is it ok for an immigrant to criticize their host country?

Question

why, or whynot?

Answer 1

Yes. However, there is a difference between criticism and complaining. In addition, some types of criticism would be inappropriate. Negatively comparing the host country to the home country, for example, is stupid. Anyone doing that should just go home. Also, it is probably not a good idea to criticize the host country in front of a bunch of natives. If an immigrant is going to do this, he or she should preface the criticism with a disclaimer of some sort.

I'm a legal resident of China. I often find myself getting frustrated with things here, but I never complain to Chinese people. Also, I stop every now and then and remind myself why I am here and what I get out of being here. I try to put things in perspective and when I do, I find that China is a good place to be.

Culture shock gets to us all, including immigrants to our own country. I would have no sympathy for an illegal immigrant, however. He or she has broken the laws of the host country. There is no room for criticism in that case. It's like the thief who breaks into your house and then tries to sue you because he cut himself on the glass of the window he broke to get in.

Answer 2

Technically it's ok due to free speach, but if a person feels critical of their host country, why stay there?
Today's immigrants are a far cry from the appreciative immigrants of our grandparents' time.
Back in their day, immigrants came to these shores and literally kissed the ground at Ellis Island.
Now, immigrants come here and complain about this and that, and say how much better their country is.
If their country is so much better, why in the HELL did they come here?
I have no problem with legal immigration, but I can't stand hearing knocks on our great country that gives everyone an opportunity from people who fled a country that did not offer any to its own citizens.
Go back I say.

Answer 3

In the USA legal immigrants certainly can, though some people may react badly, which is simply a typical human reaction. By law and policy, we should always be examining our country to see how to improve it - it's even written into the Constitution!

Answer 4

America is about free speech and everyone has a right to criticize who and what they want. If their rants are valid then it does not matter if they are legal or illegal. But I do believe if you are from another country you should respect the nation that allows you to live here. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. I live in So. FL where hispanics are very politically involved and vote so when they start critizing the president, a local politician, or some law I ask them if they voted. If they say yes, then I add my two cents to the discussion. (I actually have relatives who are usually quiet but when it comes to politics they will go to town meetings and tell off politician or defend a law. It's like Jeckyll & Hyde but many lost their right to speak in their native country and made sure it did not happen here too.) If they say no they dont vote, I tell them that in America if you don't vote you don't have a voice so shut the heck up unless they plan to do something about it. I've been known to tell other hispanics if it's so bad here then go back to your country which is so great and give their visa to someone who actually wants to live here. They of course change their tune and have to admit their situation here is much better financially and politically than in their country. Some people just say things w/o thinking or are generalizing but if you politely point out the good it usually shuts them up. Everyone liks to sound off once in a while.

My brother, like myself, was born in the US and he always had something political to say and finally I told him his comments meant nothing because he would never vote (the horror). I reminded him why our parents left Cuba and the condition many of our relatives live in right now in Cuba. I'm happy to say in the last 2 elections he voted and now we can argue all he wants.

I work at a large company where many of our employees are hispanic and moved to America on H1B visas. Some quickly become residents and eventually US Citizens. When they become US Citizens we take their photo holding up their new passport or a small American flag and post it in our newsletter. We also remind our employees of elections including the local ones. Our employees proudly wear their "I voted" stickers.

You can criticize all you want but in the end it's the voters and citizens that actually take action who are heard.

Answer 5

Depends, if you're legal, sure, you went through all the hassles to be here, and pay taxes like anyone else. If you are a temporary resident, or illegal, hell no. You'd be in your poor town eating tree bark and "certain countries" have an over-accommodating open door policy to make it easy for you to come and go. You should be thankful. And if your not going to at least attempt to learn the language of where you live and work, at least keep the "long live ______" whatever country to a dull roar, or if its great enough to aggressively brag about, go the hell back.

Answer 6

That depends on what country is your host country. In Uzbekistan, you can be arrested for speaking negatively against the government. In the United states, many people fought and died so that you could speak freely but, you should understand this. If the words you speak, incite a riot that causes physical harm to others, you can be held liable.
Yes, you can choose to stand up in a crowded theater and yell "Fire!" but, if someone is injured because of the mad rush to get out, you will be held responsible.
Based on that, I would caution you to think before you speak. With freedom comes responsibility.

Answer 7

yes. 100% yes. if immigrans don't like it, the US allows them to criticize. Aren't we a great country?? I find nothing wrong with it. It's a good way to let the country know what some of the problems are.

We are not Venezuela, where it now kicks out or bans ANYONE who critizises it's government, thank god we aren't Venezuela.

Answer 8

Depends on the situation.

If they're legal, yes, because we made promises to them when tehy enter this country. If we fail to meet what was promised, it gives then the right to complain. Legal immigrant does not have the right to complain about a nations law and culture. THe law and culture was establish before they enter and it's not the duty of the host nation to accomadate them.

If their illegal, no . We made no such promise and if they don't like it, they should not have come here in the first place.

Answer 9

Yes, absolutely. I hope that political correctness hasn't risen to the level where an immigrant doesn't feel free to speak his/her mind. Of course, too much criticism will beg the question, "Why did you come here if it's so bad?"

Answer 10

Depends on how he does it.

If its a fair criticism then yes certainly.

If its just a rant about those of different religions or an attempt to drive burning car into an airport then hell no they should just sod off!