I found it interesting that a large majority of Korean immigrants do not speak to one another about their current occupation, their past occupation, and their occupation level.  This limitation is put in place by the bitterness that oftentimes accompanies a decline in prestige, as many Korean immigrants were professionals in their native country.  Foner draws attention to the “downward occupational mobility” (90) experienced by many of today’s newcomers.  As mentioned in the beginning of From Ellis Island to JFK, the new wave of immigrants is significantly more diverse occupationally and educationally when compared with the majority of immigrants that came at the turn of the century.  The phenomenon of downward economic mobility refers to situations in which immigrants take up jobs in the receiving country for which they are overqualified.  Oftentimes, such individuals are professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers) in their home country, but take up menial jobs in New York because of “unfamiliarity with the English language and American culture” (91).  Another major factor includes the fact professional certificates from other countries are often not recognized in America.

What are the pros and cons of immigrants with limited English language proficiency taking up jobs that do not require much face-to-face interaction with patients or the public?

Further, Foner presents a lucid picture of the situation of immigrant women and the work that they do.  She draws attention to the fact that women, as a result of migration, do not necessarily escape traditional patriarchal codes and practices; gender inequalities remain intact.  I was, however, surprised to read that “More women come on their own rather than follow in the footsteps of men” (123).  I was previously unaware of the presence of women pioneer immigrants, as all of the female immigrants I know came with their families.  Foner cites the example of Jamaican women who moved to New York on their own to be live-in domestic workers; such women later sent money for plane tickets to their children and husbands.

I also found it interesting that turn-of-the-century women – in taking on homework or boarders – actually increased their responsibilities, domestic or otherwise.  Foner draws attention to the fact that women’s employment today transforms family relationships.  Husbands often help out with domestic responsibilities, thus changing the balance of power in immigrant households.