One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about immigrants is their work ethic. As Foner explains, because of past immigrants, an idea of immigrants being typically very hard working has been ingrained in our minds. Whether talking about the immigrants of the past or the immigrants of today, they are grateful for the work they are able to do in America, even if it’s a downgrade. If they come from bad economic or living situations in their countries, America is a great improvement. Even those who are considered professionals earn better wages in America than back in their home countries. I think it’s important to understand that really all immigrants are looking for is a chance to improve their lives.
Even today many people from Europe, whether they immigrate to America or other European countries, do so in order to be able to earn money for their families. There are still people who struggle with simple things like putting food on their table or having money to buy clothes. They go to other countries to find jobs that aren’t very glamorous at all: working in restaurants, construction, and do whatever else they can find. These immigrants sacrifice time away from their families with the work they do so that their loved ones can have more money, more opportunities, and overall improved standards of living.
Immigrant networks are definitely very important tools for getting jobs. Once someone immigrates, their friends and family members find out how much better their lives are. Although, those who haven’t immigrated yet don’t always realize how hard immigrants have to work once they arrive in America, or to any other country. Information travels and new immigrants want to come and take their shot at improving their lives. Once they arrive, they seek help and comfort from familiar faces who are willing to put in a good word for them at their jobs or help them to find places that are hiring. They don’t know anyone else in the country, so personal ties are very useful for acquiring a job. For example, my friend’s uncle owns a business and all her uncles and aunts who also immigrated to America work there.
Finally, the idea of jobs arising from ethnic markets is something I have witnessed in my own neighborhood and around NYC. There are many Polish immigrants who live in my neighborhood and therefore many Polish delis that serve fully cooked traditional Polish foods. They also carry a variety of Polish brand name items and other Polish specialties. There are also stores that carry brands and items from a multitude of European countries such as Italy and Albania, to name a few. In addition, some businesses are typically owned by certain immigrant groups. Laundromats or dry cleaners, for example, are typically owned by Asian immigrants in my neighborhood.
Overall, Foner’s points about immigration are easily observable in both immigrants of the past and now.
