Sampan has been following the migrant crisis for the past four months. We have reported on emotionally charged issues including budget allocation, housing options for overflow arrivals, and discussions about the assimilation of these new families into Boston society. Today, Sampan shares the thoughts of 6 people who were eager to speak.
It is recorded through research and studies that America is a country of immigrants. From the nation’s very beginning, immigrants have defined our culture and shaped this country’s ideals, and continue to do so to modern day. The current wave of migrants seeking refuge in America today has been met with strong responses ranging from feelings of rescue to hate. This is not a new phenomenon for America.
Dating back to the colonial era, xenophobic sentiments have run rampant amongst our nation’s immigrant community and identity. Benjamin Franklin expressed concerns about the influx of German immigrants in the 18th century. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, against Irish, Italians and Chinese immigrants evolved in tandem with the changing demographics in our population. In “Immigration and Relocation in US History”, the Library of Congress wrote:
“As immigration from Europe and Asia neared its crest in the late 19th century, anti-immigrant sentiment soared along with it. The U.S. was in the grips of an economic depression, and immigrants were blamed for taking American jobs. At the same time, racialist theories circulated in the press, advancing pseudo scientific theories that alleged that “Mediterranean” types were inherently inferior to people of northern European heritage. Drawings and songs caricaturing the new immigrants as childlike, criminal, or subhuman became sadly commonplace. One 1891 cartoon claimed that “If immigration was properly restricted, you would never be troubled with anarchism, socialism, the Mafia, and such kindred evils!”
Today, America is witnessing a new surge of migrants seeking sanctuary within our borders, driven by the same factors which drove earlier immigrants to take life-threatening measures to save their families from famine, civil wars, and rampant apocalyptic crime. Sampan spoke to Henry, a Career Counselor in Boston. He works with these families every day helping them find jobs. He said,
“ The Biden Administration’s Humanitarian Program, designed to aid nationals of failed countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, has played a major role in the wave of recent migration. They are all legal with a right to be but many Americans are lumping them in with the people trying to illegally enter at the southern border. Unfortunately, the ongoing saga at the southern border is also seeing a steady stream of desperate families seeking safety but without the legal right to enter. What both groups have in common is a singular need to work. They do not want handouts”
The 1965 Immigration Act maintained restrictions on immigration based on radicalized and prejudiced perceptions of immigrants, enduring a legacy of prejudice in immigration policy and the White House rhetoric from 2017-2021 exacerbated anti-immigrant sentiments. Franny, a Human Resources Specialist, told Sampan:
“I hope Trump wins. This country has become very dangerous. Trump will make things safe again by building the wall. I work hard and I pay my taxes. I don’t like that the government is using my taxes to support migrants.“
Sampan also interviewed Margaret, a Museum Archivist. who said that migrants who seek to settle in states such as Massachusetts encounter a myriad of problems including prejudice that prevent them from finding a new home and opportunity in the US. She felt that:
“A major problem is that there are not enough staff and judges to process applications for asylum. Unless their numbers increase, migrants will slip through the system. For many, the hope of finding refuge is met with the harsh reality of an understaffed and overworked justice system. Navigating through complicated legal processes makes these migrants’ situation even more difficult than it already is, and some are forced to circumvent the rules in order to support their families.”
Massachusetts leaders have risen to the occasion, according to Carrie, a Youth Counselor and an immigrant herself of 5 years. She said that Massachusetts has demonstrated a commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of migrants. She believes that the Governor and her team have handled the migrant crisis extremely well. She continued:
“They have fed and housed them with dignity and with all the respect they deserve as human beings. Their compassionate approach reflects the state’s ethos of inclusivity and empathy, both of which are extremely important in times of crisis. Further, individuals and mayors of sanctuary cities across the country have also played a crucial role in welcoming and supporting migrants. Their tireless efforts to provide these individuals with sanctuary and support exemplify the humanitarian spirit and solidarity that we require in our response to ongoing challenges.”
Al Jazeera cautions that “beneath many US immigration laws are theories of “scientific” racism and eugenics – namely, on ideas of racial superiority/inferiority, gendered, sexual and psychopathic deviance, and prevailing notions of “common sense” racism”. From discriminatory bans based on perceived disabilities to exclusionary measures targeting specific ethnic and national groups, immigration in the US has been marked by power imbalances, prejudice, and privilege.” We interviewed Louis and Nancy who saw the immigrants as assets for America, not burdens or threats.
Louis was an accountant who challenged the claim that the new migrants are stealing jobs from native-born citizens. He said,
“If someone feels their job was taken by an immigrant, it likely indicates their lower competence. We should not acknowledge immigrants as threats. Only the most capable individuals are able to thrive in the competitive job market of today’s economy. Migrants have repeatedly proven themselves to be capable and driven workers that play incredibly crucial roles in our society. They deserve their opportunities just as much as anyone born in America, and no one is more entitled to a job simply because of their status as a citizen.”
Nancy, a teacher at a community college has observed a stark difference in attitudes and work ethic between immigrants and native-born US citizens. She said,
”All the immigrants (from many different countries) seem to be eager, punctual, and very hardworking. The Americans in my classes by contrast, have been late and absent and have negative attitudes. Immigrants have consistently displayed the qualities that are required for succeeding in the workplace, compared to their native-born counterparts. They prove themselves to be disciplined and committed, which reflects in hiring decisions made by employers.”
“And finally from Dennis, a retired teacher in Tewksbury MA:
“I don’t believe that we have a migrant crisis. There has historically been a movement of people into the US. From time to time that movement may increase or decrease depending on the global situation. People coming into the US have usually brought with them an array of skills and talent. Sadly, the US news media tends to focus on the very small group of people who are a criminal element.”
