Let Neighbors See the Benefits of Immigration
Posted Jan 03, 2003

The time is ripe for MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers to educate the general public, one mind at a time. In mid December 2002, CNN reported on a survey that revealed 60% of the "average" Americans polled across the U.S. to view immigration as a critical threat to America, while only 14% of the "elite" Americans polled felt the same way. Comprising this group of "elite" individuals were academicians, members of Congress, union leaders, journalists, members of the clergy, and corporate leaders.

It is a positive sign that many of those who work on the development of immigration policy appear to be supportive and enlightened regarding the ways in which immigration benefits the United States and her citizens. Conversely, it is disheartening that the majority of "average" Americans feel threatened by immigration. Massive dissemination of pro-immigration information is not always the best approach to counteract such negativity. If you were to ask these Americans their views on immigration in general, typically, the response would be that they want less of it. However, if you asked them about their "foreign" neighbor, the local ethnic restaurant owner, their foreign-born doctor or tech support person at work, the response would be more positive. Those are "the good ones." The more these "good" examples become apparent, the more likely the average American will come to see the value of all that immigrants provide. When they see that "the good ones" are the rule rather than the exception, then the point will be made that immigrants, like the general population, care about making a positive contribution to the society and about providing a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

Remember the old adage, "Actions speak louder than words." Your neighbors who may seem set in their thinking will not likely be changed through political or philosophical discussion. Instead, they must witness behavior that is contrary to their established set of ideas. This may cause them to rethink their position. If they see positive examples of immigration and immigrants at every turn, this will contradict their general belief and, possibly, cause a change of mind and heart. So here is an opportunity for you to play an important part in this educational endeavor!
 
MurthyDotCom and the MurthyBulletin would like to encourage our readers to work in a grassroots effort to change that "average" American's thoughts on immigration. Let your American neighbors and coworkers get to know you and see your contributions to this country. The workplace, your children's schools, and the community at large provide wonderful opportunities to interact with the "average" American. While an individual effort may seem too small to have much impact, the combination of these efforts has enormous potential, one mind at a time. Perhaps the next survey of this type will reveal a more enlightened, inclusive attitude and the grassroots movement can continue to change the results, percentage point by percentage point.

For those interested in more information regarding the positive impact of immigration in all aspects of American life, the American Immigration Law Foundation WebSite contains valuable information.