Immigration and the “American Dream”
The United States of America has been receiving thousands of immigrants since the early 80s. The promise of a better life and more opportunities continues to lure more foreigners to the US. Upon arrival, most of the immigrants are faced with many obstacles, all in pursuit of achieving the American dream.
But what is the American dream?
The term “American Dream” is dated centuries ago and originated from a writer and a historian James Truslow Adams through his book “Epic of America” in 1931. In his book, Truslow describes the US as a land of opportunities for everyone where life should be better and richer. The American dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of their origin, race, or social class, can achieve success in American society.
Immigration in the US occurred in three waves. Many of the immigrants have different stories of how and why they came to the united states. But all boil down to one main reason; the need to feel free, safe, and pursue success. The United States was and still viewed as a land of freedom and opportunity. From the early days, immigrating to the United States has never been a walk to the park. Immigrants are faced with many challenges, such as language barriers, work restrictions, lack of social structures, and various forms of abuse.
The first group of Immigrants was identified in the 1880 census, and most of them came from Northern and Western Europeans from countries including Ireland and Germany. Donald Trump’s grandfather Friedrich Trump happened to be among this group who migrated into the United States from Germany in 1885. The second wave happened during the 1910 census and comprised of immigrants from Southern and Eastern European countries, including Italy. The third group of immigrants came to the United States around 1980 and was comprised of immigrants from poorer countries in Latin America and Asia. They comprise the undocumented young adults who migrated to the US as children who are now seeking citizenship.
Studies have shown that children of poor immigrants have a greater likelihood of achieving the American Dream today, just like centuries ago, compared to their US-born peers. 90% of the immigrants still believe that the American Dream is still achievable despite numerous hardships. Most of them cite reasons such as affordable education and better work opportunities and would still recommend family and relatives to relocate to the US.
Migrating to the US is much harder today, especially with the current political climate as President Donald Trump seeks to tighten immigration policies. Still, there is a whole generation of immigrants who believe in the American Dream and are prepared to face the challenges, all just to make sure they build a better life for themselves and their families.
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