Introduction
Most countries around the globe enjoy ethnic diversity in terms of groups migrating into such countries with the aim of legally becoming citizens or working in such countries. The US is among such countries that are largely exposed to this kind of ethnic diversity. The ethnic diversity in the US has attracted much attention with some of the political leadership or legislature seeking establishment of laws legalizing the existence of various ethnic groups (Foreigners) based on various elements like their skills (Preston & Parker, 2013). This is aimed at improving both high skilled and blue – collar jobs. This paper will compare Mexican and Indian Americans as some of the ethnic immigrant groups which have settled in the US, and have special or some unique skills.
Mexican and Indian Americans
Mexican Americans as a sub group in the US can be described as Americans of full or partial Mexican descent. This clearly brings out the point that these groups live in the US under laws, and other cultural practices entail some Mexican elements which differentiate them from the rest of the US population. Currently, Mexican Americans form 10.9% of the US population. This is a high number for an ethnic immigrant group; an indication of the impact this sub- group could have in the US. The large number of Mexican Americans clearly explains why a number of discussions have been focused on these groups. 34 million Mexican Americans are listed as either of full or partial Mexican ancestry (Katz, Stern & Fader 2007). From full and partial ancestry, one cannot deny the fact that this sub – group has been expanding while in the US. From the large number of Mexican in America, the US is considered to be home to the second largest Mexican community. The Mexican population in America is second to Mexico their native. From this analysis, one will be right to conclude that America provides Mexicans with a second home or sound place to be.
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"Ethnic Immigrant Group Comparison: Mexican and Indian Americans".
The first Mexican Americans enjoyed concentration in the Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado Southwest – California and Texas regions. However, their steady population growth and need to become an important part of the US society has seen this sub – group expand to other areas like St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and others areas considered to be high steel production areas. Mexican Americans are ranked among the most diverse population or sub – group in the US. This is because it is a sub – group made up of Spanish and Mexicans from the Middle East. The first immigrants were termed as illegal and found it difficult to join in the US economy building. This relegated this group to the casual workforce. However, with increased legalization of members of this group effective legislation which allow Mexican Americans to join the American workforce on both high skilled and blue – collar jobs.
The first Indian immigrants in the US were mostly Sikhs and Punjab. Indian immigrants in the US are a very dominant section of the society, and they are found at all levels of the existing class of the hierarchy. This is related to the ease with which the community was able to adopt the culture of the new society they moved into. Indians comprise a big chunk of the investors; consumers and producers present in the country.
What influenced their efficient integration to a new culture is the advantage with language. India as a nation was colonized by the British, and this meant that the Indians were exposed to the English language and some of the foreign cultures that accompanied the language. Integration processes are always slowed down by the barrier in communication that can be attributed to unfamiliarity with a language. Indian immigrants had the advantage of being exposed to the English language and some of the cultures associated with it (Immigration Policy Center, 2012).
Secondly, Indian immigrants are very hardworking and very committed to their jobs. This also facilitated their speedy integration and has made them a successful culture in the American society. Studies show that, Indians are flexible when it comes to their culture. This is influenced by age and gender. Young Indian immigrants are willing to adopt new cultures, and this has contributed to their quick integration into the American society in the last 20 to30 years and hence their success.
Conclusion
From the overhead exploration, it is distinct that the Mexican and Indian immigrants had some similarities as well as differences. The point of similarities of these two subgroups is drawn from the fact that both were determined to be part of the American society. The other similar aspect of these two sub – groups is based on a mixed culture enjoyed by both sub – groups. Both the Mexican and Indian Americans practise mixed cultures from their native lands and those in the US.
Despite the similar elements enjoyed by these important sub – groups in the US, the two have differences in terms of economy building mentality. While the Mexican Americans believed in offering labour or workforce, the Indians, on the other hand, believed they could become part of the investors in the US. The variance in mentality has seen Mexican Americans advocate for more work rights while their Indian counterparts go for equal investment opportunity.
- Immigration Policy Center (2012). Who and Where the Dreamers Are: A demographic Profile of Immigrants who might benefit from Obama administration’s deferred action initiative, American Immigration Council
- Katz, B. M, Stern, J. M & Fader, J. J (2007). Mexican Immigration Debate, The View from History, Social Science History Association
- Preston, J & Parker, A (2013). Immigration Bill Expected to Focus on Work Skills, Published: April 11, 2013, Retrieved on 24th April 2014 from, http://www.nytimes.com
