New Faces, Same Story (3.6.12 AllSpark)

Despite the distinct waves that have reached American soil, new modes of migrant transport, and novel reasons for relocation, little has changed regarding the American immigration story.  Since it’s colonial nascent, tides of Western Europeans, African Slaves, Southern and Eastern Europeans, and Russian Jews each made their way to the U.S in tides.  Now today, some of the largest foreign-born populations represented in NYC consist of those from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia, and despite a misconception incited by ignorance and cultural and economic insecurities, most immigrants in this area are legal residents (Foner).  Nevertheless, as a typical theme in the American drama, children of former immigrants develop xenophobic tendencies towards newer foreigners, epitomized by historical groups such as the Klu Klux Klan.  There may be new faces, but it’s the same story.  Are you even still reading this?

Although the impetus driving foreigners into the United States has shifted from the over general “search for religious freedom” or to uncover “streets of gold”, most of the varying reasons why immigrants settle in America (or even why Blacks chose to leave the racially overpriced and social rigidness of Manhattan) also has remained constant.  For instance, as argued by Foner, one reason people moved was that they simply could.  Furthermore, areas such as Corona, Queens or New York City as a whole serve as a symbolism of vast opportunity.  Potential for social and economic mobility stimulated a rush of African American and West Indians to Queens, meanwhile foreign jets filled with both poor opportunists and learned scholars now arrive at Kennedy Airport.

Anabinder points to “enterprising” as the main attraction for Europeans, but the same can be applied for most new settlers, and who could blame them?  The only color most people care about is green; black and white only become an issue when the ability to get green is obfuscated.  Quite sad, yes, but unfortunately these precepts still plague the way we view each other today, and it all goes back to the American immigration story.

I probably wont read it, but feel free to discuss:

1. Is the immigration story of the early 20^th century or today radically different than of previous waves?

2. How is the development of a black Corona a reflection or foreshadowing of more modern population shifts?