Immigration Is Becoming a Very Contentious Issue

Immigration is becoming a very contentious issue in America. Immigration, in many respects, is the reason why our country has grown so prosperously over the recent century. Differing views, opinions, and attributes all contribute to our nation's success. However, as the "Becoming American" transcript illustrates, more immigrants are inheriting the negative aspects of society as well. Many of these negative aspects, including heightened suicide rates, long work hours, depression, and obesity have a profound impact on society at large. As such, immigrants are now becoming more susceptible to many of the more negative aspects of American culture. As a result, these cultures continue to suffer losses both economically and socially.

To begin, the transcript first describes the great health of many within the Latin community. As immigrants, many of these individuals are relatively poor, but have exceptional health. Upon arrival to the Untied States, many Latin immigrants have less heart disease, depression, obesity, and high blood pressure. They are very healthy, and subsequently, can work longer hours than their American counterparts. The Latin community has strong family ties. Research has shown that these family ties create a very positive atmosphere within the overall community. The close family ties allows for individuals to help each other during tough economic circumstances. The family, ultimately helps each individual member in regards to health and economic well being. For instance, the article provides an example of a family of 6 who earn roughly $46,000 a year. They live in one of the more expensive districts in America. They survive by working together as a cohesive unit which ultimately allows each member of the family to prosper. Through this collectivistic nature, the family is less susceptible to many diseases such as depression. Social networks ultimately provide a defense mechanism against the prevailing aspects of American society.

However, as the transcript states, many immigrants begin to inherit many of the more American social norms as time elapses. The most susceptible to these individuals are the most recent generations of immigrant children. By being born in the United States they are more prone to many of the more common threats to civilization. Working long hours, eating unhealthy foods, and suffering severe bouts of depression are common within American society (Tamura, 2010). As time elapses, the children of immigrants begin to become accustomed to American norms. As parents work longer hours, they have less time with their children. These children eventually inherit many of the norms of American civilization as the enter middle and high school. In many instances these children must work themselves in order to help sustain their family. As the transcript states, Latin grades potentially suffer as they are working to help provide for their family. As a result, as the transcript states, 1 in 4 Latin's drop out of high school.

As many immigrants become accustomed to American culture, they inherit many of the negative aspects of it. For instance, many communities use excessive credit for their purchases. This credit ultimately creates an atmosphere of massive debt repayment for many Latin families. Health issues also arise as stress, long work hours, and hard labor begin to cause problems for the family and individual.