Ethical Issues On Immigration

Ethics on Immigration

Who or what has the power to make someone “illegal” in a world made for all humans to inhabit? Can you blame someone for wanting a better life? The United States has over 11 million undocumented immigrants, most of which are in search of a better life. Undocumented immigrants have profound effects on a nation. There are many aspects to the issue of undocumented immigration in the U.S. One aspect is the ethical issue.

In the article Amnesty? ‘Let us be Vigilant and Charitable’ written by Professor John F. Kavanaugh, published in, America (2008), Kavanaugh raises the issue of immigration in America. Kavanaugh explains that Americans must find a way to legalize anyone who “contributes to our common good…” (P11). As Kavanaugh

Karen and Henry are two teenage siblings from El Salvador who were smuggled across the border. The narrator explains Henry’s and Karen’s situation, “…It’s a world [United States] away from their former lives in El Salvador, where violent gangs so terrorized their community, people were afraid to leave their homes.” (Lawton). For many undocumented children this is their lives in their home countries. However, even after arriving to the United States they still face many challenges, “The law is so technical and complex that for a child to navigate its corridors without an attorney, it’s impossible.” (Benson). Even with the help of government programs which provide asylum, illegal immigrants are lost without the right resources. The lack of resources makes the chances of receiving asylum from the government almost zero. It is thanks to religious groups across the nation, that some of the children have a mere chance at becoming legal citizens, not because the government aids them in the process.

Isbister points out a critical issue with American immigration policy, “They [United States] establish rights that are universal, but they do not establish the right of people to cross international borders to secure those rights” (Isbister 91). These contradictions further the complexity of the ethical issues of illegal immigration. Isbister explains that it is vital that the privileged protect their privileges. However, others cannot be denied of these privileges. Respectable morals call for the equal opportunity for everyone to accomplish the American life (Isbister 94). Isbister finally proposes a solution. This solution consists of undocumented immigrants identifying themselves to the authorities with a reason for illegally migrating. In return they may be allowed amnesty from deportation (Isbister