African American and Latinos migration history (Essay Sample)

Immigration of African Americans and the Latinos has Immigrants leave their home countries and settle in another country. However, reasons for the act usually differ. Moreover, interactions of the immigrants and the host population differ with time and place. Immigration of Latinos and African Americans show a disparity of time and places though they share some similarities in their historic and contemporary experiences. However, there occur some differences in various aspects. The essay discusses the immigration patterns, showing assimilation of the two communities and thereafter compares their experiences. Immigration Patterns of African American Ethnic Group Immigration of African Americans to American majorly occurred between 1500 and 1860s. More than 50 linguistic groups were forced through slave trade which occurred in the Atlantic Ocean. More than 40% of the slaves entered the country through Charleston port in South Carolina. The first slaves came from Angola while the latter came from the Senegambia region. Most of the Blacks migrated to the South, with a small percentage going north (Bennett, 1986). The first migration was towards the North occurred between 1915 and 1920 due to World War I jobs. Although, Blacks usually lived in the rural areas, they began moving to the urban Centers hence creating a culture of their own. After the Great Depression, the second wave occurred with African Americans moving towards the western coastal cities. However, in the 1950s, there was a reverse migration trend with many Blacks moving towards the South. Since then, there has been a significant move towards the South (Bennett, 1986). Assimilation of African American Group The Black people assimilated to the Southern ways of living. They also adapted to using English and playing American sports such as Basketball and American Football. However, many are willing to embrace their blackness hence making their African cultures and features part of their culture. For example, although some listen to Jazz and rock, some Black people listen to black music with origins from Africa. Additionally, many of the Blacks in the south eat soul foods. Of late there is an increased usage of African names to honor their ancestry. Even with financial and education success, most Black Americans do not change their bigoted beliefs. For example, they do not consider same-sex relationships to be part of their culture.(Alba & Nee, 2009). Latina Ethnic Group Immigration Patterns Immigration of the Latina ethnic group is one of the most controversial developments to happen to the United States. Migration of the Latinos is one some complex origins. The first influx of the Hispanic people happened during the Gold Rush period in California. After the period, their migration was light during the 19th century. It involved about 3,000 people per decade. In the next century, things changed due to the fast growth of the American West economy. More than 100, 000 Mexicans migrated during the century. The Mexican Revolution of 1910 accelerated the immigration of Hispanics to the US. However, the Great Depression led to more than 350,000 Hispanics to leave the country. The pattern would again be reversed by the guest worker programs of the 940s, leading to both legal and illegal immigrants (Bennett, 1986). Assimilation of Latina Group Many proponents of immigration emphasize on the need for the Hispanics to assimilate to the American culture. They have shown a great level of assimilation with many learning to use the English language. Moreover, they have studied American History to be familiar with the nation. Latina Americans do well in the labor market more than the Whites. Engaging with the American culture has led to a significant number opting to see themselves as white. Many of the immigrants find divorce acceptable and are comfortable with the masculine culture. However, first-generation immigrants show a slow assimilation as compared to the second-generation ones (Alba & Nee, 2009). Similarities in Historic and Contemporary Experiences They both have a high percentage of male school dropouts due to social issues.. For example, 46% Black American and 51% of Latinos drop out of school in Philadelphia. Reduced level of education leads to low income to the minority groups (Ancis & Mohr, 2000). Moreover, they have a high poverty level in their living. In the areas of South Los Angeles, the two groups share neighborhoods, community colleges and hospitals. Since they share the same place, they compete on the available resources. It makes them to have shared political interests and some level of social collaboration. Moreover, they have a high percentage of children born out of wedlock (Ancis & Mohr, 2000). For a long time the two minority communities share similar experiences of police brutality. It results to having a high rate...