Growing up with immigrant parents always stood out to me, the beauties and the struggles that nearly all immigrants have to endure. Having my father work a taxi as his only option to work and my mom being a housewife, proved to me that you don’t need a lot to be happy where you are. Coming all the way from Punjab, India to a whole new country literally leaving everything behind is a serious challenge. Despite these challenges, immigrant parents and their families can thrive in their new homes. They can overcome barriers and build fulfilling lives with access to resources and support systems. It is important to recognize and value the contributions of immigrant parents and immigrants and work towards creating inclusive and supportive environments for all. Immigrants bring diversity and unique perspectives to their communities, enriching the cultural fabric of their new homes 

Immigrant parents can have a significant impact on their children, shaping their experiences and worldview in unique ways. First, the experience of immigrating to a new country can be challenging and often requires a great deal of sacrifice and resilience. Children of immigrant parents may witness their parents navigating unfamiliar cultural norms and facing language barriers, which can instill a sense of determination and adaptability. Immigrant parents also value education highly, as it is often seen as a means of upward mobility and integration into their new society. As a result, they may prioritize their children’s academic success and push them to excel in school.

Additionally, immigrant parents may instill cultural values and traditions from their home country, which can create a sense of connection to their heritage and community. However, there may also be challenges related to cultural differences and generational gaps, as children navigate the tension between their parents’ expectations and their own desires for individuality. According to Dunning, “ It is not uncommon for the economic power of a multinational corporation to exceed that of many small and medium-sized nation-states”, demonstrating that MNCs can have significant economic power, often greater than that of some nation-states. They can use this power to influence government policies, particularly in developing countries. 

Immigrants have been shown to contribute significantly to the economy of their host countries. One way that immigrants help the economy is by filling gaps in the labor market. They are often willing to work in industries that locals do not want to, such as farming or cleaning. This allows businesses to fill their labor needs, which in turn boosts economic productivity. Immigrants increase the overall labor force participation rate in a country, leading to increased economic growth. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, immigrants boost the economy by increasing the overall labor force participation rate and contributing to economic growth.  Additionally, immigrants tend to be highly motivated and hardworking, which can lead to increased productivity and higher economic output. Another way that immigrants help the economy is through their entrepreneurial spirit. Many immigrants start their own businesses, which can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, immigrants are twice as likely as native-born Americans to start their own businesses. These businesses often have a positive impact on the local economy, as they generate tax revenue and create jobs. immigrants contribute to the economy through their consumption patterns. As they settle into their new homes, they purchase goods and services, which helps to boost local businesses and drive economic growth. According to a report by the National Immigration Forum, immigrants are estimated to have a purchasing power of over $1.4 trillion, which makes them a significant driver of consumer spending. Immigrants have a significant impact on the economy of their host countries. From filling gaps in the labor market to starting their own businesses, immigrants bring with them a wealth of skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit that can help to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for everyone. It is therefore essential to recognize the valuable contributions that immigrants make to the economy and to ensure that they are welcomed and supported in their new homes.

Cultural diversity and immigration can enrich society by bringing new perspectives, customs, and traditions. The cultural exchange between people from different backgrounds can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures. This can help to break down barriers between different communities, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and foster social cohesion. Immigration can also promote innovation. When people from different backgrounds and cultures come together, they can bring a range of skills, knowledge, and experiences that can help to drive creativity and innovation. This can lead to new ideas, products, and services that can benefit society as a whole. Cultural diversity and immigration are essential for fostering understanding and tolerance. As people from different cultures come into contact with one another, they have the opportunity to learn about each other’s traditions, beliefs, and values. This can help to break down stereotypes and build bridges between communities. In turn, this can lead to greater acceptance and tolerance of people from different backgrounds. Many immigrants come to the United States seeking asylum from persecution, violence, or other life-threatening situations in their home countries. Increasing the number of deportations could lead to sending them back to danger and potentially violating their human rights. Many immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy through their work and taxes, and deportation could result in a loss of skilled workers, talent, and potential economic growth. Many immigrants have family members in the United States, and deportation could result in their separation and hardship, especially for children who may be U.S. citizens. Immigrants have made significant contributions to the United States in various fields, including science, technology, business, and culture. Banning and deporting them could result in a loss of valuable talent and potential economic growth. Immigration has been an essential component of the United States, and the country’s diversity has enriched its culture, values, and perspectives. 

Many countries economies depend heavily on immigrants. They contribute to economic growth and the creation of jobs by bringing variety, innovation, and fresh perspectives to the workforce. Immigrants frequently launch their own businesses, developing fresh goods and services and opening up positions for others. Additionally, they pay taxes and contribute to consumer spending, which helps the economy and finances government initiatives. Immigration can also aid in addressing demographic issues like an aging population and workforce shortages. In the end, immigrants are essential to creating thriving and dynamic economies, and their contributions ought to be recognized and encouraged.

Noticing a problem: 

Should the US government step up its deportation of undocumented immigrants, or should it offer asylum for those currently living in the country?

Researching The Problem

• Worldwide
• Jobs is the main reason
• Leave poor homeland

Stakeholders

Immigrants

Politicians

Citizens

Population

Defining Your Ethos

I am personally connected and have interests in both topics. Interest and personal connection to the first topic are that not just my parents, literally the whole family tree is immigrants and are all working on achieving their American Dream. My thesis or working question is whether the government should support undocumented immigrants. The question is should the US government step up its deportation of undocumented immigrants, or should it offer asylum for those currently living in the country? There are many different viewpoints and views on the complicated and divisive subject of how to treat undocumented immigrants in the United States. While some contend that the US government should increase its deportation efforts, others think the nation should grant refuge to those who are already residing there. Having immigrants in one’s family can have both positive and negative impacts on an individual’s life. You can develop cultural enrichment, the ability to speak different languages, and can overall change and help shape a person. 

Arguments in favor of increased deportation:

• It is important to uphold the rule of law and discourage illegal immigration by enforcing existing laws and policies.
• Deportation can be an effective way to prevent further illegal immigration by sending a message that those who enter the country illegally will face consequences.
• Deportation of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes can help improve public safety by removing potentially dangerous individuals from communities.

Arguments in favor of offering asylum:

• Many undocumented immigrants have lived in the US for years or even decades and have established deep roots and ties to their communities. Forcibly removing them from the country can be disruptive and traumatic for both the individuals and their families.
• Undocumented immigrants often face dangerous and difficult circumstances in their home countries, including violence, persecution, and lack of economic opportunity. Offering asylum can provide a safe and secure haven for these individuals to rebuild their lives.
• Deportation can have negative economic consequences, including disruption to industries that rely on immigrant labor and loss of tax revenue

What is life?
The sun came out
The wind left
The birds are chirpin’
The dogs are barkin’ and playin’
The people are talking and smiling
Everyone is happy
Technology is non existent
Everything felt together
Life felt normal
Where could this be
Just a normal day at the park.

Time always is on go. It never stops. Not for me, not for you, not for anyone or anything. As time goes on we learn so much and memories build up. We have moments that are unforgettable and that hold so much value because we learned so much from them.  Teachable moments are a part of everybody’s lives. We all have learned one thing in common to one, whether it be the ability to read and write, or for some of us the ability to drive. These teachable moments apart of our lives hold so much value and are so significant to every one of us. Time is uncontrollable and you cannot get what has happened back. As time passes, memories pile up and all have meanings, some even have left lessons behind them that we take on forever.
            Teachable moments begin from the day your memory begins and the day you learn to remember things. You learn something new every day, and sometimes you learn unexpectedly.

As a child, your teachable moments consist of learning how to eat and drink, how to talk and walk, and how to get over fears like the dark. As a kid growing up and being in a Punjabi household, the sport I played growing up was cricket. I played cricket every day and I felt as if that is all I knew. However, one day my best friend and neighbor back in Queens decided to switch up on cricket and go play basketball at the park. This took me by surprise because we never could have imagined ourselves on that side of the park inside the basketball courts. There it began, my best friend was teaching me the basics of basketball. We began with dribbling and bouncing the basketball to shoot right near the hoop. From that day on forward, we never looked back and played basketball every day since. From hot sunny days to days where there was literal snow on the ground we would walk to the park regardless of the weather and improved day by day. Years go on and I moved to Long Island, then came basketball teams and tryouts at my new school which was from grades 7th to 12th grade. It was 8th grade, in November, the day the team got announced for the junior high team and I didn’t make it. I was devastated and I really believed that I was good enough to make it. That was a teachable moment for me because I thought I was ready and built for it however I had to work harder. I didn’t make the basketball team because I had no official game practice and I had no idea how a real officiated game was played as all I did was play in the streets as a child. The following summer I joined an outside basketball program where they developed skills and played games locally and nationwide. I put my head down in the summer and came back harder than ever. The following year, my freshman year of high school, I made the Junior Varsity team. The first few games I went absolutely insane and we were destroying teams left and right. On the way home one night after a great game, I received a phone call to attend the Varsity practice as a freshman. Wow! Basketball and the journey I had with it created so many memories over time and it led to lifelong lessons and teachable moments that I will never forget.

            Teachable moments can occur anywhere, anytime, and these moments can be correlated to anything. Prior to the outbreak of covid and the shutdown of in-person schooling, I had to take an AP World History DBQ essay that counted as a test grade. I was not prepared for the exam, the whole day I was worried about having no idea of how I will pass this exam. I asked my friends and all they could tell me is study in my classes before, watch videos and read all I can in that short period of time. However, in the back of my head, only negative thoughts would come repeatedly. The thoughts overtook my brain and I decided to take action. Action but not action I would ever take again, I made a cheat sheet as if the teacher allowed it. I wrote everything I needed to know about the exam on the paper. Then came the time of the test and I decided to slip the paper under my seat. I sit in the back of the class and the test is handed to the first person in the row to pass back, so I thought the teacher would be unable to see. I was wrong. 10 minutes in the test, my teacher comes up to me and simply exposes me in front of the class. I was embarrassed and all I wanted to do was cry. That was just the beginning, the following day my parents came in for a meeting with the head of the Social Studies department and my teacher. I had to leave the AP class and join the regular classes. I learned so many lessons in this one moment, I learned to not procrastinate, to study, and to do everything I can to make my parents proud instead of disappointed.

            A teachable moment is a particular period of time when a person is especially open to learning something new or developing a deeper grasp of a subject. It is a chance for mentors, parents, or educators to grasp the moment and offer a pertinent and worthwhile learning experience. These moments have a significant impact on people, including improved learning, increased motivation, enhanced critical thinking, and personal growth. Nobody is excluded from having teachable moments, they can occur to anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. These moments can happen at any time and can be brought on by a number of things, such as a recent occurrence, a life experience, or a curious query.