Discuss the privileges ‘natural’ born U.S. citizens enjoy that people with different immigrant and migrant identities do not. What institutional or systemic factors give rise to nationalism for in-groups and oppression of the non-citizen groups?
(USLO 2.6)
6
Immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers belong to various race, gender, age, religion, and more identities. How does the intersectionality of multiple identities affect these non-citizen groups? Provide a couple of examples and discuss ways to mitigate the detrimental effects and trauma these groups face in the host country.
(USLO 2.4)
7
In recent times, there is a growing fear of diversability regarding people with immigrant identities. Historically, the U.S. is a nation formed with groups of people who fled their countries due to various threats to their lives and safety. Then, on what basis is the current fear of immigrants, migrants, and refugees, justified? How would you change the narrative to mitigate such fears?
Full Answer Section
Institutional and Systemic Factors that Give Rise to Nationalism and Oppression of Non-Citizen Groups
A number of institutional and systemic factors give rise to nationalism for in-groups and oppression of non-citizen groups. These factors include:
- Economic inequality: Economic inequality can lead to resentment and scapegoating of immigrants and other marginalized groups.
- Political polarization: Political polarization can create a climate of intolerance and division, making it easier to justify discrimination against non-citizen groups.
- Historical legacies of racism and xenophobia: The United States has a long history of racism and xenophobia, which has contributed to the marginalization and oppression of non-citizen groups.
- Media representations: The media often portray immigrants and other marginalized groups in a negative light, which can reinforce negative stereotypes and prejudices.
Examples of Nationalism and Oppression of Non-Citizen Groups
Here are some examples of nationalism and oppression of non-citizen groups in the United States:
- The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first law in the United States to restrict immigration based on race or ethnicity.
- The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1924 established a national origins quota system that favored immigrants from Northern Europe and discriminated against immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe.
- The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a mass incarceration of Japanese Americans and Japanese immigrants, regardless of their citizenship status.
- The Operation Wetback program of the 1950s and 1960s was a mass deportation program that targeted Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans.
- The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 authorized the legalization of millions of undocumented immigrants, but it also imposed new sanctions on employers who hired undocumented immigrants.
- The Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy at the U.S.-Mexico border resulted in the separation of thousands of migrant children from their parents.
How to Address Nationalism and Oppression of Non-Citizen Groups
There are a number of things that can be done to address nationalism and oppression of non-citizen groups. These include:
- Promoting education and awareness: It is important to educate the public about the history and impact of racism and xenophobia. This can help to reduce negative stereotypes and prejudices against non-citizen groups.
- Supporting policies that protect the rights of non-citizen groups: This includes supporting policies that provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and that protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Building coalitions and alliances: It is important to build coalitions and alliances with non-citizen groups and other marginalized groups. This can help to amplify their voices and to advocate for their rights.
Conclusion
Nationalism and oppression of non-citizen groups are serious problems in the United States. However, there are a number of things that can be done to address these problems. By promoting education and awareness, supporting policies that protect the rights of non-citizen groups, and building coalitions and alliances, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.