Immigrants and Small Business

Gloria Hamzai’s case, like many other immigrants’, is a clear demonstration of the high number of immigrants who have chosen to venture into business. For decades, immigrants have been known as entrepreneurial and ambitious. From small businesses such as grocery shops, taxis and cabs, and barbershops, to medium and large businesses in the production, manufacturing, processing, and service industries, not a single sector or business entity has been spared of immigrants’ infiltration. Today, their business activities have not only provided them a source of livelihood but have become part of the federal government’s economic sustainers. These small businesses, now more than ever, have proven crucial to the country’s economy.

Evidences point that Gloria Hamzai’s case is typical of most immigrants for many reasons. According to Waters, Ueda & Marrow (2007), immigrants take to business to help them adjust to new environments. They claim, “…ethnic businesses help immigrants adjust to their adopted country” (Waters, Ueda & Marrow, 2007). The New York Times strengthens this ground by claiming that most immigrants take to business for lack of professional qualifications. Currently, the bar has been raised in most western countries and the United States regarding educational requirements. Most jobs require a minimum college degree, which most immigrants do not have. As a result, such individuals opt for business to sustain them and their families. Additionally, most immigrants do not stand a chance against Native Americans when it comes to securing jobs because of cultural differences. Every country has apoliticalphilosophywith shared values, norms, and beliefs. These beliefs form part of the economic, social, and cultural aspects of citizens’ daily lives and, therefore,influencetheir behavior. Literally, all aspects of our lives and business are affected by these values. Therefore, companies and individuals seeking employees demand employees who understand the culture of the people to help them bond with the market, expand their customer base, and to enhance their visibility. Immigrants have a blurred understanding of American culture hence stand slim chances of securing jobs. As a result, many opt to resort to less competitive ventures such as business.

According to the Center for American Progress, citizens should embrace innovation to help sustain the economy. Vicki Sellick who is affiliated to the center, champions for the adoption of innovative ideas and government involvement is ensuring the success of the ideas (2011). In her opinion, only innovative ideas like “Apple, 3M, and Google” stand a chance in the present competitive and dynamic world (Sellick, 2011). She goes ahead to claim that people can only make a difference by thinking innovatively. In her opinion, traditional, or less innovating ideas stand no chance of success against harsh economic conditions and competition. Therefore, those who desire to succeed must get out of their comfort zones to come up with top-notch ideas that can conquer the world. Vicki Sellick’s ideas may be considered representative of the beliefs and policy stand of the Center for American Progress. Even though the opinion put forward through her writing, that major innovative ideas are the only gateway to success, may be contested, the fact that business presents immediate and effective ways of not only earning a livelihood but also building the nation is a reality we cannot afford to brush off.

Small business ventures may not rival highly innovating ideas like Apple and Google. However, considering the potential of these businesses to employ many immigrants who would have been otherwise on the streets committing all kinds of crimes; their provision of stable income for immigrants, who would have been otherwise dependent on feeding programs; and their contribution to the country’s GDP, they should be highly encouraged.