Immigration: Ancient Counterparts and Processes

This project sought to inspect parallels between modern and ancient societies, and the commonality of certain events and political markers. This project makes mentions of power dynamics, the position of immigrants as a source of labor, and their commodification as a force. Research used a 'compilation of materials' method. In which, is performed the examination and studying of different materials in relation to the question, compiling findings, and crafting commentary based on the discoveries of the medias. The experiences of immigrants in the United States are strongly comparable to the experiences of metic (immigrant) women in ancient Athens. A small link is also drawn on the commodification of immigrants as a laboring force. In this sense, the convenience of migrant labor and the emphasis of their role in society greatly impacted the manner in which native residents felt about their existence. Modern immigrants from the Global South to the US share a commonality to male metics. Public opinion on metics changed when their labor became necessary (such as in war, or in a shortage of labor). The difference of this historical incident to modern times in the United States is that migrant labor already makes up 18.6% of all labor; 4.6% above 2004's (first year statistic was measured and recorded) 14% total foreign-born workers to the general labor force. Most of this labor is concentrated in industries of great importance to the American economy. Analyzing the difference in economical and political atmospheres will reveal more about this.