Before reading the content of Chapter five, my perspective on immigrants was primarily shaped by public discourse. Often, immigrants have been regarded as an unwanted group that poses serious threats to the US. The reading in Chapter five on immigrants, refugees, and the process of acculturation has broadened my thinking on this particular subject. The topic enlightened me on the different circumstances surrounding migration and the various stresses that immigrants undergo. The reading changed my thinking by making it clear why immigrants require a supportive environment in their acculturation process.
Migration has been given two broad definitions. Firstly, the movement of refugees from their countries of origin where they face dangers such as death or incarceration to safer nations. Secondly, the movement of individuals on their own volition from their countries of origin to other countries, mostly in pursuit of a better life. Individuals falling in the second definition are primarily described as immigrants. The acculturation process of the refugees and immigrants are quite different due to circumstances surrounding their migration. Immigrants mostly have their migration process planned. On the other hand, the movement of refugees is abrupt. Thus, their acculturation only begins after arriving in the host country (Mio, Barker and Rodriguez, 2015) . Their shock when they land in host countries is more than that of the immigrants.
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The acculturation process is, however, not easy for either group. Both undergo acculturative stress after their migration into the US. The acculturative stress is precipitated by the differences in culture, belief, and norms between the country of origin and the host country. One of the most significant stressors that immigrants and refugees face is the language barrier for those not conversant with the English language (Mio et al., 2015). Other difficulties experienced are educational disparities, family roles disruption, and employment. Individuals originating from collectivistic or patriarchal societies find the American culture, which is based on individualism and egalitarianism, to be quite strange.
The different stresses that immigrants and refugees undergo in their host countries make them adopt different acculturation models to fit in the new societies. Some scholars have cited a model that incorporates the good elements of the two cultures, native and host country, to be the best for immigrants and refugees (Mana, Orr, and Mana, Y., 2009; Barker, 2015). However, it is my view that this combination of cultures is not the recipe for the success of immigrants and refugees. The kind of treatment accorded to immigrants and refugees by the natives of a host country determines their level of success. Despite how acculturated one is to the American culture, incidences of discrimination such as racism are still prevalent (Sabo et al., 2014). The different types of stressors can significantly hinder the progress and success of immigrants, with some contemplating going back to their native countries.
Immigrants and refugees deserve support to ensure their success while in the US. Immigrants usually undergo a lot of stress during premigration, migration, and after-migration. Notable is the emotional distress of being in a new place. Immigrants and refugees are also likely to suffer from mental health issues due to elevated stresses (Amri and Bemak, 2013). Immigrants and refugees, although originating from different countries, are part of the human race and deserve humane treatment. It is upon individuals to accord this segment of the human race the love and care that they so much crave for. Immigrants and refugees can make a positive contribution to the US when well-integrated into the US. Their social stability means more stable societies devoid of social evils such as crime. Their economic prosperity means a broader tax base for the country and lesser funds spent supporting refugees.
The US remains one of the most desired migration destinations due to its political stability and economic development. Immigrants and refugees, however, endure a lot of acculturative stress after their migration. Also, they experience discrimination and mistreatment. However, immigrants and refugees deserve support to ensure their stability and success. Let us not condemn immigration; instead, let’s regulate it. Migration has been part of humanity since the creation and inhabitation of the universe.
References
Amri, S., & Bemak, F. (2013). Mental health help-seeking behaviors of Muslim immigrants in the United States: Overcoming social stigma and cultural mistrust. Journal of Muslim Mental Health , 7 (1).
Barker, G. G. (2015). Choosing the best of both worlds: The acculturation process revisited. International Journal of Intercultural Relations , 45 , 56-69.
Mana, A., Orr, E., & Mana, Y. (2009). An integrated acculturation model of immigrants' social identity. The Journal of social psychology , 149 (4), 450-473.
Mio, J., Barker, L., & Rodriguez, M. (2015). Multicultural Psychology: Understanding Our Diverse Communities (4th ed.). New York, United States: Oxford University Press.
Sabo, S., Shaw, S., Ingram, M., Teufel-Shone, N., Carvajal, S., De Zapien, J. G., ... & Rubio-Goldsmith, R. (2014). Everyday violence, structural racism, and mistreatment at the US–Mexico border. Social Science & Medicine , 109 , 66-74.
