Stigma Of Immigration Research Paper

Words: 965
Pages: 4

The proposed project will address a stigma surrounding immigrants and non-citizens in America

today by illustrating how increased knowledge and awareness of immigration can lead to

solutions in shifting pessimistic viewpoints to more amicable responses. Additionally, special

emphasis will be placed upon the role of employment based immigration and exchange student

programs. The project seeks to address the psychological perspectives on immigrants in America

through exploration of past and present encounters and experiences relating to an immigrant’s

place in society.

Context

In consideration of a controversial topic like immigration, the words on the Statue of Liberty are

brought to mind, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled
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Such attempts to reject a certain group from the nation

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furthers the theory that creation of a stigma is like dehumanization; both negative factors

contributing to each other in a vicious cycle of misconceived perceptions of right and wrong.

In light of this, there remains varying views toward citizenship in the United States. Study of

naturalized citizens’ perspectives surrounding the citizenship process supports the notion that,

even after becoming “American,” immigrants may still feel like outsiders in society

(Bloemraad). This postulation supports a theory that citizenship may have psychological factors

attached to it. Perhaps naturalization takes the form of membership to a country, nurturing a

feeling of belongingness and exclusion for new citizens. Although naturalization presents a much

more mutually advantageous substitute to deportation, it can often appear as if there remains a

divide between the two categories of citizenship (DeSipio).

Objective/Research Questions

A heightened awareness of the benefits arising from an immigrant population is essential for

fostering amicable responses from citizens. The main goal of this project is to communicate
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★ Deportation and discrimination

○ Workplace inequality, gender bias, etc.

○ How does the stigma of immigration impact future generations (including

those born in the U.S.)?

○ Do people discriminate differently “on paper” versus in person? (ex.

written description of an immigrant vs. a photo of them)

Research Design

The proposed honors in action project seeks to erase a stigma surrounding immigrants in the

local community through compiling an art exhibition showcasing portraits of various immigrants

and non-citizens in the Houston area. Negative perspectives may be shifted by associating a face

with such a controversial topic as immigration affects all of us whether intentionally or not. In

connection to the exhibition, interviews with immigrants would be conducted to supplement

findings on the research questions/topics. Additionally, the project would possibly involve

coordination of a panel of individuals who have immigrated to America, providing them with a

platform to share their stories and discuss their experiences with the aforementioned subjects.

Both the exhibition and panel would increase awareness of immigration on campus while working to extinguish a negative connotation interconnected with such