5. Agency, as defined by Ruth Gomberg-Muñoz, is the human capacity to exert some control over the conditions of one’s existence(Gomberg-Muñoz, 9) . Because of their illegal status, the Lions truly do not have full control of their agency. Unauthorized residence in the United States in very limited and come with incredibly harsh consequences should they be caught. In most cases, undocumented immigrants cannot, in a sense, “climb the corporate ladder.” They are often confined to a bottom-rung, comparatively low-paying job in order to stay under the radar, thus limiting their agency. Even though undocumented immigrants usually make minimum wage, they experience the social obligation to send money back home to their parents, spouses, and children
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From an ethical standpoint, I can understand why many of these undocumented Mexican immigrants choose to come to the United States for work. Because so many of them experience the same social obligations to their families, it is understandable that the financial strain they’d be under would cause them to find better jobs . However, I do think that the immigrants should abide by immigration law whenever possible. I believe that this inconsistency in the viewpoints of Mexican family members and those against undocumented immigration is the result of culture. Mexican culture is much more family-oriented in comparison to the United States, which experiences a more individualistic culture. When examining such a question with this criteria in mind, it is understandable why Mexican families would agree that their undocumented relatives in the U.S. are morally justified and worthy of respect, for taking such a risk to take care of them. Through the same lens, it is easy to see why there are people who believe that there is no justifiable reason to break immigration laws. These people, usually Americans, simply do not experience the same social pressure from their families. American families tend to encourage their young to move out at eighteen, settle in a career with promotional opportunities, and not move back home. In many cases, moving back home is seen as a “failure.” Mexicans, on the other hand, often share their homes with many extended family members, and everyone is …show more content…
Another group that parallels many of the experiences of the Lions is expatriates. In any country, notably those in which many natives do not speak English, expatriates often “find each other.” This process includes the formation social networks and congregation in the same places, whether it be a particular store or an entire neighborhood. While expatriates are a notable example that shares parallels with the Lions, I think that almost any alienated or isolated social group would share similarities. These parallels are found among many group because humans use similar ways to survive in foreign places while fulfilling their hierarchy of needs, which involves some form of social interaction. The creation of interpersonal social networks is a way for any isolated social groups to find housing, employment, and social stimulation. Essentially, it is in the nature of humans to seek to create such networks, which is why I believe so many groups share the same
From an ethical standpoint, I can understand why many of these undocumented Mexican immigrants choose to come to the United States for work. Because so many of them experience the same social obligations to their families, it is understandable that the financial strain they’d be under would cause them to find better jobs . However, I do think that the immigrants should abide by immigration law whenever possible. I believe that this inconsistency in the viewpoints of Mexican family members and those against undocumented immigration is the result of culture. Mexican culture is much more family-oriented in comparison to the United States, which experiences a more individualistic culture. When examining such a question with this criteria in mind, it is understandable why Mexican families would agree that their undocumented relatives in the U.S. are morally justified and worthy of respect, for taking such a risk to take care of them. Through the same lens, it is easy to see why there are people who believe that there is no justifiable reason to break immigration laws. These people, usually Americans, simply do not experience the same social pressure from their families. American families tend to encourage their young to move out at eighteen, settle in a career with promotional opportunities, and not move back home. In many cases, moving back home is seen as a “failure.” Mexicans, on the other hand, often share their homes with many extended family members, and everyone is …show more content…
Another group that parallels many of the experiences of the Lions is expatriates. In any country, notably those in which many natives do not speak English, expatriates often “find each other.” This process includes the formation social networks and congregation in the same places, whether it be a particular store or an entire neighborhood. While expatriates are a notable example that shares parallels with the Lions, I think that almost any alienated or isolated social group would share similarities. These parallels are found among many group because humans use similar ways to survive in foreign places while fulfilling their hierarchy of needs, which involves some form of social interaction. The creation of interpersonal social networks is a way for any isolated social groups to find housing, employment, and social stimulation. Essentially, it is in the nature of humans to seek to create such networks, which is why I believe so many groups share the same