Refer to this week’s course materials and answer 3 of the 4 questions below:
- What did you learn in this week’s unit?
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
4. How is literacy a means of acculturation, and how are immigrants socialized into literacy practices in the United States?
Reply to 2 classmates.
48 thoughts on “Discussion Board Post 7”
1. What did you learn in this week’s unit?
I Learned A lot of foreigners and immigrants go through many struggles trying to move here to new York and it’s a long process and a lot of people are depending on it. They want to get away from their countries. They want to live better but it doesn’t come easy their is a lot of paperwork you have to fill out in order to be a legal immigrant here in new York and finding jobs , learning to speak english , attending school.
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
In the 1917 act they implemented a literacy test that required immigrants over 16 yrs old to demonstrate basic reading and comprehension in any language. Which I believe is unfair to these immigrants because it’s hard to learn and demonstrate things you don’t know. You never know whatever country they’re from if they have education tools or know how to read or anything. It’s completely unfair and unjust they used to do that.
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
Some people have heavy accents and even though they speak english it’s not really clear spoken english but it’s hard to speak a language you’ve never spoke before in any country. In their native languages they are discounted in educational settings because wherever they come from the educational systems views them as not smart enough or they are not good at it as well as we are. I believe no matter where we come from it shouldn’t define our education or opportunities because we all want to learn and succeed and have better lives , we should all get that privilege and should never discourage or discount anyone. Everyone is capable of learning you just have to be willing to do it and believe in them.
4. How is literacy a means of acculturation, and how are immigrants socialized into literacy practices in the United States?
Literacy is a means of acculturation because it’s the process of learning and incorporating values , mannerisms , customs of all over the world, we have the opportunity to learn any languages we want just because we can , we have that privilege. Immigrants socialized into literacy practices in the united states because they are given classes or educational opportunities to learn english and go to school.
I love how our opinions match so much. While reading your answer, i saw how much we agreed on so many things. Especially, on the tests topic. how wrong it is to have those tests. you know what i also realized though, how the test we still take today is the same thing as back in the day.
I for one can definetly speaks on the process being an immigrant myself. Upon going for my interview you have look a certain way and the way you spoke also sometimes is very important in the process. I had get a few immigrantion shots and alot of money and years went by before it all came through. I agree also I don’t beleive that everyone grades on a test should be the only prove that one deserves a “visa”.
I agree with you that the 1917 act was very unfair to immigrants especially with the fact they immigrated in order to have a better life but they cant because they don’t know English very well and might not have had education where they’re from.
Hi Maya,
Good post. I particularly liked your view on how literacy is a means of acculturation. Immigrants are usually very eager to fit in. For the most part they submerge themselves into the culture and adapt. So if reading and writing are very prominent in a culture, more than likely their literacy skills will improve.
2. I agree that’s unfair for immigrants to take a English literacy test before entering the U.S. Certain immigrants migrate to the U.S. to live the “American Dream”. The English literacy test shouldn’t determine if they’re eligible to the U.S. because it’s possible for a non-English speaking person to learn English in the U.S..
I agree with your comment on the 1917 act because it is so important that we don’t exclude people of other cultures if they don’t completely understand the English language. America was built by immigrants, so they shouldn’t have been treated this way.
Yes, I love that there are many free English classes in the USA. This country really does its best to educate its citizens. It is a pity that many people are too lazy to take advantage of these opportunities, many find it easier to complain about failures and fate.
Hey Maya
I totally agree with you on the answer you gave to the first question. It is a whole process moving to this country especially New York knowing that it is known as the melting pot. Answer two also got my attention. I believe everyone should be provided with the same opportunity. I personally know a lot of people that moved here and are actually now are vey smart and doing very good because they were actually willing to learn.
What did you learn in this week’s unit?
In this week’s unit I learned that southern europeans were motivated to come to America for economic opportunities, while eastern europeans fled religious persecution. Just like it said in the article “European Immigrants in the U.S”. We always like to believe that immigrants that come here, come for a better life, however it’s not always for a better life. Sometimes immigrants have no choice but to leave behind everything that devastated them and start fresh somewhere else. Once America saw that the immigrant number was rapidly increasing, America started an act where they implemented a literacy test for immigrants above the age of 16.
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
In the article “Literacy tests and Asian Exlusion Were the Hallmark of The 1917 Immigration Act”, it says “It had attempted to pass laws curbing the flow from Europe numerous times; an English literacy test component actually passed in the House on five occasions and the Senate on four, but was twice vetoed by Presidents Cleveland and Taft. The test was a part of the 1917 act, as was the expansion of an “undesireable” list that included epileptics and political radicals.” Meaning they have been trying to put out something for years in order to control the Immigration to the U.S. Literacy was used as a means of limiting immigration to the US by giving out literacy exams to ages above 16 to see their basic reading and writing comprehension in any language. Personally, I think it’s wrong to give out literacy tests because some people might be coming here for a better education that they weren’t able to get in their country. Also, not everyone is fortunate enough to have an education, or a good education.
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
Immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages are often discounted in education settings because every country has different ways of teaching literacy. People assume that if you’re from another country, your literacy isn’t good. Basically, saying that they’re not smart enough for the literacy standards in America. I believe that sometimes other countries have better education than America. Sometimes literacy is taught waay better in other countries than it is to us here. I have cousins in Pakistan, who learn much harder math than I have ever done here in the US. Their literacy skills are also higher than mine.
I enjoyed reading your summary especially highlighting the fact that not everyone comes here for finacnial purpose but sometimes for safety. Especially in the country where I am from Homosexuallity isnt widely accepted and they often feel unsafe and move to another country so that their life ill no longer be in danger. Addtionally, I agree that America should not have test because their is people in other places of the world where their education system is much better than in the US.
I agree with your opinion for question #2 I as well think its unfair because not everyone is properly educated or educated at all so they immigrate in order to receive better education and the one thing stopping them is the test for their grammar and speaking skills that they don’t have.
I like how detailed your answers are and how well you explain everything. I agree 100% that people do come here for better education and resources and I don’t agree with them and think it’s wrong as well when it comes to limiting people.
Pertaining to answer #3, Native languages are difficult to understand because their literacy skills are different compare to English speaking people; their Native language were taught at home as a child and in their region. Native languages form their sentences and pronounced certain words different making it difficult for English speaking people to understand them.
I like how you answered #3. I completely agree, every country has its own standards and education methods, and assuming that the US has the best educational system is really wrong. There are other countries besides the US that have accomplished a lot in science and maybe more superior in studies.
you are right, in other countries literacy may be higher. But the fact is that when we come to the usa and want to become a us citizen we have to get an education that meets us standards. We cannot impose the laws of our countries and their educational standards. Such a strategy will bring the collapse of the state system.
Hey Marryam.
I enjoyed reading your summary and I totally agree with you on the answer you gave to number one. Not everytime is the same situation where the immigrants move to the US just for financial purposes I believe there’s cases where saving their life is one of the reasons they move here and for sure I believe it is not easy to leave something behind that you worked all your life to to just start fresh in a different country. If we learned something in this class was about the the stereotypes and for sure here in US is a real thing where people come to the point where they judge your literacy and intelligence just being based on the accent which I believe is very wrong.
What did you learn in this week’s unit? From Watching “ My life as an immigrant” The speaker spoke on what it’s like being an immigrant in the US and her tips. She explained that getting a visa was not an easy process. It was very stressful especially once Trump got elected the imigrantion process became very slow however she was happy she came from a country that wasn’t filled with war and violence. She loved the different diversity in New York where she is from, the culture, their way of thinking and the variety of languages they speak there in the city. She advises people to come for a visa first by getting the tourist visa where they can experience their location first and to get an idea that it’s not all like the movies and Tv shows portray it to be. Additionally she mentioned that if you can get an immigrancy lawyer go for it because they can help you out a huge amount. And that you will have struggles such as missing your family and friends and being away from your first home.
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
A hundred years ago congress decided that there needed to be a severe limit on immigrants coming into America. This, such as the literacy test, causes “unchangeable differentiation of race”, creating “existence of superiority in one race and of inferiority in another.” The literacy test required reading and writing a short passage of the U.S constitution which I believe to be obscured , because most of these people Don’t know how to read but can speak proper and easy to write about the constitution ? Why, that’s not their country to honor. Talk about superiority. This type of literacy separated families from traveling together at one time because one member was considered literate to the other .
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings? I believe Literacy skills in native languages are often discounted in educational settings because they may not consider it to be “ Proper enough”. That it’s broken language or their language is too thick and hard to understand. Countries such as America want to teach immigrants their own way of teaching which is why some immigrants struggle to learn because now they have to adapt a whole new method and maybe the one before that we were using was easier for them to understand.
I have many friends who lived in this country their entire lives and have still yet to receive their citizenship. I do believe that immigrants should be processed and background checked before granting citizenship, but it is mind-boggling that it takes years for them to be processed. It is disappointing to see how literacy is used as a means to deter immigrants seeking a better life.
Hello Elecia,
i agree with your response to number three, most of the time immigrants are looked down upon for their literacy skills because it’s different from what people are used to in America.
1.What did you learn in this week’s unit?
For this week unit I’ve learned that immigrants have to pass an English test that’s called English and Civics testing; it’s a test to determine if they’re qualified to enter the U.S.; if the individual pass the English or Civics test they’ll get approved for the U.S. citizenship, on the contrary, if they fail, they’ll get denied for the U.S. citizenship, but they’ll have a second chance of passing the test. After taking the English and Civics tests for the second time and failed, they’ll request a hearing to explain why they think they pass the test and the USCIS officer wrongfully failed them. They will receive another English and Civics test at the hearing to determine if their allegation was accurate and will receive a pass or failing score.
2.How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the U.S.?
During the early 1900s, Congress passes a law that immigrants who cannot read or write in English was denied access to enter the United States; it was a discrimination against non- English speaking countries and poorer countries where people couldn’t afford to learn English, therefore, the “open door” began to close.“ The test was a part of the 1917 act, as was the expansion of an “undesireable” list that included epileptics and political radicals.” (Boissoneault) In 1921 after World War One a decrease in immigration restriction with a quota system has begun; “The act relied on quota systems for each country of origin. The countries could only provide immigration visas to 2 percent of the total number of people of each nationality in the U.S. as of the 1890 census, and the law continued to completely exclude East Asia. The quota system meant more than 50,000 Germans could come to the country annually but less than 4,000 Italians were allowed, compared to the peak of over 2 million immigrants from Italy between 1910 and 1920.” (Boissoneault)
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
Immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages are often discounted in education settings because the way they speak is a different dialect than other students; their grammar and pronunciation of words are strange and difficult to understand compared to English speaking students. Native language speak the way they were taught at home or as a child which degrades them as individuals that lack education. Native language are understood among others in their community.
I do believe that immigrants should go through a process before being admitted to this country, but it is kinda upsetting seeing that literacy is used as a means to deter immigrants from seeking refuge, freedom, and an overall better life.
I really enjoyed how you explained how literacy skills are affected and there is ” lack of education ” I strongly believe we all deserve a higher education opportunity.
During this week’s unit, I learned how the portrayal of America is not all that is cut out to be. For a nation that is supposed to accept refugees and welcomes immigrants the process to be accepted into the country is very difficult. The immigration process is a long thorough process and is dependant on laws made by the president and having Trump as our former president made the immigration process more difficult. The US implemented a citizenship test that tests the knowledge of immigrants of America’s democracy, history, government, etc. However, this could be near impossible for immigrants that do not speak the language. The US often discourages immigrants from practicing their native language because it is foreign and unfamiliar to them. This stigma that immigrants who do not speak English are not well educated is false and they should be given a chance to adapt to the new environment.
I agree that there is a prejudice against any immigrant that comes to the US because of their ability to speak English. A person who doesn’t speak English might have a better knowledge of chemistry or math than a native speaker. People should be treated equally and everyone deserves a chance to adapt to a new life.
1. What did you learn in this week’s unit?
– I learned that many immigrants come to U.S. for better life and education but it’s a very long process of documents being filled so that you are a legal immigrant but it is hard for them to fill it out without somebody that speaks their language and knows what they’re doing to help them. To find jobs and apply to school or apply their children’s to schools is also a long process too because you need to at least have some sort of understanding of basic english in order to do those but most people who immigrate here don’t so it’s a difficult process for them to deal with.
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
– In 1917, there was an act called “The Johnson Reed Act” where a literacy test was implemented which required immigrants over 16 years old to show basic reading comprehension in any language. In my opinion that is very unfair considering that not many of immigrants back then were literate so they immigrated to more well known countries in order to receive proper education and opportunities but instead had to deal with a test that questioned their literacy skills which could’ve made them feel low about themselves.
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
– Immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings because every county has their own curriculum that students have to go through and every country has a main language they use to speak and if you don’t speak that main language then you will be looked as illiterate.
Hi Farangiz,
I too agree that the 1917 Act was cruel and unfair. The literacy test was used as a means of disqualifying immigrants who were considered unfit. However, I was happy to read that it was an epic failure because only a very small percentage of immigrants were excluded based on literacy.
I agree when it comes to not speaking the native language you are looked at as illiterate and honestly, it is sad especially when it comes to the US we have so many different languages spoken here even for people born and raised here and it’s as if you don’t speak English you aren’t from here which is rude and wrong.
I loved all your opinions but I loved the most when you talked about immigrants if they don’t know the lounge or know how to read or anything how they are seen or portaged as ” illiterate ” we shouldn’t look down upon anyone or define them on how well they know things just because of were they come from or what their background is. We all want to learn and we are all here for the same reason.
Hello Farangiz,
i like how you responded to question 1. I completely agree that being an immigrant can be very stressful and have it’s disadvantage if you don’t understand english.
Hi Farangiz, I agree with you about how immigrants come here for a better life. After reading the article “European Immigrants in the United States” some major themes I saw throughout the waves of European immigration was for economic opportunities or to escape persecution. In addition, immigrants go through a long tedious process that was meant to limit the number of immigrants coming to the U.S.
This week’s unit was very interesting to say the least and I learned quite a bit. What stuck out the most was that since the 1960’s European immigration to the U.S. has largely decreased. Some of the reasons for the decrease include economic improvement postwar, government restrictions on emigration and the end of communism. Something else I learned was that in 2016, most Europeans who obtained a green card did so through relatives of U.S. citizens and employment channels. Also that European immigrants on average are significantly older, more educated, have higher household incomes, and are less likely to participate in the workforce. This was all very interesting to learn, especially with the negative connotations surrounding immigration on the whole.
Literacy was used as a means of limiting immigration into the United States by the implementation of the 1917 Immigration Act. Over a century ago the U.S. Congress decided that there should be limits on who was coming into the country. For decades prior (and even to this day), the country battled with xenophobic and economic concerns and attempted on numerous occasions to pass laws curbing European and Asian immigrants by means of an English literacy test. The test successfully became a part of the 1917 Act with the hopes of ultimately barring immigrants from eastern and southern Europe and Asian countries specifically China and Japan because the people were considered “unfit”. The U.S. could not directly ban these people without being seen as racist or acting as a “superior” race and gaining global backlash so instead used language barriers and literacy against them. However, that backfired and proved ineffective because the immigration numbers were not significantly reduced as hoped but rather only a very small percentage was excluded based on literacy.
Literacy is a means of acculturation in a number of ways. For starters, if reading and writing is a big part of a culture, then it is a lot easier to practice and improve one’s literacy skills and find the motivation to do so. People tend to mimic and adopt the behaviors of those they are around and are exposed to, especially people who are immigrants new to a foreign land, language and culture. They are usually very eager to assimilate or “fit in” and will do so by adapting. Immigrants are socialized into literacy practices through their everyday lives. From their interactions at home, school, work, and members of the general public. Media such as television, newspapers, social platforms etc. are also major contributors to literacy socialization.
I like how you explain literacy acculturation and how people adopt the behaviors and adapt.
I agree with your comment on literacy socialization, and how it has helped many people break that barrier of not knowing the English language when moving to the United States. It makes a huge difference because it will help you get more accustomed to your setting, and learn more about the place you live in.
1. I learned about the Literacy test and educational requirements when it comes to being an immigrant in the US. I found that the stress and struggles they go through just to live here are more than what they should have to. We are supposed to be land of the free and yet they go through obstacles to be free which doesn’t only come with a lot of freedom when trying to achieve it but in the end too. It’s like when you overpay for service for it to be poor.
2. Literacy was used to limit immigration into the US by having a test and part of that test required reading and writing a short passage of the US constitution. Which in the end was unsuccessful in keeping people out. People also need to have proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English as a requirement when it comes to coming to the US which I find unfair.
3. Every country has different languages and ways of teaching and/or learning so different people not only have different accents but different education and access to certain things that can help with certain skills.
4. Literacy is a means of acculturation by learning a different language which not everyone has the resources to do. Immigrants are socialized into literacy practices in the United States because they want people to know English here which yes English is a big language here however, I feel there are a lot more languages heavily spoken here so I don’t know why they limit it to knowing English to be here.
I feel like the literacy test and educational requirements is too much to input on immigrants. Some people have to understand that we all come from different backgrounds and not everyone has great literacy skills. When I seen the requirements I feel like it is too strict and I see how stressful it would be to study for just a literacy test. I like how you said that every country has different languages and may have accents because I do think of this as well.
Q: What did you learn in this week’s unit?
A: Something I learned this week was interesting, and I didn’t realize that someone needs a sponsor to apply for a Visa to come to the United States. I kinda feel embarrassed that I did not know this but you really do learn new things every day. I thought you would just apply for a Visa then wait for an interview to come into the United States, and I didn’t think of the marriage aspect of it. The reason I thought that was because as we know it takes very long to be granted visitation into the United States, so the people applying must be doing it themselves. Of course, I learned many new things about the hardships, and difficulties that arise from immigrating to the US, but sponsoring for a visa was something I just learned about.
Q: How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
A: U.S. representatives passed the 1917 act which made sure that all new immigrants above the age of 16 had to take a literacy test to be allowed into the United States. This shows how literacy became a factor that didn’t permit many immigrants from moving to the US in fact it made it ten times more difficult. It’s not right because America was built by immigrants, how is it that the same people who want to come here need to take a test to be granted access. It’s unjust because people want to come here in search of a better life, and a test should not be used to determine that outcome. It was difficult for people who’ve never been accustomed to the English language, it’s quite simply wrong that they made people go through this.
Q: Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
A: Immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages are often discounted because of the difference in education systems all over the world. For example, I know people in my home country who grew up overseas but learned a lot of English, and when they came to the United States they had to attend ESL classes because the schools believed they didn’t know it, and the fact that they were tight in a different country. Our schooling systems believe that since someone is from a different country they might not understand the English in the United States. The English we learn here, people can learn in other countries, and our schooling systems clearly don’t understand, that’s why people are judged if they can’t fully comprehend the English language.
Q: How is literacy a means of acculturation, and how are immigrants socialized into literacy practices in the United States?
A: Literacy is a means of acculturation because when someone goes to a new country it is strongly encouraged they can speak the language of that country to get accustomed to their setting. It makes life much easier if you can go to a different country, and know how to live, and get used to the culture if you know the language. Immigrants are socialized into literacy in the United States because there are Esl classes for students coming from new countries, we also have foreign-exchange students who come and study in the US so they can get accustomed to our traditions and everyday life. There are citizenship classes that can help immigrants guarantee their citizenship if they pass the test.
Hi Valone, don’t feel embarrassed that you didn’t know about sponsorship, neither did I. The entire process is foreign to me. I am Puerto Rican and therefor born with U.S. citizenship status so I never looked into what was actually required. Immigration itself though was always a topic of interest and I grew up around individuals that did indeed have to go through the process so this was a very enlightening topic for me.
Hi Valon, I agree with on how it is encouraged for immigrants to learn the language of the country they plan on immigrating to. Literacy is a key skill to have and by learning the country’s language they will have better chance at success in things like finding a job.
1. This week I learned that in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, immigration flows shifted from Western European immigrants to immigrants mostly from Southern and Eastern Europe. As the number of immigrants increased, the United States began to enact regulations restricting entry into the nation. Southern and Eastern Europeans accounted for 70% of all immigrants to the United States. Europeans experienced agricultural failure, land and employment shortages, rising taxes, and starvation, so many people moved to the United States because it was seen as a place of economic opportunity.
2. Many Americans desired to limit the entry of immigrants to the United States in the late nineteenth century because of rising urbanization and industrialization concerns such as crowding, a shortage of homes and employment, and urban poverty. During this period, the concept of employing literacy tests to limit the number of immigrants allowed to enter the United States, particularly those from Europe began.
3. Some immigrants come from nations with educational institutions that lack the funds and resources that the host countries have. Young immigrants enrolling in the host country’s school system after little or no schooling in their home countries start an educational process that, depending on their age of enrollment, will completely or partially alter their relationships with writing, literacy, and knowledge.
1.What did you learn in this week’s unit?
In the video “My life as an immigrant” by Livia Pucci, she says that in order to obtain a visa you must go through a long and stressful process. Livia said that ever since Trump came into office, Immigration matters have been much slower than usual but she’s grateful that she doesn’t come from a country of war just in case she would have to be sent back.
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
The U.S Congress had decided to introduce a literacy test in order to limit who was coming into the country. In the article “Literacy Tests and Asian Exclusion Were the Hallmarks of the 1917 Immigration Act” they said “The original version of the literacy test required reading and writing a short passage of the U.S. Constitution. But it was remarkably unsuccessful in weeding out newcomers. As actually implemented, the test required reading only short passages in any language, and if a man was literate and his wife and children weren’t, they all still earned access to the country.” Many believed that the literacy test would lower the amount of people coming into the country, but it was actually unsuccessful considering the fact that only 1,450 out of 800,000 people were excluded on the basis of literacy.
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
Immigrant’s literacy skills are often discounted in educational settings because others see it as “improper”. Although the United States doesn’t have an official language, the majority of Americans speak English and it’s taught in our school system as well.
In this week unit, I did also notice in the video she mentioned that immigration process has been more slower due to Trump being office. I feel like when he was in office, there was a lot of hate on immigrants and they even had a Muslim ban due to them being a “threat.” Plus I do also agree that some may see immigrants literacy skills as “improper” due to maybe having a accent or not being too good at the language. English is mainly used and if you don’t speak it then some may struggle in educational settings!
– What did you learn in this week’s unit?
I heard a lot of information about how to immigrate to the United States, we studied the legislative side of this issue, cultural and social. I cannot say that I have learned a lot, since I myself am studying this issue (I am an international student). US immigration law is extremely impractical in my opinion. The country willingly admits and gives citizenship to uneducated and even non-English speakers, willingly supports such people and all their families for a long time, but like me (who has a good education, knowledge of several languages, culture, desire to work and study … ways to there is very little legalization, people like me are not needed by this state). I will not start this conversation, because I can not say anything except hurtful words.
– How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
following this week’s information, literacy and language skills are very important. In fact, you will excuse me, but I know a lot of people who do not speak English at all, have lived in the USA for many years and do not even try to learn the language. In theory, this works — in practice — no. Obtaining US citizenship is a matter of ingenuity, cunning and luck, but not literacy.
Although I agree, a friend of mine did take the language test 4 times before he got his passport. But this did not stop him from living in the USA for 7 years, getting married, working.
– Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
Today I don’t want to be politically correct and say what you want to hear.
in every week you teach us that the United States should adapt to all of us, to each nationality. In my country they say “you will chase three hares, you will not catch a single one”
Sorry, but why should they be counted? We come to the USA, a country with its own laws and language (we immigrate to the USA because it seems to us that the path of development of culture and economy in this country is good and convenient for us), if we want to live here and we like it here, we have to adapt to local education. I understand the idea that many come with their own culture, but our culture should be secondary, the first place should be occupied by the culture of the country in which we decided to become a citizen. For example, if I love Russia so much, then I need to stay in Russia, and not force the US government to adopt the rules and laws of Russian education. This seems strange to me.
Yes, I am highly educated in my country, but I do not speak English well and, accordingly, if I live in the USA I have to study again, no one should care how well I am educated for Russia, I am not educated for the USA and its needs of the labor market. This is a fact, and the United States should not apologize for it or try to adjust.
1. What i learned in this weeks unit is that in this week’s unit is that European immigrants they go through a lot as for it could be a way to come here like for example visa which it may be very hard to get. Another thing could be that being a citizen is a whole process which may take years and there is also a test to be taken called English and civics for their neutralization. Most of those immigrants moved to this country for a better future for them and their kids. Another thing is that they also wanted to get away from their country due to their current situations going on like for example war.
2. Literacy was used in the US by having to take a literacy test. This test included a short writing and reading of a short passage of the US. This test was a part of the early 1900’s acts to be exact 1917 for over 16 y/o immigrants where they would have to pass it in case to enter the US. I personally believe that this is very unfair because people probably left their own country to save their lives and at the end just because of a test they would be sent back to where their life would be at risk.
3. Immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages are often discounted in education settings because I believe literacy is different in other countries. It is different and it is taught differently. The stereotypes immediately go into effect as soon as the accent is heard because that would lead to people thinking that you are not born here and that your literacy skills are not good enough. I still believe that at the end of the day the U.S was built from immigrants and it is where it is today from immigrants. Not being able to not understand a word or if you pronounce it the wrong way should never be a way to judge someone’s intelligence or their literacy.
Hi Ardit, I agree with your most of your post. While stereotypes will always exist, unfortunately the ones concerning literacy can drastically change an individual’s perception and make them seem uneducated. I liked that you mentioned how many also flee from their country fleeing war and trying to save their lives. That is a very valid point and one I forgot to mention in my own post.
Questions # 1,2, 3
In this week’s unit I learned about European immigrants in the United States. Some of them come to the United States and are able to obtain a green card. Some of them can learn English pretty quickly and are more likely to have health coverage. But in the video I learned that some need to fulfill requirements to obtain a green card. The woman in the video, even though she is married, is still waiting to get a green card interview. And there was a website that stated how people need to write and read English and be able to take a test. Literacy is used as means of limiting immigration into the US because there were some laws like the 1917 Immigration act that involved giving an English literacy test on European immigrants. Congress tried to pass this for “xenophobic and economic concerns.” Some of the immigrants’ literacy skills in their native language are often discounted in educational settings because some of them may have accents or Their native language can be way different and difficult when it comes to having native language speakers in an educational setting.
1. What did you learn in this week’s unit? One of the interesting things I learned about in this week’s reading was about the many reasons Europeans landed in the US seeking US citizen status. I think we tend to think sometimes that everyone who comes to the US does so voluntarily, thinking that the US is the place their dreams are made of. While that might be the case for some, I was reminded that is not the case for many. In the reading it was pointed out that in the 16th-18th centuries, the most significant wave of the Europeans came to the U.S. due to economics and fleeing from religious persecution. Those are hard but real decisions that some immigrants are forced to make that they don’t always want to. Leaving family and friends, their culture for the most part, and coming to a country that does not speak your language must be a very very confusing experience that is hard on the heart and mind.
2. How was literacy used as a means of limiting immigration into the US?
In 1916, congress overruled the President Wilson veto and the 1917 Immigration Act was passed. This act requiring a literacy test for any immigrant over 16 years old. Apparently, this was based on a four-year investigation called the Dillingham Commission, a four-year investigation of immigration that concluding that “immigrants from southern and eastern Europe posed a serious threat to American society.” There was also an Act targeting Asians. I also learned there had been previous legislation called, The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Many believe that both Acts had its roots in eugenics and the desire for a “superior stock.” This I believe to be a big blight on what Americas stand for. I looked at the literacy test and could not believe it was 100 questions long, the questions can change and the person taking it is asked ten in person. How are people coming to the when many of them arrived did not know the limited selection of languages the test was given in? The test is also given in person with an immigration agent. I can only imagine how nerve wrecking this process would be. Put on top of that the barrage of paperwork required to gain citizenship and apply for jobs and services, it’s no wonder many immigrants chose to go under the radar and live as illegal aliens (a term I’ve never liked.) This really left me shaking my head about the fact that this Act got passed.
3. Why are immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages often discounted in educational settings?
Immigrants’ literacy skills in their native languages are often discounted in educational settings because most countries do not consider a person literate unless they are literate in those nations official native tongue. This is a sad fact because the U.S. has many immigrant people living here who have a high level of education which isn’t acknowledge or used/viewed as a positive simply because they may not be well enough versed in English.
DB 7
After reading the article “European Immigrants in the United States” I learned about the different waves of European immigrants. The first wave came around the 16-18th century for opportunity and freedom. The second wave of European immigrants mostly came from poorer backgrounds and arrived around 1840-1850 to escape famine and persecution. Finally, after the Civil War, around 20 million European immigrants arrived for better economic opportunity and to escape persecution. Statistics of European immigrants in 2016 show how they are more likely to be proficient in English and come for more educated or higher income backgrounds. From reading “Literacy Tests and Asian Exclusion Were the Hallmarks of the 1917 Immigration Act” it is shown that literacy tests were motivated by racial and xenophobic beliefs to limit immigration from certain countries. These literacy tests were also used to build on past racial legislation like the “Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907, which was an informal system for regulating immigration from Japan.” Eugenics also played a role of literacy tests which desired the “superior stock” of people that would prosper and make a better society. Literacy is a means of acculturation because immigrants need to develop skills to increase their chances of entering the U.S. as well as finding work in the future.