The American Dream- A Dream Fullfilled?

Since 1886, nearly 40 million immigrants have arrived in the United States and have become American citizens. Ethnic minorities now make up one-fourth of the U.S. population, and by the year 2010, it is predicted to rise to one-third. Today's immigrants arrive from all parts of the world. The current phase of immigration history began in 1965, when strict quotas based on nationality were eliminated. In 1978, the United States government set a single annual world quota of 290,000, and was raised again in 1990 to 700,000. During the 1990s, immigrants have arrived at a pace that, at times, has exceeded one million new arrivals per year, and have settled in all parts of the country.

Along with the legal immigrants, there are now millions

As immigrants continue to swarm into the United States, they take on the American Dream and mold the dream to fit their needs and wants, therefore creating a new, modernized American dream.

of illegal aliens. Why are these masses streaming to the United States? As John Crewdson wrote in his book The Tarnished Door: “Whether or not it relishes such a role, the United States, with its strong democratic traditions and unrivaled affluence, is destined to become an increasingly attractive sanctuary for those fleeing political or economic oppression.” These aliens come mainly from Mexico and from Central and South America. But in many cases they move from one form of poverty to another. After establishing themselves into American’s way of life, many live in vermin-infested housing and take the lowest paid and most tedious jobs. Then why do they continue to swarm across the U.S. borders and stay under those conditions? In her book Immigration, writer Lydia Anderson answers that question: “Illegals—like other immigrants—come because . . . America still has it bet

Some topics in this essay:
Reform Act, United American, Lady Liberty, South America, Tarnished Door, American Dream, Lydia Anderson, America Immigrants, Hoover American, american dream, John Crewdson, today's immigrants, united american, south america, immigrants america, immigrants arrived, conflicting feelings, continue swarm,