Refugees, Citizenship, and the New America: California in Public Anthropology

Buddha Is Hiding: Refugees, Citizenship, the New America (California Series in Public Anthropology Book 5)

by Aihwa Ong

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1809 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a surge in the number of refugees seeking asylum within its bFree Downloads. California, as the state with the largest immigrant population in the country, has been at the forefront of this influx, welcoming refugees from all over the world. This book explores the experiences of these refugees, their struggles for citizenship, and the challenges they face in navigating the complexities of American society.

Drawing on extensive ethnographic research, the author provides a rich and nuanced account of the lives of refugees in California. She examines the ways in which they negotiate the legal, social, and cultural barriers that they encounter, and the strategies they develop for building new lives in a foreign land.

Refugees and the American Dream

The American Dream has long been a beacon of hope for immigrants and refugees alike. It is the promise of a better life, a chance to escape poverty and persecution, and to achieve success in a new land. However, for many refugees, the reality of life in America falls short of this dream.

Refugees often face a myriad of challenges in their new country. They may not speak the language, have difficulty finding work, or lack access to housing and education. They may also experience discrimination and prejudice from the native-born population. As a result, many refugees struggle to integrate into American society and achieve the full measure of the American Dream.

The Struggle for Citizenship

For refugees, citizenship is more than just a legal status. It is a symbol of belonging and acceptance. It is a way to participate fully in American society and to enjoy the rights and privileges that come with being a citizen.

However, the path to citizenship is often long and arduous. Refugees must first apply for asylum, which can take years to be processed. Once they are granted asylum, they must wait five years before they can apply for citizenship. During this time, they must maintain a clean criminal record and prove that they are capable of supporting themselves financially.

For many refugees, the struggle for citizenship is a daunting one. However, it is a struggle that they are determined to overcome. Citizenship represents the opportunity for a better life, and it is a goal that they are willing to fight for.

The New America

The influx of refugees into California has had a profound impact on the state. It has transformed the state's demographics, its economy, and its culture. Refugees have brought new skills, new perspectives, and new vitality to California. They have also helped to make the state more tolerant and welcoming of immigrants.

The arrival of refugees in California has also challenged the state's traditional notions of citizenship. In the past, citizenship was seen as a reward for those who had assimilated into American society. However, the experiences of refugees have shown that citizenship can also be a tool for empowerment and inclusion.

As California continues to welcome refugees from around the world, it is becoming a more diverse and inclusive state. This is a positive development, and it is one that should be celebrated. Refugees are an important part of California's present and future, and they have much to contribute to the state.

This book is a valuable addition to the growing body of literature on refugees and immigration in the United States. It provides a rich and nuanced account of the lives of refugees in California, and it offers important insights into the challenges they face and the contributions they make to American society. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in immigration, refugee studies, or American society.

Buy the Book

Buddha Is Hiding: Refugees, Citizenship, the New America (California Series in Public Anthropology Book 5)

by Aihwa Ong

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1809 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE