Immigration and Assimilation

For purposes of legal immigration in the United States, assimilation means the process whereby immigrants adopt American cultural norms, values, language and customs and in order to integrate into our society. I have heard it said that we are not immigrating individuals... we are immigrating small countries. Based on what I've seen in terms of assimilation, I have to say I tend to agree.

I'll start with Africa. As near as I can determine from life here in the DC metro area, Ethiopians, Ghanaians, Nigerians and people from other African countries generally prefer to stay to themselves. Yes they are friendly in the work environment; but after that, they don't seem to be very interested in associating with Black or White Americans. They typically won't come out and say this... they will simply provide constant excuses or work around the topic. They use avoidance tactics because they don't want the potential conflict that comes with the truth of the matter. They are here for the money and opportunity, and there's nothing wrong with that... but there's also nothing wrong with assimilating into the country that's providing you this opportunity. Truth be told, I see this resistance to assimilation thing going on with other ethnicities as well. There are many, many people in this country who do not speak, and not bothering to learn English. You flat cannot communicate with some people without a translator, and this can be very frustrating especially when paying for a particular service. The United States is racially diverse, but it's far from being a Utopian state, and the reality of the situation is this: Utopia is never going to happen because of two little things called human nature and natural selection.

All that said, I will make the following comment:

I am genuinely happy for any and everyone who comes to the United States of America for a better life. If you come to my country, please enter legally; learn the English language (if needed); respect our customs, laws and our flag. Please also do not complain about my country or compare my country to your country of origin,. If you feel your country of origin is better than the U.S., then you are cordially invited to leave my country. One more thing... if you are fortunate enough to be elected to a political office in my country, please remember at all times that you are there to support ALL people within your range of representation. Get my drift? All that said, I welcome you with open arms, and I wish you well... but illegal immigrants and those who have over-stayed their VISAs etc. have got to GO... and I don't give a high flyin' damn what race they are!

Welcome To America