1	The U.S./Mexico Immigration Debate: A Multicultural Perspective Jill Kerper Mora, Ed.D. San Diego State University http://coe.sdsu.edu/people/jmora
2	Crucial Issues in the Debate Social Dominance Theory: The “ingroup” and the “outgroup” Idealogies and politics of immigration Cultural integration of Mexican immigrants into mainstream American society Economic impact of immigration on the United States Economic impact of emigration on Mexico Implications for public education
3	Social Dominance Theory Intergroup relationships of power Images of “ingroup” and “outgroup” Challenges to dominance Legitimizing myths Prejudice formation as a strategy in group conflicts over power and dominance
4	Ideologies of Cultural Integration Nativism: “Us” versus “Them” Restrictionism: “The Chosen” Assimilation: The “Melting Pot” Acculturation: The “Salad Bowl”
5	Nativism Rights of membership and citizenship in the nation-state based on birth within its territorial boundries. (Fourteen Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution) Proposals by some factions to limit rights of citizenship by birth to children of legal residents and citizens, which would require a constitutional ammendment Solution to immigration problem is criminalization of undocumented status and deportation
6	Restrictionism Objective is to control who becomes a legal resident or citizen Full admission to civic society of a restricted number of immigrants who qualify, except for the right to vote. Under some federal and state laws, limits placed on social benefits
7	Assimilation Based on the belief that cultural homogeneity is desirable, even indispensible for a functional nation-state Looks to past experiences of immigrant groups in assimilating into American society Emphasizes importance of common language, values, traditions for societal cohesion and national unity Recognizes the realities of upward social mobility of immigrants in the process of becoming part of the American mainstream
8	Forced Assimilation: “The Brutal Bargain” Demands are placed on immigrants to abandon the language & cultural practices of their country of origin Fails to recognize possibilities & benefits of transnational, multicultural identities Results in “reaction formation” among immigrants to reassert their national and cultural identity Results in polarization of society on issues of language, culture and belonging to a nation-state
9	Historical Patterns of Assimilation Assimilation with upward mobility or “downward” assimilation into social & economic underclass Transitional bilingualism English monolingualism after second or third generation Identification with American dominant society’s cultural values, customs & traditions
10	Acculturation Based on the belief that multiculturalism and binational & bicultural identities are positive assets to the nation-state and to individuals Recognizes transnational lives of today’s immigrant communities and individuals Accepts and promotes bilingualism Builds on social & cultural resources immigrants bring to the USA, including strong identification with older generations’ cultural values and traditions
11	Obstacles to Cultural Integration Lack of economic opportunities from low levels of education, job skills, language skills, job-seeking skills and networks Limitations on civic participation and ability to benefit from the fruits of one’s labor Exploitation in the workplace Ethnic enclaves and social isolation Racism, prejudice & linguistic discrimination
12	Supports for Cultural Integration Across Generations Acceptance by society of cultural and linguistic diversity Full civil & legal status with the accompanying rights & responsibilities Human capital & strong immigrant community support networks Educational, professional & entrepreneurial opportunities, which sustain achievement drive Positive interactions with native English speakers and proficient bilinguals
13	Economic Impact of Immigration: The “Ambivalent Reception” Globalization, trade, competition for workers, changing patterns of comsumption Incorporation of immigrant laborers into U.S. Economy Overall costs & benfits of immigration and undocumented workers Uneven distribution of costs between federal & state governments Age demographics: Social security & retirements vs. demand for young workers
14	Impact of Emigration on Mexico: The Push-Pull Paradigm Geopolitical realities: We will forever be neighbors. De-population factors & impact on present & future work force Mexico’s economic growth & development prospects Mexico’s social structure & family desintegration Sending and receiving communities
15	Implications for Education Critical examination of “brutal bargain” education policies Bilingual education as a positive model of acculturation Critical examination of equity issues involved standards & accountability movement Promoting educational aspirations and opportunities among and for Latino students Fostering positive multicultural identities based on the selective acculturation model