Commission Report On The Future Of Jewish Culture In America PDF Download

Large and continuing immigration will create problems for the American social and economic systems. The influx will require significant policy initiatives in both the public and private sectors, but the country is more than capable of solving these problems and, in the process, will receive many benefits. The following problems are discussed: (1) immigrants are entering an already-strained economy; (2) many older Americans fear that immigrants' allegiance to their native language constitutes a threat to national unity; and (3) some taxpayers fear that immigrants consume costly social services in excess of their contributions in taxes. However, a tradition of openness to newcomers and acceptance of a unifying civic authority, and recent political and societal changes, such as increased acceptance of cultural diversity, contribute to the immigrants' speedy and positive acculturation. Immigrants are also assisted by voluntary agencies and government programs, new jobs and opportunities, and the efforts of the educational system to understand and promote pluralism and cultural diversity in both formal education and extracurricular activities. The comments of five members of the American Jewish Committee's Task Force on the Acculturation of Immigrants to American Life and a list of the Task Force's members are appended. (FMW)