Question

what is the authors purpose in the first three paragraphs? how does his use of irony help him accomplish this purpose in blaxicans

Answer 1

The purpose of the irony included in the first three paragraph might be to discredit the position stated and may be to exaggerate or highlight the point of view. So the author may say one thing but he means another. 

Answer 2

Rodriguez begins his article with the panic of immigrants in America in the context of national identity. In the second paragraph, he writes that immigrants served to this country after living many years in this country. The author shows that being an immigrant actually defines being an American. With the lines Immigrants  seem to be bent on undoing America the author ironically claims that immigrants are changing America. It is open to thinking with the third paragraph concerning the Gallup poll which considered only black and white people, but not Vietnamese, Chinese or any Mexican. It shows the real irony that if national identity is that important where is national identity of this people living in the USA, being a citizen of the USA.