Putnam gives a description of the positive and negative aspects of immigration. On the positive side immigrants enhance creativity,winning laureates and academy awards, they are generally associated with rapid economic growth, and help to offset the impending  fiscal effects of the retirement of the baby boom generation. These admittedly were not positive effects I had even really thought about. Usually when I think about the benefits of immigrants, I mainly think about the diversity and culture they bring to America, but immigrants are really rooted in the foundation of America not just socially but politically and economically.

Putnam, however, goes on to explain two theories that explain social capital and interaction. The first is the social contact theory. It says that if two ethnic groups are in contact with each other, they get over their initial hesitations and are more likely to accept and care for each other. The social conflict theory, on the other hand says quite the opposite. It says that if two or more ethnic groups live close to each other, because of reasons including limited resources, the groups will actually be more distrustful of each other and become more confined within their own ethnic group. There is still much debate over which theory better applies, but personally I believe in the social contact theory. Immigrants and diversity is crucial for a country to be successful and progressive. It is important to understand the customs and culture of other countries, and immigrants provide an opportunity to gain this knowledge. We need immigrants. They have become one of the most important influences on American culture, and people will have to learn to accept it.

Emma Park-Hazel