The Significance of Immigration in the Formation of an American Identity by Rudolph J. Vecoli

Vecoli does an impressive job of summarizing the progression of the American Identity while also highlighting the important role immigration has played in its creation. He notes the transformation of the ideals pertaining to immigration and foreign peoples, from those surrounding the already diversified population of early America, to the enactment of immigration quota systems, to the general acceptance of pluralism. I find that Vecoli does a sound job at detailing multiple (even opposing) points of view, allowing for the reader to look at the development of an American Identity through a wide lens. The friction between strong, opposing ideals of the American Identity has existed nearly since birth of America. In fact, it is arguable that America was born from this. While England wished to maintain a strong influence (economically, politically and even socially) over the thirteen colonies, the colonists have developed their own culture, their own identity. Believing that they should live free of oppression, they decided to create a country that was rooted in that ideal. However, as the country grew, the attempt to create a singular, unique identity went against this very idea. And, as a result, different groups and sects arose, each one proposing its own sentiment on what a true American is and their plan to enforce that belief.

Thanks to this reading, I can finally place a term to my own beliefs on immigration and the American Identity: Pluralism. For a while, and even more so as I read this excerpt, I also questioned the idea of America being a “melting pot.” While a melting pot may be a concoction of various yet individual parts, its purpose is to use these parts to create something new. This is the problem with configuring a single American Identity. There is a lack of clarity on what the melting pot should create. Should there be a single American race or an overall acceptance of all races? In the end, I find myself following mainly transcultural ideals as opposed to nativist ones.

Immigrants in New York City in the New Millenium by Nancy Foner

While Vecoli’s writing focused on the effects of immigration on creating an American Identity, Foner decided to hone in on something much more local: immigration and the “New York Identity.” By that I refer to Foner’s vivid illustrations of the intertwined relationship between immigration and the culture of NYC. She begins by noting the biggest pull that NYC offered to immigrants: having friends and family members already living here. While several push factors may have existed in home countries, having familiar faces made the transition bearable and even appealing. She goes on to mention how NYC is a close knit immigrant city, with immigrants existing in families up to 3 or 4 generations ago. Immigrants, and children of immigrants, also appear widely in the city, including government positions. They are not localized. Although she does mention that certain professions are stereotypical for certain ethnicities, she also shows how newer and educated immigrants are able to attain better jobs. Various education systems, CUNY being one that is mentioned, have made this possible. Finally, a noticeable theme is how immigrants have added to the overall culture of NYC. Out of neighborhoods that house various ethnic groups, things such as the cuisine, places of worship and business have been established and enjoyed by the community.

One line from Foner truly stood out to me. It was, “New York is also appealing because outsiders do not stand out.” If one needed proof to support the “Melting Pot” idea, he or she should look toward NYC. Even though it has a distinct culture, this culture can be enjoyed by anyone, without the requirement of abandoning his or her own traditions. It seems that while an American Identity cannot be established, a New York one has.

The Next Generation Emerges by Philip Kasinitz, John H. Mollenkopf, Mary C. Waters

The city is ours for the taking, or so this excerpt suggests. Although many immigrants live in New York, the article notes that it is the second generation (or in some cases the “1.5 generation” referring to people who emigrated at a young age) who will play an influential role in this city’s future. This piece notes how the culture among this generation is unique. The generation has assimilated quickly, and even has identified themselves not merely an Americans, but also as New Yorkers. Though the generation may share a common culture, some racial separations exist, as seen through education, social and political situations. I found it interesting how cultural ideals could exist even in something as ordinary as school. While I was aware that at times, certain ethnic groups excelled over others academically, I never focused on the cultural affect. The type of school, its benefits, and even its location were subject to cultural ideals. Moving on to jobs, I found it noteworthy that children of immigrants generally do not take “immigrant jobs,” with some even refusing low wage or nonmainstream professions. I question if it is an idea that is instilled by their parents’ principles or something relating to the second-generation NYC culture. The excerpt argues that any dramatic economic turns can harshly affect the second-generation. It is an idea that I have never truly considered. Those of the second-generation who have encountered success do not truly have a safety net. Odds are they have moved on further than their parents. Cutbacks even in education can take a toll on the emerging generation.

One theme I identified throughout this reading was the parental effect on children. Although my generation will have the most influence over NYC’s future, each of us is subject to our own parent’s influence. From their personal and cultural ideals to even their legal status, parents have an affect over the decisions we make, ergo over the city.