The challenge of diversity
The United States has become one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world due to a history of immigration. There are differing views on whether increased immigration and multiculturalism are economically beneficial or could increase ethnic tensions. While earlier immigrants primarily came from European countries, most current immigrants are from Asia and Latin America due to changes in immigration policy from 1965-2000. However, maintaining social harmony between native and immigrant groups poses challenges, as some native-born Americans fear immigrants will reduce job opportunities or rely on welfare. Overall, the economy has benefited from immigration, though increased unemployment and resentment towards undocumented immigrants have also raised tensions, requiring policy solutions.
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The challenge of diversity
- 1. Presented by Dammar Singh Saud
- 2. Introduction The United States of today has become one of the world's most multicultural societies. As American is becoming more multicultural, it has become more controversial. We find two common beliefs regarding the issue of multiculturalism in the US. One Groups believes that immigration has economically benefited the country. The other group opines that multiculturalism can lead to ethnic violence and hostility.
- 3. The Origins of US Cultural Diversity Since America has a long history of immigrations, the path of multiculturalism is not free from risks. The immigrant friendly immigration policy is the most determining factor to promote cultural diversity in a country like America. In the past, the majority of immigrants were from European nations.
- 4. The Origins of US Cultural Diversity But, today a large majority of people who immigrate to the US are mostly Asians and Latin Americans origin because of changes in immigrant policy of USA. Immigration policy from 1965 to 2000 helped to increase the number of immigrants and their diversity.
- 5. Immigration: Perception and Attitudes There are many obstacles and challenges for America to maintain harmony and co-existence between Native Americans and the new immigrants. Most American fears that the new immigrants will rob all the job opportunities from them and their life will become more miserable.
- 6. Immigration: Perception and Attitudes However, such allegations have to be invalid. In fact, American economy has been greatly benefited from immigrants. Some American also believes that immigrants use state welfare funds and displace native born unskilled workers. Similarly, they think that immigrants do not show any interest in assimilating in the mainstream of American society.
- 7. The Challenge A multicultural country is not problem free. Today, many Americans are becoming unemployed and are living a miserable life. The anti-immigrant feeling among the Native American is being increased because of illegal immigration and the negative effects of immigrant's progress in the USA. Such hostility and resentment towards immigrants have caused many problems between immigrants and Native Americans.
- 8. Responding to the Challenge The federal government should take the following steps to solve the problem of hostility, resentment and violence between immigrants and Native Americans. Similarly, they should offer programs of education and training to the Native Americans in order to improve their living standard and socio-economic condition.
- 9. Responding to the Challenge Furthermore, they should also launch programs to integrate the underclass into the mainstream American society. Likewise, they should provide sufficient financial support for those regions where immigrants tend to settle. Finally, they should check illegal immigrants from entering in the USA.
- 10. Thank You!