The concept of an ethnic enclave is a somewhat tricky idea, one that has led to the development of a number of clashing theories. Some believe that ethnic enclaves provide much needed transitioning areas for immigrants. Others believe that immigrants rely on networks that need not be physical. One area that could be considered an ethnic enclave is Willets Point, a rundown industrial part of Queens that has long been the subject of debate in New York City.
Willets Point is a blighted industrial area of Queens where numerous low-skilled immigrants live and work in automotive shops and other similar places. Mayor Bloomberg has a plan to essentially restart the neighborhood and build high-end apartment buildings and other upscale developments. This has led to heated debate on whether the city has the right to displace the residents of an area simply to raise the profitability of an the neighborhood or if the city should protect such potentially rundown areas for the wellbeing of the immigrants who live there. It can be argued that immigrants do not need to have physical enclaves to live in as a group because they can make use of well-developed networks, as Marie Sullivan discusses, and that therefore the city does not have to maintain certain areas as unglamorous immigrant enclaves. However, it does not seem to be in city’s best interest to displace poor immigrants, a vital part of the city, in order to build upscale developments that would not be accessible to the existing community. Instead, the city should work with the residents to do what is possible to improve the area without deeply harming the integrity of the community.
