Korean Americans: Immigration, Faith, and the American Dream

Survey reveals Korean American views on immigration policies, the American Dream, and the church's role. Concerns rise amidst stricter naturalization rules impacting this vital community.

The study was performed before the September 4 ICE raid at a Hyundai/LG plant in Atlanta, Georgia, where greater than 300 South Koreans were jailed and later deported. The case attracted protests southern Oriental federal government and deepened concern among Koreans on both sides of the Pacific over connections between the longtime allies.

ICE Raid and Community Concerns

Among demographic groups, Oriental Americans have actually constantly seen a few of the highest possible rates of entrepreneurship and organization possession, as well as scholastic success. Demographics information from 2022 shows some 60.7% of Korean Americans hold a bachelor’s level or greater, compared to 35.7% for the general population.

Entrepreneurship and Education Success

Pope Leo has continued to promote the reason for migrants worldwide, urging bishops in the U.S. to be extra active in sustaining immigrants, proceeding the tradition of his precursor, Pope Francis, who promoted the cause of travelers during much of his papacy.

Participants pointed out problems that new migration policies have made it more difficult to seek and acquire environment-friendly cards naturalization, tightening up qualification requirements while expanding handling times. New naturalization guidelines provided previously this summer season introduced higher costs, harder tests, and an extra substantial history check, sustaining disappointment among legal immigrants that claimed the rules unfairly punish those following proper procedures.

Migration Policies and Naturalization

“This is a rather shocking result,” claimed Rev. Jongkii Min, chairman of KCMUSA. “Personally, as a priest, I think churches need to act as a sanctuary to protect their participants. The findings suggest that several priests position higher focus on adhering to lawful immigration procedures.”

Fifty-four percent of participants claimed they believe the American Dream, the idea that one can advance in life via effort and value, is still achievable, while 46% said that might have held true in the past but that it is now “no longer legitimate.”

The American Dream: Still Achievable?

Still, respondents were extra ambivalent on the inquiry of unauthorized immigrants and the church’s duty in supporting them. Simply 32% agreed that churches ought to supply haven to undocumented immigrants, while 48% declined the idea.

Church’s Role with Immigrants

Oriental Americans are among the most spiritual group teams in the united state, with rates of church association– generally Protestant Christian– topping even the general populace. They likewise are among one of the most devoted followers in the American Desire.

Oriental Americans are additionally an essential bridge connecting the U.S. and South Korean economic climates. South Korea stays a major financier in the united state and has actually assured upwards of $350 billion in future financial investments, though the information continue to be to be negotiated.

US-South Korea Economic Bridge

“The policies might have been planned to implement immigration legislation,” said Chang Lee, president of the LAPD Olympic Terminal Booster Association, a neighborhood organization that acts as a bridge between local police and the Oriental neighborhood in Los Angeles, “yet they wound up splitting areas and stigmatizing immigrants who add to American culture.”

The casual survey was performed earlier this summer by Oriental Christian Objective United States, a nationwide faith-based organization with headquarters in Los Angeles, and supplies a home window into an area whose effect on American culture, culture and the economic climate is growing.

Responses vary by age, with those in their 40s and early 50s sharing better pessimism in the concept of the American Dream. More youthful participants in their 20s and 30s, and older participants think that it continues to be a fact.