From Zarate et al (2014), his study shows that “immigrant groups pose threats to the social welfare of citizens of the host country.” In a Washington Times article, it states that a dozen immigrant workers were fired from one of President Trump’s Golf Clubs, because they were not U.S. citizens (Condon, 2019). However, these workers have been working at the club for about 12 to 15 years. These workers are seen as a cultural threat to President Trump, and seen as different than what he imagines the U.S. should be.
However, some industries rely heavily on immigrants to fill their employment needs. In an interview, with Marketplace.org, economist Aparna Mathur stated, “In specific industries, like construction, home health aides and the tech industry, there’s a huge demand for immigrants. If the administration does crack down on these workers, then employers will immediately start feeling the shortages,” (Hartman, 2018). In these cases, Americans need immigrant workers to fulfill the needs of the American public. It is these opposing sides on the topic of immigration and deportation, which create anxiety for the impartial American who struggles to find a job. Conversely create stress for companies who are struggling to find employees to fulfill their roles. All the while, the stress on the immigrants themselves is increased due to uncertainty in their future.
Eleanor Emery, a physician who works with immigrants seeking asylum, has developed a deep sense of empathy towards immigrants after hearing and understanding the violence they have endured. As suggested by Pettegrew, when there is intergroup contact, it will typically reduce prejudice (Pettigrew et al., 2011). Because Emery’s job is to be close to these immigrants and learn about their gruesome stories, this in hope, will reduce prejudice.
Condon, Bernard, 2019, January 27. Trump Golf Course Fires 12 Illegal Immigrant Workers, Lawyer Says. The Washington Times.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jan/27/trump-national-golf-club-fires-12-illegal-immigran/
Emery, Eleanor, 2019, September 24. Asylum Seekers I Meet Flee Something Even Worse Than Trump’s Unethical Immigration Agenda. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2019/09/24/flores-settlement-immigration-detention-asylum-trump-column/2417906001/
Hartman, Mitchell, 2018, April 5. What role do immigrants play in U.S. labor force? Marketplace. https://www.marketplace.org/2018/04/05/what-role-immigrants-labor-force/
Pettigrew, T. F., Tropp, L. R., Wagner, U., & Christ, O. (2011). Recent advances in intergroup contact theory. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35(3), 271-280. After
Zarate, M. A., Garcia, B., Garza, A. A., & Hitlan, R. T. (2004). Cultural threat and perceived realistic group conflict as dual predictors of prejudice. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 40(1), 99-105.
