Annotation
The article “The Costs and Benefits of Immigration” by Darrell West focuses on the problematic and controversial topic of immigration, which many people perceive exceptionally negatively. According to the author, due to the prevailing ethnocentrism and the division of society into “us” and “outsiders,” the community often treats immigrants with prejudice (West 427). For many people, the benefits of immigration cannot outweigh the sheer number of apparent disadvantages. However, the author objects to this point of view, saying that most of these advantages are extremely difficult to assess. Nevertheless, according to the author, immigration allows ambitious people to come to America, and they can make a significant contribution to the country’s improvement (West 443). Among such advantages, he singles out the cultural, scientific, social aspects, citing the example of famous scientists and actors.
Two Points
The first distinctive point in the author’s text, which I would like to emphasize, is the indicated reasons for the negative attitude towards the phenomenon of immigration. Among them, it is especially worth highlighting the presence of a considerable number of prejudices based on ethnocentrism and alienation from people who behave differently (West 427). From my point of view, this factor is crucial for understanding why people have such a strong feeling of rejection towards immigrants. An analysis of the underlying factors allows visually showing their failure, which, in turn, allows making arguments in defense of immigration. In addition, the social analysis makes it possible to reveal other existing patterns that harm people, which, in society’s opinion, do not fit into it. Thus, this position is important for my paper both as an argument for justifying the defense of immigration and as a basis for uncovering the impact of social prejudice.
The second distinctive feature is the difficulty of highlighting the direct benefits of immigration. From my perspective, understanding that its advantages as a phenomenon are a more subtle factor that is difficult to assess is fundamental (West 440). Most people are dismissive of immigrants precisely because they have opposing arguments that are easy to assess in front of their eyes. However, the contribution of such individuals to culture, science and technology often goes unnoticed. It is essential to find and research such moments to eliminate societal bias and combat stigma around immigration. Therefore, this point can serve as a valid argument in describing the biases in society and how they are addressed.
Works Cited
Evans, Kate, and Robert Koulish. “Manipulating Risk: Immigration Detention through Automation.” Lewis & Clark L. Rev., vol. 24, 2020, pp. 789-855.
Udimal, Thomas Bilaliib, and Mduduzi Biyase. “Identifying the Binding Constraints of the Township Economy of South Africa.” The Journal of Developing Areas, vol. 55, no. 4, 2021, pp. 455-464.
West, Darrell M. “The Costs and Benefits of Immigration.” Political Science Quarterly, vol. 126, no. 3, 2011, pp. 427-443.