Argumentative Essay On Illegal Immigration

1930 Words4 Pages

Illegal immigration is one of the most controversial issues facing the United States of America. While the influx of illegal immigrants has been a problem for decades, recent political policies have heightened this controversy. Opponents of amnesty for undocumented immigrants believe these individuals enter the country illegally and, therefore, are breaking the law. Contrarily, advocates think these millions of people deserve a chance for a better life. Statistics provide overwhelming evidence of the negative impact to the socioeconomic balance of the country as a result of illegal immigration. Virtually every aspect of our society and economy has been adversely affected. The millions of illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States
This vision of living their life free of poverty and war far surpasses their fear of repercussions of possible capture and deportation. Further, these individuals are enticed with the freedom to practice their religion and voice their political views without discrimination. If successful in their journey, their ultimate goal is to live the American dream. After arriving in the United States, they pursue employment, education, the freedom to practice their religion and participate in government. In turn, their children will benefit from the same lifestyle as well as being provided a free education. James M. Henslin, author of Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, calls this, “push and pull factors” (Henslin, 426). According to Henslin, once people have migrated to the United States, “migrant paths” are formed, which attract more people to migrate (Henslin, 426). People from all over the world choose to migrate to the United States illegally to enjoy the freedoms legal citizens
Current immigration laws have cost American citizens billions of dollars, while the decrease in illegal immigration is minimal. The U.S. needs a comprehensive program that supports the country’s economic balance and mandates appropriate legal conduct. One initiative is legalization without the deterrent of fees and penalties. Undocumented immigrants would need to provide proof of identity and be subject to a criminal background check. After registering, immigrants who meet the previous criteria must get a green card, which exhibits their commitment to the laws of the nation. Another solution is employment verification by revamping the E-Verify system. Employers are exploiting illegal immigrants because they are willing to work for low wages. Data and required documentation accessed by employers must be accurate. Penalties must be imposed on employers, and the system must be strictly monitored. Politicians must understand that it is imperative to implement a legal immigration system that works. The future of the U.S. economy and society as a whole will benefit by a system that discourages illegal entry into the U.S. (immigrationpolicy.org,

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