RESPOND with 250 words per question

1. Nativism is defined as the political policy of promoting or protecting the interests of native/indigenous or established inhabitants over those of immigrants, including the support of immigration-restriction measures. These anti-immigrant, or nativist, sentiments had many sources. They were fueled by economic competition over jobs, housing, and public services, but also by religious, cultural, and political biases. Those beliefs were often intertwined with racist views of immigrants that saw them as debased, immoral, and criminal (Nativism and racism, n.d.). The Immigration Act of 1924 limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the United States through a national origins quota. The quota provided immigration visas to two percent of the total number of people of each nationality in the United States as of the 1890 national census. It completely excluded immigrants from Asia ( U.S. Department of State, n.d.). These ideals hold true today. Immigrants are often seen as takers but are neglected as being beneficial to our society. Gorelick (2019) stated there are many push factors that cause individuals to leave their home countries. Diallo (2019) wrote the lack of opportunities and shrinking resources remains the main reason people migrate in order to search for peace, abundance, and a better life in more developed nations. Contrary to the negative stereotype, immigrants do not relocate to the United States to commit crimes and fraud, but instead, come to work hard, reach their goals and dreams, and consequently give back to society (Diallo, 2019, pg.24).

NASW code of ethics states social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers must be of service to provide change regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. 

Resources

(2019). Currents: Special issue on immigration. National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter. 63(2) 12-13, 24-30. 

National Association of Social Workers. (2017). NASW code of ethics. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/immigration-act

Nativism and racism. Global Boston. (n.d.). Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://globalboston.bc.edu/index.php/nativism-and-racism/

2. Immigration started as early as the pilgrims coming to America looking for “freedom” and a better life for themselves and their families. They looked for an opportunity to organize themselves into a body where people would be able to have a voice and to believe how they felt from the heavy influences of England. When the topic of immigration is analyzed today, the reason people come to America is not that different. Many come looking for “freedom” and a better opportunity. These people come to work hard and support there families, whether it be here of back in their home country. I can imagine, among the natives here they wondered who these people where that came and they felt threatened by the new comes to their country, much like today. Many fear that people coming in would take their jobs away causing the economy to suffer. According to Sher (2019) “… we know time and time again of stories of people coming from other places and making vast contributions to a society. Our innovations, advances, and backbones of America would not have been possible if it were not for people emigrating from other lands.” Immigration is important to the American culture it is today. The NASW states ” Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination. Social workers seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve conflicts between clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the profession.”