Although the early settlers migrated to this country, the influx of immigrants

Although the early settlers migrated to this country, the influx of immigrants is often seen as threatening. Explain what fueled this sentiment then and fuels it now. What was the anti-immigrant rhetoric then, and what is it now? Refer to readings and media as well as any outside research. How does the NASW advocate for and support the rights of these populations? (Refer to NASW-NY’s Currents: Special Issue on Immigration Download Currents: Special Issue on Immigration and other NASW resources as needed.)
Response Guidelines
Respond to at least two of your peers. Respond to two different learners respectfully and consider their responses in comparison to yours. Have they missed anything? Or do their responses suggest that you missed something?
Peer one Lilian:
According to Stern & Axinn (2018) immigrants were seen as a threat to resident Americans because the incoming immigrants were made up of Irish Catholics & German Catholics/ Jews – all of who were coming into a largely Protestant country. It was a religious issue as well as an industrial issue because the immigrants were willing to take on the worst jobs that were basically the short end of the stick jobs in order to make a living and Americans weren’t used to such an influx of people taking those kinds of jobs (Stern & Axinn, 2018). These immigrants also introduced what Stern & Axinn (2018) called “radical political philosophies” that upset the labor industry as well. The popular group called “The Know Nothings” in the 1850s actually wanted immigrants to come to the US to help make it more populated and were totally fine with those people doing everyone’s dirty work for low wage jobs just as long as they kept their political opinions and ideas to themselves since they weren’t “American born citizens” and shouldn’t be telling people who are how the country should be run (Anbinder, 2019). There was a fear there that these foreigners would come in and completely mess up what the Americans had begun to do in the early ages of US and that they would try to bring the people back into the ways of religious restriction & oppression. I believe the same is true today though this view has changed to focus more on everyone not just solely on immigrants though it is still heavily bent towards immigration.
The NASW (2019) advocates and supports the rights of these populations by sustaining welcoming communities that embrace the immigrant neighbors. They also demonstrate support and compassion for these people regardless of status (NASW, 2019). They also advocate for human rights, justice & equity on behalf of all immigrants and immigrant communities by advocating for laws, policies and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups (NASW, 2019). Some examples of that are that they include issues alerts & policy statements, petitions, writing campaigns, building coalitions, some joint projects, events & rallies, and sometimes public testimony (NASW, 2019). They provide regular ongoing trainings for the NASW community. They develop and disseminate policy info, toolkits, documents, resources, and videos that promote knowledge, competency, and skills of social workers and to deepen their understanding of immigrants’ rights, historical oppression, and emerging immigration policies (NASW, 2019). They also provide a safe space for Social workers to discuss the issues for this population as people who are working on behalf of this population (NASW, 2019).
Peer number two Quiana:
Immigrants posed threats to the job market because they often worked for far lower rates than Americans. Those entering the country held background of rural farming, with minimal education, progressed into canal, railroad construction, domestic service and developing textile industry (Stern & Axinn, 2017). Some was skilled in farming and craftmanship, which assisted in helping them to secure better paying jobs. Nevertheless, American citizens felt threating by the immigrants regardless of where they were from as they arrived during the time of industrial conflict. The readiness of available workers ready to take employment at lower than generally accepted wages and the introduction of radical political philosophies by German immigrants, especially upset the American labor and industry alike (Stern & Axinn, 2017). According to Camorta (2003), how immigration impacted wages: Immigrants often come from countries where wages are far less. Immigrants appealed to employers as desirable employees due to lessor pay. Employers used an immigrant’s illegal status to pay lesser wages, and lastly , immigration increased the supply of labor.
The Unites States has an history of Xenophobia, known as a fear of foreigners. Immigrants have felt they have no place or hold no weight in society due to the status. NASW, through its various chapters and national efforts, has been active in supporting the rights of immigrant populations. This includes advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, promoting social policies that protect immigrant rights, and fighting against discrimination and xenophobia (NASW, 2019).
NASW social workers play a critical role in providing services to immigrant communities, offering support, counseling, and resources to help them integrate into their new communities successfully. These social workers also strive to raise awareness of the contributions immigrants make to society and challenge negative stereotypes and biases.
Books
Stern, M. J., & Axinn, J. (2018). Social welfare: A history of the American response to need (9th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 9780134449913.