nts of immigrants who came within the last four centuries. Its long history of immigration has given the United States one of the most diverse populations on earth. This diversity, however, creates one of the most challenging central problems in this country: "A surprisingly large number of Americans (about 25 percent) believe that America should be reserved for white Christians, and that all those who are different do not constitute 'real' Americans." English is the official language in the United States, and some jurisdictions with large immigrant populations have passed or are contemplating the passage of "English only" laws, as a backlash against the proliferation of foreign languages. Immigrants and other racial minorities continue to be victimized by hate crimes. America must find ways to celebrate its diversity if it is to benefit fully from the emerging global economy.
Like the United States, immigration has played a dominant role in Israel's population. Under Israeli law, any Jewish person is given the automatic right to settle in Israel: "Understanding the importance of aliyah, as immigration to Israel is called in Hebrew, is crucial to understanding much about Israeli society, from its demography to its ethnic composition." Aliyah law also clears the way for the immigrant to become a citizen. In real terms, this law has given the new immigrant financial help in housing and medical services, in setting up a household, and in
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