Photo by Mat Reding
Have you heard the big news?!
No, it’s not the election results. It appears we’ll have to wait just a little longer for those.
The big news is… I’m going back to school!
I’ll be attending Arizona State University’s Master of Arts online program pursuing a degree in Social Justice and Human Rights.
I will say, part of me is a little nervous at the idea of going back to school and for the unknown, but the overwhelming majority of me is incredibly excited.
For one thing, I can’t wait to meet other people who are also passionate about justice and equality for all. I’m also excited because I love to learn, and this program explores some interesting and important topics.
Take, for instance, the topic of immigration. My father emigrated from Algeria in the 1970s, and if he hadn’t, my life wouldn’t be what it is. While immigration may be a sensitive issue for many, it is definitely very dear to my heart, and this program examines migration and displacement patterns. Whether it involves people seeking asylum as refugees or people simply departing their country for more economically acceptable reasons, I would love to know more and maybe be a part of future solutions.
And I know I’m not alone as a second-generation immigrant. Based on 2018 data, approximately 13.7% of the U.S. population are foreign-born, or immigrants. But despite what many think, over three-quarters (77%) are here lawfully, and almost half (45%) are also naturalized U.S. citizens. And would it surprise you to know that the percentage of immigrants with college degrees is almost exactly the same as that of U.S. born citizens (32% compared to 33%, respectively)?
Another common misconception is most immigrants in the U.S. are unauthorized and come from Mexico. While it’s true Mexico does represent the largest country of origin for immigrants, it only accounts for 25%. And more people have emigrated from Asia than Mexico each year over the past 10 years.
Most immigrants have jobs (including 72% of unauthorized immigrants) which means they frequently pay things like federal income tax and social security. Yet despite their contributions, similar college education, and the majority living here lawfully, an unfortunate stigma seems to haunt immigrants, and 24% of Americans believe they are a burden on this country.
Is that how you feel? Do you personally know any immigrants? Have you ever asked an unauthorized immigrant what daily life is like and what their journey to get here entailed?
It’s true that circumstances often differ from person to person, and life abroad isn’t always exactly what it is like here in America. But I do think conditions in other countries can sometimes be similar enough, or at least relevant, to life here, and I always think hearing stories of individuals can offer us a perspective we might not have previously imagined possible.
So the next few posts will be conversations with some friends and family where I ask questions like…
What is it like immigrating to the United States? What is it like emigrating from the United States? How are immigrants viewed and treated in other countries?
Hopefully, those are questions that you’d like to hear more about. And if you’re someone who thinks immigrants are burdensome, perhaps the conversations will cause you to reconsider.
Also, if you’re interested, all the stats and data referenced above can be found in this recent Pew Research Center article.