Sociology of immigration

Sociology of immigration
Introduction
Immigration is a global fundamental crisis which has got a positive and negative impact on individuals, policy makers, families and countries involved. The history of immigration is as old as human kind and immigration is a big economic, political, social as well as environmental issue which calls for global attention. This is because the impact of immigration influences the entire above mentioned phenomenon.

It is noted that, America which prides itself as a nation of immigrant, equally have enormous immigration challenges to solve. This is seen in different views with which different politicians approach and manage the issue of immigration. While there is a strong base of those who support immigration as a necessary ingredient for economic growth and as an essential element of a cosmopolitan society, a considerable number of people on the other hand oppose it.

This paper takes a succinct analysis of the historical, political, economic, and legal contexts that impacts on how immigrants negotiate family and gender relationships. Family relationship plays a critical role in immigration and resettlement decision making. However, it is prudent to note that there are a number of reasons that compel people to opt for immigration. Some of these reasons include; economic prospect in another country, political instability in ones mother country, the need to connect with relatives who had immigrated to a given country some period ago.

According to Menjivar and Abrego (16)”families throughout the world are experiencing long-term separation across national border”. These family separations among the immigrants normally cause social disorder and emotional disturbance among the affected population.

Menjivar and Abrego (16) further explain that in many cases, for different reasons, parents leave their children behind. This has call for recipient countries to adopt strict measures and policies which are geared towards mitigating the impact of immigration on family members. In this regard, there are legal measure which are put in place to harmonize the immigration issues and arbitrate where need be. Espiritu (48) illustrates that, “like other immigrant group, young Filipino America woman and man identify the family as a tremendous source of cultural pride.”

This illustration shows how important family ties impact on immigration across the world.
Politics is also a great determinant of immigration policies and regulation in a given country. This is because politicians weighs both the benefits and limitation of immigrants and draft a policy which goes along way in creating mutual benefits. To explains the social effect of immigration, Muse (1) states that, “Men and women experience migration differently; migration can change the way men and women interact and think about each other”
   
 Economic impact of immigration is normally discussed at large. The recipient countries normally draft policies which allows immigrant in their countries but also examine their economic contribution to the economic growth and development of the country. This is facilitated by giving immigrants work permits which gives them opportunity to not only work but also contribute to economic growth through paying tax. In conclusion, immigration is quite important however it creates emotional and psychological disturbance since it interferes with family fabric.



Works cited
Espiritu, yen Le. Emotions, Sex and Money: The lives of Children of Immigrants. New York: Allen & Unwin, 2006
Menjivar, Cecilia and Abrego, Leisy. Parent and Children across Borders: legal Instability and Intergenerational Relations Guatemalan and Salvadoran Families. New York: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2005
Muse, Lea. Mexican Migration and the US. Economic Crisis: A Transitional Perspective. University of California Press, 2003