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We are a nation of immigrants, and yet immigrants divide us. Newcomers are welcomed as the fresh talent and energy that renew the country -- unless they are among the 11 million or so who are here illegally. To many Americans, these undocumented residents are not only defying our laws but also siphoning jobs and services.Most of these illegal immigrants jump the border from Mexico and take on jobs many Americans refuse to do, such as working our fields and cleaning our houses. It's estimated that more than 500,000 illegals pour into our country each year. What to do? Wall off our southern border while cracking down on American businesses that hire undocumented workers? Give illegal immigrants guest-worker status and put them on a path to citizenship? Or impose some combination of enforcement and "amnesty"?
Even as we argue over who should become a citizen, we're ignoring a more critical long-term question: What do we need and expect from citizens? More and more, naturalized immigrants are disappearing into ethnic and cultural enclaves, walled off by barriers of language and poverty, unable to tap into the promise of America. By not fully participating in our civic life, they are becoming citizens in name only.
It's time to bring back the melting pot. Or at least an updated version, since immigrants shouldn't have to abandon their cultural traditions and identity. But to truly assimilate, they do need to understand and embrace the idea of America -- the heritage and democratic values that define us. Here are some ways to help make sure that happens.
What Government Can Do
- Establish a new citizenship curriculum with a focus on civic education that includes the history and democratic values of America.
- Allow bilingual education for immigrants only during a transitional phase to mainstreaming.
- Revise the visa program to attract more skilled immigrants in high-tech fields and get them on a citizenship track.
What Business Can Do
- Give paid time off, or other incentives, for employees to tutor immigrants in English.
- Provide classes for immigrants in financial literacy and behavior on the job.
- Sponsor swearing-in ceremonies that are memorable, including distinctive venues and speakers discussing the value and obligations of citizenship.
What Institutions Can Do
- Churches, synagogues and other places of worship can reach out to new immigrants and invite them to join their religious communities.
- Civic and professional groups -- from unions to political clubs to fraternal organizations -- should canvass for new members among recent immigrants.
What We Can All Do
- Volunteer to teach English to immigrants.
- Become a mentor to one immigrant, and help him or her through the entire process of becoming a citizen, from filling out forms to studying for the test.
- Look for opportunities to bring immigrants into the larger life of the community -- for example, by inviting them to join your bowling league or accompany you to a PTA meeting.
From Reader's Digest - October 2006
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