American Dream's Illusion Shatters for Family Upon Discovering Labor is Necessary

In a recent study spanning over a century of US history, it was found that children of immigrants, regardless of their country of origin, have higher rates of upward mobility compared to children of the US-born. The study, led by Michael Ungar, Ph.D., a family therapist and researcher at Dalhousie University, highlights the hardworking and committed nature of immigrant families in the United States.

The study, which used millions of father-son pairs, reveals that immigrant families, particularly those from Mexico, are known for their strong work ethic and dedication to contributing positively to society. However, there have been perceptions among some people that relatives, upon arriving in the US, do not make enough effort towards work and contributing.

Ungar explains that these value systems, which characterise any population that has had to struggle to survive, are also found in the family trees of many native-born Americans. He further adds that migrants often work in jobs where they are underemployed, but this is not true of children who are raised by families that value education and expect their children to study hard and graduate.

Interestingly, the immigrants' advantage, historically and today, remains consistent despite dramatic shifts in sending countries and US immigration policy. The study found that children of immigrants from nearly every sending country have higher rates of upward mobility than children of the US-born.

However, it's important to note that some people have underestimated the effort needed by relatives once they arrived in the US, and some have even expected an easy life without work from their relatives. Additionally, some people have thought that relatives were taking advantage of family support once they arrived in the US.

Ungar emphasises that immigrants show a great deal of drive to succeed and are more willing to sacrifice for their children. This dedication and resilience, it seems, have played a significant role in the upward mobility of their children in the United States.

American Dream's Illusion Shatters for Family Upon Discovering Labor is Necessary