There are many reasons for migration into the United
States. Often we hear about migration
from Central America. The majority of
immigrants from countries in this region migrate to the United States to escape
threats to their life as well as economic reasons. Economic reasons are only
one reason for immigration into the US from other parts of the world. Other reasons include higher education and opportunities to
engage in exciting academic, business and other employment opportunities. Many
of these immigrants are laser focused on their personal goals and fail to be
fully engaged as citizens. The political turmoil we have faced has exposed this
limitation of “responsibility as a citizen” as well as the consequences. The
United States is a country of immigrants – a fact that has been lost to the
many who feel that opportunities have been taken away from them. The dearth of domestically trained personnel
is a major reason for opportunities for already trained immigrants from abroad
(part of the “model minority”).
As for the trained immigrants, many fail to adequately
integrate, socially and politically.
Immigrants had to wait for the next generation for this integration. To
some extent with the election of 2016 immigrants recognized the need to pay
attention to activities in the sphere of politics. With the election of 2020
and the insurrection of 6th January 2021, many citizens are learning
how fragile democracy is and that it is something that needs constant tending
and attention. There is also much to learn about the US constitution, the
responsibilities of the three branches of the government as well as how
elections impact the process of governing. As they say “Elections Matter”.
There is also a good deal to learn about the history to
understand the basis for many significant issues that have an impact on
elections and the process of governing. Voter suppression and gerrymandering
are terms that have been discussed. How many immigrants are aware of how these
processes are detrimental to fair elections? How many immigrants are aware of
how the Electoral College is stacked against the possibility of electing a
President with the most popular votes? Hopefully immigrants are learning the
need to be knowledgeable in government and civics and be active participants in
the political process. It is important for citizens, native born as well as
immigrants, to not only vote but have the knowledge to make informed decision
at the voting booth.
Immigrants, many known as “the model minority”, are part of
the citizenry and have the responsibility to actively participate in the
democratic process. Before we know, the
country will be at the 2022 mid-term elections and the 2024 general
elections. Every one of us has a role to
play to prevent what happened in 2016, the ordeal the country went through from
2017 to 2021 culminating in the insurrection on 6th January 2021.
The period between elections is important for educating oneself on historical
facts (to understand why things are the way they are), critical issues facing
many in the country who may not be as fortunate as those considered the model
minority as well as how all of us can help in maintain a healthy democracy.
No comments:
Post a Comment