Final answer:
Americans fear newcomers due to economic competition for jobs and cultural assimilation issues.
Therefore, the correct options are: A). They fear economic competition and B). They believe in cultural assimilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Economic competition is a significant fear, with citizens worrying that immigrants will compete for jobs and lower wages.
This has led to periods where certain groups, such as Asian immigrants, faced prejudice and restrictive laws against immigration and naturalization due to fears of job competition posed by these groups.
Additionally, there are concerns about the cultural assimilation of immigrants. Immigrants often form ethnic clusters in cities, leading to accusations of being 'un-American' despite their efforts to blend American culture into their traditions.
Finally, xenophobia may arise from a competition for cultural space and the perception that an influx of different customs challenges the existing social order.
Throughout American history, immigration has been a source of anxiety, particularly as demographic shifts suggest that the White majority will become a minority.
This has led to debates about what it means to be an American and who fits that identity. While globalization and the pursuit of economic growth suggest a need for a labor force that includes immigrants, social and economic tensions persist, reflecting ongoing debates around immigration policy.