Becoming American: A Defense Of Identity And Immigration

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of becoming American-- literally. First, the paper details the costs of building America and how our country has been built on the backs of slavery and the denying of equal treatment of various groups: such as Native Americans, blacks, women, and immigrants and refugees. Then, the paper turns to exploring the political controversy surrounding the issue of immigration in the United States before turning to what requirements are necessary for an immigrant or refugee to transition into becoming and American. Four such criteria exist: desire, gratitude, respect and civility, and legal standing. Lastly, the paper turns to a full defense of America being more accepting and open to immigrants and refugees starting with what a government's duties are to both groups, and how a consequentialist, deontologist, and Christian should respond to the issue of immigrants and refugees. Two objections are discussed in the later part of the essay before finally turning to a self-reflective question-- what does the future of identity look like globally with the current refugee crisis challenging our notions of what constitutes a person's national identity.