Week 7 - Anna Le, sect. 4

In "Refugees, Rights, and Race: How Legal Status Shapes Liberians' Immigrants Relationship with the State" by Hana E. Brown, I realized the distinctions between varying immigrant experiences. Undocumented immigrants are treated poorly by the state and are criminalized and prevented from any sorts of rights in the host country, except for refugees. In this case, it was Liberian refugees that had a positive view of the state and were treated with special care by the state. I was very surprised that refugees were paid special attention and cared for by the State. My impression was that the government were indifferent or hostile to immigrants, but I learned from this article that refugees are the exception. 

What was even more shocking to me was how the Liberian refugees viewed African-Americans. Although they are of the same skin, they view themselves as completely separate people. In the eyes of the other, it would seem to me that prejudice would still occur for both groups because of colorism and racism. However, as the article stated, employers are more prejudice towards native-born Africans than immigrant Africans. They see immigrants as more hard-working, earnest, and humble, while they view native-borns as lazy. It is interesting that Liberians have also adopted this view as well and try their best to separate themselves from native-borns by going as far as enhancing their own accents. It's perplexing to me that the negative perception of African-Americans is so strong that African immigrants would go as far as to separate themselves from them so that they do not experience the same level of oppression or prejudice as they do. 

Another thing that I learned to appreciate was how Liberian culture is interdependent. I thought it was touching how Liberian culture has ingrained in them a sense of altruistic-nature. They give to the poor, help and care for one another. I have learned in my classes how important social support is for well-being and how it is an evolutionary adaption to need to belong with others. It was touching for me to know that there are still cultures that practice this sort of tender caring for others since America is extremely disconnected. America could learn to be less of an individualistic society so that our society could be less angry, lonely, and depressed. It's important for our well-being to feel connected with our community. America could learn from this. 

Questions:

• Do African immigrants experience the same prejudices as native-born African-Americans? Or do they receive better treatment and perceived as better by other groups? 
• How do African-Americans feel about African immigrants? 
• Is there a shared understanding between the two groups? Or is there hostility and resentment? 

References

• Peterson, B. (n.d.). [Hundreds of Twin Cities Liberians, including Evely Jarbatt (Center), gathered on the steps of the state Capitol for a rally in support of extending a federal deportation reprieve program for Liberian natives called Deferred Enforced]. Retrieved from http://www.startribune.com/trump-adminstration-announces-end-of-deportation-reprieve-for-liberians-in-minnesota-elsewhere/478084833/
• Brown, H. (2011). Refugees, Rights, and Race: How Legal Status Shapes Liberian Immigrants' Relationship with the State. Social Problems, 58(1), 144-163. doi:10.1525/sp.2011.58.1.144