The United States of America is often referred to as ‘a nation of immigrants’. Over centuries, the prospect of achieving the American Dream has attracted immigrants from all over the world to the country. However, in recent decades many immigrants entered the USA illegally or stayed on after their visas had expired. Actually, the approximated number of undocumented immigrants currently living in the USA widely ranges from “11.5 million to 20 million” (Orchowski 2008, 69), the majority of them hailing from Latin American countries. This uncontrolled influx of immigrants causes various problems in the host nation. Illegal immigration from South and Central America to the USA undermines core elements of the American Dream such as the opportunity of climbing the social ladder, security of life and liberty, and America’s social security for everyone living in the U.S.
Table of Contents
1. The Undermining of the American Dream through Illegal Immigration
Objectives & Topics
This essay explores how illegal immigration, particularly from Central and South America to the United States, adversely affects the core values and socio-economic pillars of the "American Dream" for both residents and immigrants.
- Socio-economic barriers and labor exploitation of undocumented workers.
- Poor living conditions and social exclusion of immigrant communities.
- Security threats and the link between illegal immigration and organized crime.
- The financial burden on U.S. public education and healthcare systems.
- The impact on the American welfare state and national social security.
Excerpt from the Book
The Undermining of the American Dream through Illegal Immigration
The United States of America is often referred to as ‘a nation of immigrants’. Over centuries, the prospect of achieving the American Dream has attracted immigrants from all over the world to the country. However, in recent decades many immigrants entered the USA illegally or stayed on after their visas had expired. Actually, the approximated number of undocumented immigrants currently living in the USA widely ranges from “11.5 million to 20 million” (Orchowski 2008, 69), the majority of them hailing from Latin American countries. This uncontrolled influx of immigrants causes various problems in the host nation. Illegal immigration from South and Central America to the USA undermines core elements of the American Dream such as the opportunity of climbing the social ladder, security of life and liberty, and America’s social security for everyone living in the U.S.
First, undocumented immigrants from South and Central America often cannot climb the social ladder to achieve the American Dream. Because of their illegal status, they face unfavorable labor conditions. Many illegal workers are forced to take wearisome jobs in agriculture and other labor-intensive branches with extremely poor working conditions. Davis stated that “half of all field hands on California’s 82,000 farms, and as much as 20 percent of manufacturing, restaurant, and construction workers are illegal immigrants” (1990, 68-69).
Summary of Chapters
1. The Undermining of the American Dream through Illegal Immigration: This section details how illegal immigration creates structural barriers, financial strain, and social instability that threaten the realization of the American Dream for various demographics within the United States.
Keywords
American Dream, illegal immigration, undocumented immigrants, labor conditions, human smuggling, drug trafficking, social security, public education, healthcare costs, welfare state, socio-economic impact, border security, Latin American immigrants, social mobility, economic burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper examines the negative socio-economic impacts of illegal immigration from Latin American countries on the realization of the American Dream in the United States.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include labor exploitation, the strain on public education and healthcare systems, threats to public safety, and the overall financial burden on the American welfare state.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to demonstrate how uncontrolled illegal immigration undermines essential components of the American Dream, such as social mobility, public security, and economic stability.
Which methodology is applied in this research?
The essay utilizes a qualitative analytical approach, synthesizing existing literature, governmental statistics, and expert reports to evaluate the consequences of undocumented immigration.
What content is covered in the main body?
The body covers the exploitation of illegal workers, the poor living standards of immigrants, the connection between border crossing and criminal activities, and the costs imposed on public infrastructure.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Keywords include American Dream, illegal immigration, social security, labor exploitation, human smuggling, and public infrastructure costs.
How does illegal status specifically affect social mobility?
The lack of legal work permits forces immigrants into low-paying, high-risk labor positions with poor conditions, effectively trapping them and limiting their ability to improve their socio-economic status.
What role does the Mexican-American border play in criminal activity?
The border serves as a conduit for human smugglers (coyotes) and drug cartels, which increases the prevalence of violent crime and threatens the safety of both local residents and immigrants.
Why is the public education system cited as being under pressure?
The paper notes that states are required to fund education for all children, including undocumented minors, which places a significant multi-billion dollar financial burden on taxpayers.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Maria Melanie Meyer (Autor:in), 2010, The Undermining of the American Dream through Illegal Immigration, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/163829
