【环时深度】多重矛盾带来“谁是美国人”之争

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how the historical evolution of the U.S. immigration system has shaped a diverse social structure while also facing challenges in effectively managing immigration governance. It highlights the contradictions arising from the "melting pot" characteristic of the U.S. economy, which injects development momentum but also leads to incomplete integration, social stratification, and cultural conflicts, particularly in the context of current economic stagnation and political polarization [1]. Immigration's Economic Role - Historically, a large influx of immigrants has contributed to the U.S. economy, with approximately 27 million immigrants arriving between 1880 and 1930, primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe, providing a labor foundation for industrialization [2]. - As of June last year, around 51.9 million immigrants resided in the U.S., accounting for 15.4% of the total population, with immigrants making up 19% of the labor force [3]. - Immigrants play critical roles in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and technology, with foreign-born healthcare workers numbering about 2.8 million, and immigrants generating approximately $1.7 trillion in economic activity in 2023 [3]. Political Narrative Shift - The political narrative surrounding immigration has shifted from viewing immigrants as "economic contributors" to framing them as "competitors and threats," particularly in the context of partisan conflicts [4]. - The perception of immigrants has been manipulated by politicians, with claims that illegal immigrants pose significant threats to national and public safety, leading to a scapegoating of immigrants amid economic challenges faced by native workers [4]. Current Immigration Debate Characteristics - The immigration debate in the U.S. has evolved to encompass broader issues beyond labor and border control, including education, social welfare, and cultural identity [8]. - There is an increasing polarization between conservative and progressive factions, with conservatives viewing immigration as a cultural threat and progressives labeling anti-immigration policies as racist, resulting in legislative gridlock and heightened tensions [8]. - The conflict has also affected public safety and emergency response systems, as seen in incidents where immigration enforcement disrupted critical services [9]. Public Sentiment and the American Dream - A significant portion of the American public feels that the country is in a state of "disarray," with 71% of respondents in a recent poll expressing this sentiment [10]. - The understanding of the "American Dream" is becoming increasingly fragmented, with many Americans feeling that achieving upward mobility is becoming more difficult due to widening income inequality and a shrinking middle class [13]. - The traditional notion of the "American Dream," which emphasized equal opportunity through hard work, is now perceived by many as a pursuit of stability rather than upward mobility [13].