Thousands of people migrate to the United States of America each year: some become residents, and some are sent back to their homelands. Those who stay on the territory of the states encounter a long-term process called Americanization that presumes assimilation to the American society and sharing values and customs of natives. The process typically includes learning the English language and adjusting to economic, political, and social norms.
The significant problem immigrants run across concerns acquiring a new language. Despite the simplicity of English, not many people can learn it, especially the elderly population. Moreover, immigrants do not have time to take English classes as they spend much time finding a job and raising children (Mason, p. 5). Therefore, as a part of assimilation, the immigrants have to deal with employment, often encountering illegal job opportunities. Due to undocumented citizenship, immigrants are often occupied in domestic works, food or cleaning services, and agriculture (Mason 10). In addition to this, the unlawful workers are not paid overtime and are under threat of being harassed.
Furthermore, undocumented immigrants have difficulty accessing services due to the risk of being deported. As a result, they cannot attend a doctor, physician, or other urgent services. Transportation and obtain a driver’s license is another obstacle that immigrants have to face. Due to the trouble speaking English, some may need a translator to pass the driving exam or merely get around the city.
In conclusion, it seems relevant to mention that the American nation takes pride in being multicultural. ThoThoughericanization is a long process, the majority of immigrants do not give up on settling down. Therefore, all the immigrants coming to the U.S. become part of its culture and contribute to society in multiple ways, from serving tables to creating new technologies that Americans utilize today.
References
Mason, Patrick. “Immigrant Assimilation and Male Labor Market Inequality.” IZA Journal of Migration, vol. 5, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1-32. doi:10.1186/s40176-016-0065-z.