Open Letter to Valley Residents Author: Erin Million
As Arizona residents immigration issues are often presented and discussed through local media. Throughout our coursework we have been exposed to varying beliefs and causes for the continuous migration into the United States and other countries. Many of the ideas presented in class aren’t discussed by the media.
I have learned that “the pursuit of a better life” doesn’t fully address the reason people migrate. Some reasons include economic, political, war, and persecution. There are many push/pull factors that cause someone to leave their home. There are many global issues that cause migration. The effects of trade policy and the debt of third world countries to first world countries are among a few. Many countries through colonialism or some other form of contact have created bridges to these third world countries which make it easier for them to migrate. I have learned the difference between an immigrant and refugee. Also, I understand how difficult it is to gain legal entry into the United States and other first world countries.
Also, through my studies I now know that migrants today are not the same as the migrants of 30 years ago. Transnationalism is a new kind of migrant experience. Previous immigrants where forced to assimilate to their new host country because they couldn’t easily keep ties to their home country. New migrants with the advent of the telephone, commercial airplanes, and the internet can cut across national boundaries and create bridges to bring both their home and host societies together.