal immigration. The policies put in place in North Carolina aimed at the documentation of illegal immigrants[12]. The proposals in North Carolina concerning these illegal immigrants aim at cracking down on illegal immigrants. These proposals denied drivers licenses to the illegal immigrants and if employers hire legal immigrants in order to cover their medical requirements.

The primary concern is on security of the Americans. The position is that most of the crimes that occur in these communities not reported and this gives the police has a difficult time in the understanding and prevention of future crimes[13]. The functioning of a proper justice system is reliant on the proper assessment of criminal activities in order to avoid or prevent future criminal incidences. The lack of proper reporting mechanisms takes the crucial position in this process.

The reframing of immigration issues as national security issues after the 9/11 attacks further pushed the attitudes of the Americans[14]. The effect of this reframing is evident in disregard of human rights of the immigrants with a claim of the prevention of terrorism. The increased association between immigrants and criminals takes the negative attitude to a higher ground. The misconception of the public on the use of national policy and crime control creates an environment where the ideas that necessitate immigration enforcement viewed with a negative attitude regarding immigrants. Border security and transnational crimes have assisted in fueling the attitude of the Americans towards the immigrants from Mexico.

Although the 9/11 attacks is not associated with the Mexicans, it brought along an attitude of patriotism, which intensified the anti- foreign attitudes[15]. The attitude classified these immigrants as aliens who were threats to the American nation. This attitude places the immigrants in a lesser position in the society and not deemed as equals with the rest of the population.

Changes caused by the attitude

The changes in the attitude of the Americans after 9/11 have brought along with it many effects on the immigrants. The impact is that of using these immigrants as scapegoats since they enjoy the civil liberties and rights as those who have a negative attitude towards them[16]. The connection of immigrants to drug related issues and the prevalence of drug smuggling from Mexico has profoundly affected the association of the immigrants with the locals.

The changes introduced into the legislations and policies has arisen after the 9/11 period. These changes aimed at reducing the inflow of illegal migrants into North Carolina as well as reducing and subsequently eliminating the illegal class of migrants in North Carolina[17]. Although studies demonstrate that there are some sectors not affected by these changes, it is noteworthy that the impacts of these changes are crosscutting. The employment sector especially the relationship between most employees and these immigrants has had little effect. These changes have also affected the inflow of illegal immigrants by the development of strict border and immigration controls. These controls aimed at reducing the population of illegal migrants.

Impact of Mexican immigration into North Carolina

The main impact brought by the immigration of Mexicans into North Carolina touched on both the social and economic fields. The social paradigm of the state changed consequently after the immigration of Mexicans. The cultural aspects of the society changed as the immigrants brought their cultures, which played a crucial role in shaping the cultural setting of North Carolina. The locals to complement their culture adapted some aspects of the Mexican cultures.

Advantages of Mexican immigration to North Carolina

The immigration of Mexicans into North Carolina brought about many benefits to the individuals there and to the society. The employers in North Carolina welcomed the provision of cheap labor force[18]. The labor force by the immigrants cheaper compared to their local counterparts, which was higher. Although many of the immigrants were semi illiterate, or illiterate, their skills were applicable to the agricultural and construction industries. The consequent results lead to increased income and growth of the economic situation.

The other advantage of these immigrations was the integration and enrichment of the culture of North Carolina through the adaptation of some of the Mexican cultures and the way of life. The immigrants brought along with them their rich cuisine adopted by the locals. The cultural aspects of the immigrants formed a basis of cultural development in North Carolina[19]. The immigration of these individuals also opened up North Carolina for development in order to accommodate the increase in the population of the state[20]. The increased rates of production due to the availability of cheap labor ensured that this development was achievable. The immigration also brought with it the integration of culture through the association between the locals and the immigrants.

The immigrants developed enterprises in their communities, which assisted in the economic growth of the region. These small enterprises started as small businesses and developed to larger enterprises increasing the productivity and employment rate.

Disadvantages of Mexican immigration into North Carolina

The immigrants into North Carolina were mostly uneducated, and the only labor they could provide was unskilled labor. This shortcoming in the provision of labor limited the development of the area[21]. The uneducated immigrants could not work beyond their current levels of employment. The rate of employment was lower, and the immigrants had to work for longer durations in order to make a living. The provision of cheap labor by the immigrants forced the local employees to work at lower rates or forfeit employment.

The lack of education also restricted the development of the immigrants, as they could not improve their terms of employment, because of restrictions of education[22]. The rapid increase of the immigrants resulted in the deterioration of the living conditions hygiene and brought along health issues. The overpopulation of the living conditions worsened with the lack of employment and increase in families. Poor living conditions resulted due to the lack of planning and the unprecedented increase in the illegal immigrant population.

The uncontrolled increase in illegal population, the difficulties in obtaining employment and policies on illegal migrants made in difficult for these illegal immigrants to obtain gainful employment. Consequently, they resort to criminal and illegal activities. The failure to check these activities lead to the increase of criminal activities in the society, which compromises security[23]. The lack of proper documentation of the illegal immigrants, made this issue greater as sometimes the perpetrators of these crimes are “nonexistent.” The failure to control the illegal immigration of Mexicans into North Carolina brought along undesired social and legal issues. The mushrooming of illegal groups such as drug cartels and organized crimes is also pertinent.

Social challenges faced by immigrants

The main challenge faced by these immigrants is marginalization. Their low income and lack of affordable housing, discrimination lack of basic amenities and language barriers pose a significant challenge in the intergradation of immigrants into the society[24]. The difficulty in adapting to the new environment isolation and separation from their families were problems faced. The acquisition of driver’s licenses and access to public transport were the greatest needs, but still they were not easily accessible.

Discrimination on grounds of being aliens is also eminent. Discrimination stretches from heavy workload in the work place to disrespect in government offices. Separation from families also affects the livelihood of the immigrants[25]. Separation from familiar places also challenges the assimilation of immigrants into the new society. Isolation of immigrants is also evident due to their legal status and language barriers. The restrictions in the language bar the immigrants from fully associating with the locals. Marginalization also played a role in supporting isolation as the immigrants want to associate with other immigrants rather than the locals.

Access to basic health facilities is also challenging[26]. The attitude of the health care personnel towards the immigrants and the immigrants attitudes towards the healthcare system make this complicated. The lack of medical insurance is widespread among the immigrants and the quality of health care received expensive and non-satisfactory. The barriers to medical access include lack of documentation, lack of information, lack of transport, high cost, and lack of insurance and perceived discrimination.

Difficulties in migrating to the US legally by Mexicans

The legal challenges eminent in the migration of Mexicans to the US legally are mainly the requirements of the law in relation to the acquisition of citizenship. The requirement possession of US citizenship in crossing the border to the US is something that is hard to come by. A passport also required in the entry of individuals into the US[27]. These documents cannot be readily accessible to potential immigrants, and the acquisition of US citizenship is a difficult and next to impossible to the potential immigrants. The required documentation is standard for all individuals, and this makes legal immigration less preferred. In order to immigrate successfully into the US, these individuals have to cross the border illegally through the harsh desert conditions while dodging the border control[28]. Once they have crossed the border they have to acquire counterfeit documentation in order to get work. The legislation in place aims at reducing and subsequently eliminating illegal immigration.

Challenges in illegal migration of Mexicans into the US

Although the illegal immigration of Mexicans into the US is free from any process of law, there are tremendous challenges in the involved. These challenges, unlike the legal one, are continuous and vary in proportions[29]. The main challenge is usually in crossing the border into the US. The immigrants take many risks while crossing the border and arriving at their destination. The challenge involved in the entry into the US is that immigrants smuggled into the country by human smugglers, and they have to pay for this[30]. These immigrants usually recover the money by selling drugs once they get into the US. Once the immigrants are in the US, they must find fraudulent documents in order to acquire jobs. These documents always made available by gangs and illegal cartels operated by illegal immigrants who also trade drugs. After the acquisition of the documents, the immigrants seek employment but usually due to some restrictions like education, their earnings are little. There is always a disparity between the expectations of immigrants and the outcome. Language barriers are also eminent, and the assimilation into the new society may be an uphill task for the immigrants[31]. These challenges result in the decision of these immigrants to engage in criminal activities.

The harsh environmental conditions in the desert where they cross into the US are the greatest risk faced. Many individuals who attempt to cross the border apprehended or rescued by border control officials. The journey across the border is usually an unpleasant one with fatalities eminent.

Conclusion

The aim of most Mexican immigrants into the US is the desire for a better life. With this aim, the immigrants endeavor to get to the US by all necessary means. The legal acquisition of citizenship by immigrants is a process that does not yield much result. The alternative, therefore, is to immigrate into the US illegally. Although the immigration into the US illegally faces many challenges, they nevertheless prefer illegal immigration[32]. Their perception is that the process is more successful than the legal method. The challenges the immigrants both legal and illegal faced are multiple and often resort to crime. The societal perceptions of the Mexican immigrants are a negative one, and perceived to associate with crime. The immigrants often marginalized both economically and socially. The lack or poor basic amenities pose a serious challenge in the process of assimilation into the society.

The immigrants from Mexico maintain strong ties with their original homes and often go back there or call the other members of their families regularly. Some individuals even send money back home occasionally. The economic differences between the two countries ensure that there is an inflow of immigrants in search of better lives[33]. On the other hand, the immigration controls in place makes legal immigration difficult, and the immigrants have to immigrate illegally.

The immigration and the increasing number of immigrants pose challenges and benefits in society. There are favorable as well as unfavorable results from the immigration. The immigration of Mexicans into North Carolina affects a wider portion of the local population. The social, cultural and economic atmosphere of North Carolina has a connection to the immigration. The immigrants brought with them changes to the setup of the place. The role played by the immigrants in the everyday business of North Carolina is evident in the population of the immigrants. Although the immigrants assimilate into the society, they do not abandon their previous identities.

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[1] Agans Robert P., Deeb-Sossa Natalia and Kalsbeek William D. Mexican Immigrants and the Use of Cognitive Assessment Techniques in Questionnaire Development. Hispanic journal of behavioral sciences. http://hjb.sagepub.com/content/28/2/209.abstract?ijkey=3370601382a260265b13fea7e7be73aafc49fe2f&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha (accessed October 25 2012).

[2] Hirschman Charles, Kasinitz Philip, and DeWind Josh. The Handbook of International Migration: The American Experience. Russell Sage Foundation, 1999.

[3] Perreira, K., Chapman, M., and Stein G. Becoming an American Parent: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Strength in a New Immigrant Latino Community. Journal of Family Issues. 2006

[4] Griffith, David Craig. American Guestworkers: Jamaicans And Mexicans in the U.S. Labor Market. Penn State Press, 2006.

[5] Zúñiga, Victor and Hernández-León, Rubén. New Destinations: Mexican Immigration in the United States. Russel sage foundation, 2006.

[6] Massey, Douglas. New faces in new places: the changing geography of American immigration. Russel Sage Foundation, 2010.

[7] Soto, Lilia. Migration as a Matter of Time: Perspectives from Mexican Immigrant Adolescent Girls in California’s Napa Valley. ProQuest, 2008.

[8] Massey, Douglas. New faces in new places: the changing geography of American immigration. Russel Sage Foundation, 2010.

[9] Zeh Frederick. An Immigrant Soldier in the Mexican War. Texas A&M University Press, 1995.

[10] Salomone, Rosemary C. True American: Language, Identity, and the Education of Immigrant Children. Harvard University Press, 2010.

[11] Telles, Edward E. and Ortiz Vilma. Generations of Exclusion: Mexican Americans, Assimilation, and Race. Russell Sage Foundation, 2009.

[12] Guttierrez, David. Walls and mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican immigrants, and the politics of ethnicity. California. University of California press, 1995.

[13] Perreira Ko, L. K. “It Turned My World Upside Down:” Latino Youths’ Perspectives on Immigration. Journal of Adolescent Research, 2010.

[14] Gonzalez, Arturo. Mexican Americans and the U.S. Economy: Quest for Buenos Dias:The Mexican American Experience. Arizona. University of Arizona press, 1998.

[15] Rodriquez, Havidan, Saenz, Rogelio, and Menjivar Cecilia. Latinas/os in the United States: changing the face of America. Springer, 2007.

[16] Chavez, Leo. The latino threat: constructing immigrants, citizens, and the nation. Stanford. Stanford university press, 2008.

[17] Hendricks, Tyche. The Wind Doesn’t Need a Passport: Stories from the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands. University of California Press, 2010.

[18] Maria, Susana. Understanding Issues of College Persistence for Undocumented Mexican Immigrant Women from the New Latino Diaspora: A Case Study. ProQuest, 2008.

[19]Hagan, Jacqueline M. Migration Miracle: Faith, Hope, and Meaning on the Undocumented Journey. Harvard University Press, 2012.

[20] Quinones, Sam. True Tales from Another Mexico: The Lynch Mob, the Popsicle Kings, Chalino, and the Bronx. UNM Press, 2001.

[21] David, Coates. Getting Immigration Right: What Every American Needs to Know. Potomac Books, Inc., 2009.

[22] Odem, Mary E. and Lacy, Elaine. Latino Immigrants and the Transformation of the U.S. South. University of Georgia Press, 2009.

[23] Ceballos, Edna and Monica, Lopez. Mexican Immigrants Learning Science in Rural America: A Case Study of a 9th Grade Science Classroom. ProQuest, 2007.

[24] Martinez ,Arturo S. Living in a Dream: The Experiences of Adult Mexican Immigrants in Urban Adult Education Programs. ProQuest, 2008.

[25] Massey, Douglas. New faces in new places: the changing geography of American immigration. Russel Sage Foundation, 2010.

[26] Andreas Lixl. Memories of Carolinian Immigrants: Autobiographies, Diaries, and Letters from Colonial Times to the Present. University Press of America, 2009.

[27] Maria, Susana. Understanding Issues of College Persistence for Undocumented Mexican Immigrant Women from the New Latino Diaspora: A Case Study. ProQuest, 2008.

[28] Fussell, Elizabeth. Sources of Mexico’s Migration Stream: Rural, Urban, and Border Migrants to the United States. Oxford Journals, Vol 8, (3). http://sf.oxfordjournals.org/content/82/3/937.short (accessed October 25 2012).

[29] Hoffman, Abraham. Unwanted Mexican Americans in the Great Depression: Repatriation Pressures, VNR AG, 1974.

[30] Haines David W. and Karen Elaine Rosenblum. Illegal Immigration in America: A Reference Handbook. Greenwood Publishing Group, 1999

[31] Garcia, Ginny. Mexican American and Immigrant Poverty in the United States. Springer, 2011.

[32] Borjas, George. Mexican immigration to the United States. Chicago. University of Chicago press, 2007.

[33] Gill, Hannah. The Latino Migration Experience in North Carolina: New Roots in the Old North State. North Carolina. University of North Carolina, 2010.