Chapter 16

As we get closer and closer to learning about more recent history, we also seem to be focusing a lot on Immigration Acts. The list that we made in class on Friday was kind of like a really big preview of the Acts and Reformations that were to come. In this chapter, they focused a lot on The Immigration Reform Act of 1986. This was to really crack down a lot on immigration to America because so many people were trying to come over here. For example, an employer could get prison time if they were found out for hiring an illegal immigrant. However, at the same time, some people got it easier so that they could actually have immigrants come and work for them. This is what struck me as odd and just weird. It was kind of contradictory and I was confused as to how this Reform Act went into place. But then I remembered that we are really just trying to benefit ourselves and not so much those who are trying to make a living out here. They also focused on the concept of nativism. And how that means that you don't like foreigners. I think that even currently, as a whole nation, we still have significant  rates of nativism and it is sad but I don't think that will ever really change. I think that it has dropped significantly even since the 80s, but still.. we have a long way to go.