Public Perspective on United States Immigration and Immigrants Refugees

The United States Immigration topic is viewed differently from the perspective of a native American as opposed to someone coming from another country as an immigrant. Immigrants experience long lines at immigration offices, with the hope of having their number called to be able to speak with an officer who performs the screening process. In addition, an immigrant finds it hard to survive a 6-month parole period while waiting for an immigration interview. Immigrants can also experience an application being denied due to technicality by immigration. The immigration system is not an easy one to navigate. Hence, there are various perspectives when it comes to sympathizing with immigrants.

For these reasons, a Public Perspective Survey on Immigration and Immigrants/Refugees was conducted on 20 individuals. The following question was asked, "Do you think immigration and immigrants/refugees are causing this country to become a worse place to live in?" A group of 10 women and 10 men were selected from a pool of family and co-workers since this group was more willingly to participate in a survey. The age range of this group was approximately between 21 to 75 and included 3 direct immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras. The survey was conducted through several means of communication, such as interview, telephone, or via e-mail. In addition, everyone was asked for a supporting reason when providing their opinion on the survey question. To determine trends, the group was asked to provide the following demographic information:

1. Age
2. Sex
3. Citizenship
4. Ethnicity
5. Marital Status
6. Education Level
7. Occupation
8. Country of Birth

There were two results that were anticipated from this survey. First, a prediction was made that most of the participants would consider immigration and immigrants/refugees as the cause to not want to live in this country. Second, all participants that were immigrants would deny that immigration and immigrants/refugees as the cause of not wanting to live in this country. Mostly due to the fact the most business in this country are owned by individuals of different nationality.

When it comes to surveying it can become quite tedious, especially when you know your participants. What can cause the surveying to be time consuming is the fact that family and co-workers want to know the purpose behind the survey. In addition, upon giving their responses and reasoning, they strike a conversation that is not related to the topic at hand. Majority of the conversations were between 10 to 15 minutes. Future surveying requires conversations to be focused on the questions at hand and not get sidetracked.

In general, the two anticipated results mentioned earlier were precise. Sixty-five (65%) percent of the native American participants would consider immigration and immigrants/refugees as the cause to not want to live in this country. A further 35% where indecisive as to whether this would cause individuals not to live in this country.

As for the second prediction, it too was precise. One-hundred (100%) percent of the immigrant group, did not agree with the survey question. In addition, this group had relatives who moved from another country. Upon adding these groups into one, 45% of the individuals surveyed are first, second, or third generation of Americans. What is the significance of this? It just demonstrates that there are more individuals closely related to the immigration issue. It can be stated that 45% of these surveyed individuals are getting accustomed to new country or live with a relative who already has learned.

As a result, demographic patterns were obtained when analyzation of the data was done. Most of these statistics appear to be unrelated to the survey question and can ultimately cause the audience to be misled. Provided below are a few examples of the unrelated statistics obtained from the surveyed group:

1. 45% are Caucasian
2. 75% US citizens
3. 55% are under 50 years of age
4. 48% are married
5. 65% have College degrees
6. 78% have High School education's
7. 55% are white collar workers
8. 47% are blue collar workers

It will best that any future surveys be conducted differently. The next group of participants should be surveyed in person or by telephone. In addition, the conversations shall remain short and primarily focused on the survey question. This allows to survey more individuals in a shorter amount of time. There can also be an alternative to the telephone, that would be to develop some sort of Internet survey. If done correctly, an Internet survey can yield better results by having individuals participate anonymously.

There was another outcome that came from this survey, individual's curiosity with the responses of others. Individuals wanted to know what the primary perspectives of others were. Upon completion of the survey, a few participants asked about the responses from others due to curiosity. It seems these individuals are interested in finding out if fall under the same group as the others.

The results of this survey appear to be accurate, since it was conducted in a professional and fair manner. Though, it was identified that the easiness of data manipulation and individual perspectives can be achieved in order to favor a single viewpoint. Surveys are crucial when attempting to gather, summarize and present large sums of data. Though, it is important to consider the source, contemplate other avenue of information, look for any conflicts of interest when distributing a survey.

References

1. Research Consent Form
2. Public Perspective on United States Immigration and Immigrants/Refugees
3. Please read and complete this form carefully. If you are willing to participate in this study, ring the appropriate responses and sign and date the declaration at the end. If you do not understand anything and would like more information, please ask.
4. I have had the research satisfactorily explained to me in written form by the researcher.

Yes / No

       5. I understand that the research will involve

       6.Discussions as a group on the topic of immigration and to identify key issues

Yes / No

        7.I understand that I may withdraw form this study at any time without having to give an explanation.

Yes / No

       8.I understand that all information about me will be treated in strict confidence and that I will not be named in any written work arising from this study.

Yes / No

       9.I understand that any data collected will be used solely for research; purposes and will be erased on completion of the research.

Yes / No

      10.I understand that the data will only be discussed within the research team.

Yes / No

     11.I understand that study participants will not be named in subsequent write ups and material submitted for publication.

Yes / No

    12. I freely give my consent to participate in this research study and have been given a copy of this form for my own information.

Signature: __________________________________________

Printed Name: _______________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________

Contact details (include address, email and telephone number):

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