Asian American Dream Essay

According to recent surveys, 57% of Native Americans, white, and Hispanic Americans see the American Dream as attainable. Half of Asian Americans say the same, while fewer Black Americans agree. Roughly one in six Black Americans say that there is no such thing as the American Dream (Ballard 2020). The American dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their version of success in a society in which upward mobility is possible for everyone (Barone 2023). It is essential to know that the American dream itself is different for everyone, especially those that are born in America, compared to those that are viewing America from an outsider’s perspective. Even though native-born

People from different countries often have to work harder to get into the United States due to the higher expectations that have been set on them. The cultural manifestations of Asian American achievement have legal and structural roots—namely the change in US immigration law in 1965 that altered the socioeconomic profiles of Asian immigrants. Privileging those with high levels of education and skills, the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 ushered in a stream of highly educated, highly skilled immigrants from Asia (Lee 2019). Immigrants have to push themselves and strive to be better than the average population of their country if they want to get into the United States, due to the restrictions placed on them to be successful in the American workforce. Immigrants are also replacing harder job roles than Americans because they lack the ability or motivation to do their current jobs. Americans will always look to a fresh wave of immigrants who are leaner, tougher, younger, and more willing to sacrifice their bodies to do the work that we can’t or won’t do (Whitehead 2013). Immigrant workers didn’t mind working more or for longer hours as long as they were getting paid a decent amount, which sometimes is a luxury compared to where they are from. Due to their cultural background and upbringing, the immigrant working class has a better work ethic than native-born

Many native-born Americans that are in poverty want to be financially stable and dream of getting out of debt and being able to provide for themselves. A key element of the American dream is the belief that through hard work and perseverance, anyone can rise “from rags to riches,” becoming financially successful and socially upwardly mobile (Loo 2023). Native-born Americans also have an American dream of being self-sufficient and want to work towards their goals. However, if they do not work hard enough, they may not be able to achieve their goals. While immigrants have their dreams and aspirations in America, native-born Americans also have their American dream, which is to be financially stable and self-sufficient. Through hard work and perseverance, they believe that they can rise to the social and economic ladder. However, this dream requires dedication and effort, and those who do not work diligently may struggle to achieve