It seems that everyone has an opinion on the illegal immigrant issue. We read about it in the newspaper, see the issue addressed on television, and hear that our elected officials are proposing new laws to address the problem. At one end of the spectrum are those who propose that we build a wall to keep illegal immigrants out, or deport them if they have managed to enter the country illegally. At the other end, are the proponents who want America to accept the “undocumented” and grant them amnesty. Because of the strong feeling surrounding the issue of illegal immigrants, the controversy will not be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. However, we should work together to come up with a solution that is in the best interest of our country while legalizing the status of the illegal immigrants.
As we consider options for a legalization process, we should ask ourselves if amnesty is the answer. It is defined as “a blanket overlooking of an offense by the government…” (Amnesty Law). Would granting a “pathway to citizenship” be a preferable method? (Werner). Many of our citizens are opposed to either choice. They feel that the individuals gained access by illegal means, or failed to return home at the prescribed time; therefore, they should be returned to their native countries. Their concerns are justified, and we should make an effort to understand their reasoning. There are approximately twelve million undocumented workers in the United States who are hiding in the background awaiting a decision.
It is not too difficult to understand why someone would be opposed to illegal immigrants that are jeopardizing our citizens’ jobs, and incurring no tax liability. All the while, they enjoy the benefits of free education and med...
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“Amnesty Law and Legal Definition.” U.S Legal.com.Web. 3 April 2014. .
Krayewski, E. “Ed Krayewski: 5 Reasons to Grant Amnesty to Illegal Immigrants.”
Reasons.com. 2 Feb. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2014. < http://reason.com/blog/2013/02/07/ ed-krayewski-on-the-case-for-amnesty-for-illegal-immigr/1>. Rodriguez, Cindy Y., and Adriana Hauser. “Deportations: Missing Parents, Scared Kids.” CNN.com. 27 Oct. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. us/immigration-parents-deported-children-left-behind/>. Werner, Erica. “Immigration Reform Bill: 'Special' Path to Citizenship Creating Knot.” Huffington Post.com. 2 Sept. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2014. .
In the U. S today, the approximated population of undocumented immigrants stands at averagely 11 million. Therefore, this has created a hot debate in Congress about the action to take over the undocumented immigrants. Those opposed to illegal immigrants suggest that, their stay in the United States effects U.S citizens on the job market negatively . In addition, illegal immigrants are viewed in certain quarters as takers in the sense that illegal immigrants benefit more from public resources than the american-born citizens of the U.S. However, the reality is that immigrants contribute positively to the U.S economy and pay significantly into the system compared to what they send back home.
Ahead of the decision by current president Donald J. Trump to phase out the DREAM Acts’ Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, (DACA), dreamers are pursuing amnesty options the ensure their stay within the United States. The Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals program, (DACA), grants two-year deferments to immigrant minors and young adults facing deportation because of illegal immigration status. In a response to the current president’s decision to phase out of the DACA program, former president Barack Obama included that, “dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper” (Obama, ). Dreamers have become model citizens, quite parallel to Americans. Dreamers attend school, go off to college, obtain degrees, and become employees, even owners of businesses, and corporations. Dreamers make contributions to the economy by working, culturally adjusting and honoring the laws put forth by the United States of America. Although dreamers do not live in the country legally, dreamers feel a part of its fabric. And with the uncertainty surrounding the ending of the DACA, dreamers are pursuing the amnesty option to
The United States was formed by the immigration of many people from all over the world. Americans take pride in knowing that we are a people of vast ethnic backgrounds and culture. However, at the present time, the flow of illegal immigration, as well as a large influx of other legal immigrants is placing a strain on our land of "huddled masses." Legal immigration to the United States can easily be handled and is welcomed by most Americans. However, the flow of illegal immigrants, especially from Mexico, must be stemmed, due to the strain it is placing on the government, (at the local, state and federal level), as well as the general population. Illegal immigrants are costing the United States over 24 billion dollars a year in taxpayers money (National Review 12.13.93). Something must be done to reduce the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. The focus of this paper will be the problems caused by and possible solutions to the problem of illegal immigration.
However, others may disagree, but in addition to lacking nce their arguments are also insignificant. Although there is a controversy on this matter, America should welcome immigrants that are already here. Immigrants may earn legal status as well as cost just as much or less than deportation. But, so what? Why is this notable? Well, here’s why, the future is on the line and we have to take charge. If leading undocumented immigrants to a path to citizenship, includes all of the previously mentioned advantages, there is no point to do otherwise. If we don’t go through with this, imagine the troublesome possibilities, imagine the costs, imagine the risks. It is necessary to lead undocumented immigrants to a path to citizenship, and your help is needed. Share this essay, spread the outlook, get involved, and do what you can to make sure, we are where we need to be in our
Sonia Nazario, herself an immigrant, was aware of the acrimonious debate on undocumented migration through her work as a prominent Los Angeles journalist. The issue was brought to a head when her housekeeper’s son arrived unannounced from Guatemal...
Orrenius, Pia M., and Madeline Zavodny. "The Economic Consequences Of Amnesty For Unauthorized Immigrants." CATO Journal 32.1 (2012): 85-106. Academic Search Complete. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
The United States of America, being a country founded by immigrants, is known all over the world as the land of great opportunities. People from all walks of life travelled across the globe, taking a chance to find a better life for them and their family. Over the years, the population of immigrants has grown immensely, resulting in the currently controversial issue of illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants are the people who have overstayed the time granted on their US, visa or those who have broken the federal law by crossing the border illegally. Matt O’Brien stated in his article “The government thinks that 10.8 million illegal immigrants lived in the country in January 2009, down from a peak of nearly 12 million in 2007.”(Para, 2) While some argue that illegal immigrants burden the United States of America and its economy, others believe that they have become essential and are an important part of the US, economy.
Anti-illegals claim that illegal aliens pose a national security risk, and that immigrants affect the wages of U.S legal workers (Introduction to Immigration Reform: The Ongoing Debate, 2006). Anti-illegals are not willing to give in to any type of reform; they feel that it would only magnetize more illegals to the country, in a cycle that never ends. However, Pro-amnesty activist have a completely different position, from Anti-illegals, Pro- amnesty discuss how a reform would be a great contribution to U.S economy. They feel that America is a diverse cultural place and should be accepting of other who came to look for a better opportunity, and that this land symbolizes a land of dreams. They support illegal aliens for desiring a better life for them and their families.
There are over twelve million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Many came to America to work, go to school, or be reunited with family members who are already residing here. Most migrants want to work and pursue the “American dream”. There are many barriers for residents to achieving success at the work and life balance. The immigrants fall back on public assistance to support them.
Hennessey, Kathleen and Brian Bennett. "Obama urged to reduce deportations; Immigration reform advocates push the president to take executive action, or risk losing Latino voters' support." Los Angeles Times 8 March 2014: A.7.
Jordan, Miriam. “Latest immigration wave: retreat: an illegal worker realizes dram, briefly; fewer are sneaking in.” Current 507 (November 2008): 27-29. Academic OneFile. Web. 21 March 2011.
A topic crucial to the world today is illegal immigration. Illegal immigration is when people live in a country without permission from the government, nor have any legal documentation. As more and more illegal immigrants enter the United States, it either upsets some people, or others feel like they should just grant them ability to pursue life, liberty, and happiness because that is what the Constitution says. Some people feel that illegal immigrants should be protected by the same rights and laws as American citizens. On the other hand, many people believe that this is a horrible mistake. They feel that the rights of citizenship should be earned and not extended to people who haven broken the law just by being in the United States.
It is often argued that undocumented criminals are draining the system and endangering American society. Opponents claim that illegal immigrants take up a large percentage in federal prison, which is costing taxpayers billions per year. Many of these immigrants are released back into society to re-commit crimes which they have been arrested for. Another claim is that immigrants broke the law with their presence and that alone should impede immigrants from any form of amnesty. Despite the 1986 law which made it illegal to hire undocumented workers, employers are still filling available positions with immigrants because it is cheaper. On “Illegal Immigration”, Ira Mehlam argues that young immigrants shouldn’t be granted a pathway to citizenship because it would
The U.S. govemment has faced the struggle for various decades to put an end to unauthorized immigration from Mexico and into the United States. Immigration as a whole has increased from 71,877,120 in 1960 to 213,316,418 in 2010 according to the data created and also reported by the World Bank. The government has made multiple attempts to stop the immigration process by implementing harsher measures along the U.S. and Mexico border and at work sites across the entire country. These measures however, have failed to end unauthorized immigration as a whole as immigrants still find a way to sneak by, settle, and make a living.. Americans who have a reason to oppose immigration argue that the safety and the strength of the nation’s economy are greatly threatened. However, strong supporters argue that instead of damaging and putting the economy at risk they provide a more stable environment.
With the recent Paris attacks and rumors of foreboding ISIS attacks, the topic of immigration comes up quite often in conversations. Topics such as how the immigrants should be dealt with, what exactly are the benefits and/or detriments of immigration, Donald Trump’s immigration plan, et cetera are usually discussed. With immigration gradually becoming a trending issue, various people have expressed their thoughts through means like social media and news sites. Joining this movement, this will be another text on the topic of immigration. The benefits of immigration will be presented, false information will be proven wrong, and why some people oppose immigration will be explained and discussed. Immigration should be widely accepted rather than