Immigration has always been an essential characteristic of the American nation. The United States has long prided itself as a country defined as a "melting-pot" or a "garden salad." In other words, a place where diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic groups come together to forge an entirely new society unique to the world. However, while immigration has often been viewed as a positive attribute for the U.S., it has repeatedly raised the natural fear all people have of "others" or "them."
The 2008 presidential campaign has increasingly been dominated by this once non-salient political issue. As comprehensive immigration reform has repeatedly stalled in the Senate (even with President Bush's support) and as states have taken unilateral steps to deal with the influx of illegal immigrants; the patience of many American citizens is seemingly wearing thin.
What does this renewed interest in the immigration issue say about the United States and the state of our politics? Is immigration (legal or illegal) as big of a problem as some voters make it out to be? What are the advantages and disadvantages of restricting immigration? What are the realistic solutions to this very contentious issue?
Please use the two readings below to guide you in your response. After reading both, address the questions above in a post. Please refer to the articles specifically in your post and comment on the historical nature of this debate (is it new or old to the American story).
Joel Klein, Time
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1688794,00.html
Tamar Jacoby, Foreign Affairs
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20061101faessay85606/tamar-jacoby/immigration-nation.html
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44 comments:
The immagration issue has over the years been a hot topic one. When American was first created american opened immgrants with welcome arms. This is how American got it nickname "melting pot". This issue in many minds is not as big as the voters are turning it out to be.According to Tamar Jacoby, Immagrants help the encomy and whn they fll out an Itin .Immgrants help make a America diverse.Is immgrants taking American jobs? Many people think so or are they trying to balme the immgrants for the bad economy.According to Joel Klein both house has tried to create a bill on immgrantion but none of the bills has passed. If we restrict immigration we limit people to have a better life and our country may come less diverse. If we dont limit immagration may illegals can come in to the country and work jobs that citzens dont want and work for a lot less. THe realitci issue is to improve our economy and decided whether immagrants is hurting or helping our money situtation.
The renewed interest in the immigration issues says that in the United States, the people feel the need to blame someone for what they believe is wrong. Many Americans blow issues out of proportion because there are two sides to the issue of immigration. Voters are making this a bigger problem than it actually is. Immigration is helping our country in many ways. One way is that the unskilled immigrants are taking jobs that Americans no longer want. Tamar Jacoby said that in 1960, the many men were dropping out of high school where as now, only ten percent are. Therefore, more immigrants are needed to take the lower paying jobs. Plus, once immigrants take these jobs, it increases Americans wages rather than lower them. Some disadvantages of having immigrants are the population increasing by so much in the United States. Also, some of the immigrants are receiving jobs instead of Americans. This is one reason why voters are upset by immigration. Some ways to reduce illegal immigration is for the government to give the immigrants some incentive to become citizens and take English courses to be able to speak with Americans. Also, Jacoby suggested that we use a computer system that would tell businesses whether or not the person is eligible for employment or not. The government should limit the amount of immigrants that can come here in a year and give them reasons to become citizens instead of come illegally. Immigrants are helping our economy in many ways however; they should not be able to work if they are here illegally.
Rachel Sams
It is obvious how the American opinion of immigrants, illegal or not, has changed over the years. It is an old topic that is developing new interests. In the past, this was not such a hot-button issue. However, the idea of immigration has become much more influential in the views of voters. Many people seem to believe that this issue is not as big of a deal as the rest of America is making it out to be. Many feel that Americans are just trying to find someone else to blame for the state of the economy and their lack of motivation to actually go out and find a job. They just prefer to blame the immigrants for taking them. The fact is that it is not THAT big of a deal. Yes, immigration is a problem, especially illegal immigration, but it is not such an important issue. Immigrants provide many good qualities to the country. They can take the low-paying jobs that many Americans refuse to work and in the process American wages would rise. However, one of the biggest points that Americans bring up is the thought of immigrants taking the higher paying, more important jobs that Americans would like to work. Tamar Jacoby stated how a "majority of Americans want to see Congress address the immigration problem using tougher enforcement and earned cititzenship." A simple solution to these problems could be the way in which Joe Klein stated how his research showed the view of many Democrats. Being that they "are uniformly in favor of comprehensive immigration reform, including citizenship for those who have entered illegally." They also believe that immigrants should be able to speak English before becoming citizens. Although it is not agreed upon by all Americans, it is a decent solution that one should take into account. The amount of immigrants coming into the country should also be limited, in an attempt to keep our population under control. This idea could be an important decision when trying to improve the state of the economy.
-Taylor Collins.
immigration seems to be a hot issue this election but may not be as big of a contraversy as it seems. most voters agree that they want to restrict the immigration flw in to the U.S. and get the current illegal immigrants to become legal. this means that the american citizens are becoming less accepting of the immigrants. immigration is not as big of a deal as the voters make it seem. it would probobly hurt the american economy if immigration was compleatly outlawed. it would give americans more of an oppertunity for jobs. the solution would be to force all illegal immagrants to become legal and all future immigrants to be legal.
I do not understand why immigration has become such a hot topic in the news today. Immigration, when legal, is a wonderful thing -- so why are American's afraid of it? I agree with most US citizens on getting better security for our borders to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing into America. However, when everything is all said and done and the immigration is legal, I find it to be a great thing for our country. It helps broaden our culture and lets those American's who never leave the country get a taste of the rest of the world.
All of this renewed interest in immigration adds up to one thing: American's are scared of the economy not working and need someone to put the blame on. According to Hillary Clinton, "During the 1990s, I cannot remember being asked about immigration... Why? Because the economy was working... And average Americans didn't have to go around looking for someone to blame."
I don't believe that immigration is a big of a deal as voters say it is. Immigration is something that should be appreciated, not looked down upon. America is the most diverse country in the world, and that is because we allow people from other countries to come inside our borders and live here. To shut the people wanting immigration out would be like slamming a door in their face, after pretending to be a welcoming country.
So build those fences between the US and Mexico -- but make sure that all the legal forms of immigration are opened up with welcome arms. :]
~ Karin B. Taylor
Immigration has became a bigger issue these days than in the past 18 months for voters, according to Tamar Jacoby. It is both good and bad for different reasons, illegal or not. Immigrants bring diversity to our nation and we learn from one another's cultures, which is what makes America so great. However, Joel Klein found a recent study in Arkansas that immigrants pay more for social security and health benefits. So what is the big deal for voters who are not immigrants? They are making the issue a bigger deal than necessary. It is understandable that jobs are offered more to immigrants because they seem to work for less pay, but this should not offend the average American. Our country offers high education after high school, allowing Americans to have a good career and not depend on their high school diploma, which now a days does not get very far. The only way to make everybody happy is by a compromise between both immigrants and voters. Many bills have tried to have been passed by both chambers of Congress. All we can do as citizens is wait until the compromise between both houses is reached.
immigration wasn't always a problem in america; americans were once big supporters for it. in the past few years it has become a major issue that voters debate over. americnas seem to be jealous and/or afraid of immigrants. but it makes sense because all these "others" are coming in taking their jobs, money and taking part in their government. causing americans to be jealous. but americans need to realize that immigrants are only taking the jobs americans wont do. plus immigrants are ok with getting lower wages then americans. they are also afraid too because of terrorism and the thought of them taking control of the government and chaning it. yet without immigration america wouldn't really be america, would it? immigration is what makes america what it is. immigrants helped create america, making it diverse and interesting. so maybe it's a good idea to try and not restrict immigration. on the other hand, america will get over crowded and it could change america too much. but it's not as big a problem as some make it out to be. immigration should just be limited and carefully regulated. they should be able to enter america but only if it's legal.
rachel i.
Should immigration be limited? Although many people believe so, there are plenty of things that should be considered. Although a lot of people argue that the immigrants take all of the jobs, they take the jobs that most people don't want. Plus that is also a way to get more people to graduate from high school, and go on to work the better jobs. Tamar Jacoby stated that a "majority of Americans want to see Congress address the immigration problem using tougher enforcement and earned cititzenship." Something definently needs to be done about the number of immigrants who come through illegally, but not get completely rid of them. English classes should be offered to immigrants wishing to become citizens, so that they are familiar with where they will be living. Most americans do not agree on the idea of citizenship to illegal immigrants, however it is a decent solution to an ongoing problem.
It is true that the US was welcome to immagrants in the past. Although in recent years, it seems that immagration has become a hot topic.This renewed interest in the immigration issue says that the United States is looking for someone to accuse for all of our problems. They are being blamed for taking jobs away from citizens who were born in the US. In an Article called Immigration Nation by Tamar Jacoby(2007), it is said that immigrants do not pay as much in taxes. Is this why we have to pay so much, because they arent? Many politicians do not know why immigration has become such a hot topic of debate, according to Immigration: The Hottest Issue (Klein 2007). I see immigration as a huge issue. If people are entering our country illegally and taking jobs away from citizens who are in need of jobs, those immigrants should be deported. If someone is in our country legally, they have every right to have and take a job away from anyone. If immigration was restricted there would be more jobs for natural born citizens of the US. One drawback is that our countries economy would drop. According to Immigration Nation, immigrants, especially from the south contribute a lot to our economy. I do not feel as if there is a solution to this problem. If immigration is tightened, more illegal immigrants will find a way to enter the country. if we loosen immigration, there will be a mass flood of people trying to flee their homelands. Our system is working out good enough as it is, why change it. They cannot please everyone so they should just quit trying. This issue is not a new debate but an old one that I feel will be around for a very long time.
Joey Chamberlain
Immigration has not been a hot topic in the media before until now but it has been on people's minds. Yes the U.S. is known for having the nickname the "melting pot," and that is a positive thing about immigration but what happens when we have illegal immigrants come to the U.S. and either but the U.S. in danger or lead us somewhat in a downfall in that area.Taking our jobs i don't really think that they are taking our jobs because most of the jobs they take are ones we don't want and they are willing to take the lowest pay because they want a better life in a better country, don't blame the immigrants blame the business owners who are Americans and born here that give the jobs away to the immigrants for a lesser pay we are giving away our jobs to them not the immigrants taking our jobs. The issue of them being a threat may be a problem if we allow it to be a problem. Maybe people think that immigration and terrorists coming into our country is a problem since 9/11 and people in the U.S. are afraid so we don't want anyone coming into America if they are illegal. If we restrict immigration then we may not be known for our diverse country and that may cause more problems for us in the future, but the advantage is that we have more control of how we runour country and to keep is economically safe and stable. A realistic solution would be to monitor who we let in but not to where we become in dnager of rebellion you want to make the U.S. happy and the immigrants.
Chantel R.
There is no doubt that immigration issues have soared. Although immigration issues have been around for years, they have caused the most turmoil in recent years. Americans have mixed opinions on the topic. Especially candidates running for the Presidential election. Many U.S. citizens fear that immigrants will take jobs from Americans. However, most of the jobs given to immigrants are low-paying, manual labor jobs. Jacoby suggests tougher border patrol and earned citizenship. These suggestions are easier said than done. To patrol every mile of the border at all times is humanly impossible. Testing immigrants would be great if all 12 million of them actually applied for citizenship. Most are here illegally. And for those who are legal citizens, they have already completed these tests.The immigration issue has been blown out of proportion. Americans should be worrying about the war or gas prices instead of who is going to mow their lawns. If the U.S. wants stricter immigration laws they need to consider all of the people,including themselves, it will affect. Immigrants strengthen our economy greatly because of their work ethics. They also add to the diversity of our country. They might take jobs from some Americans but that makes the job market more competitive which benefits Americans in the long run. Although immigrants help our economy, they should be allowed citizenship in moderation. The U.S. would soon be overpopulated if half of Mexico came here.
The renewed interest in the immigration issue about the United States and the state of our politics says that many more Americans are focusing on an issue that really isn't much bigger of a deal than it was 10 years ago.The immigrants who cross the border into the US have crossed over in a "constant flow." I believe that a lot of Americans are focusing more on the immigration issue because both the terrorism scare and politicians bringing it up.What it says about the state of our politics is that many political leaders are "selling" the immigration issue to better help their campaigns.They too are making it seem bigger than it really is,thus making it seem bigger to the citizens of the US.In Klein's article,he wrote,"Romney has made illegal immigration the target of recent campaign ads.He has used the issue as a cudgel against Rudy Giuliani..."Here,Romney(a political leader!)uses immigration to help support his campaign while bashing other competition and bringing attention to the not-so-devestating issue.Immigration--legal or illegal--is not as big a deal as most people make it out to be.Yes,there are immigrants coming into America,and yes,some are coming in illegally,but it has not really increased over the years.Some Americans just think that because the media and politicians have endorsed it so much recently.I don't really see any advantages to the restriction of immigration.After all, we are the "great melting pot."Disadvantages towards the restriction of immigration would be:not as many people to fill unwanted jobs,creating a less diverse nation,and denying people a better life.A realistic solution to the immigration issue is to actually figure out what the priorities are for our nation.Congress has tried to pass bills and laws,but so far,they've been unsuccessful.Maybe before we pass another bill,the government should better inform the people about immigration and how beneficial it could be towards our economy and country we live in.
Rachel I.
Immigration is a serious issue in the 2008 election. The candidates all seem to have some kind of opinion whether immigration is a big deal or not. I believe that immigration is a big issue. We live in America, and people should be at least a little bit familiar with the English language when entering the country. I think it's a little sad that under every instruction label printed in English there are Spanish and many other languages printed underneath, EVEN ON MY SHAMPOO! I do not believe that immigrants, legal or illegal are "stealing" jobs away from Americans. The Americans that are in the running for the jobs that the immigrants have acquired must not have had the specifications or requirements that the immigrants displayed. The role that immigration plays in the 2008 election is growing, but as Joe Klein stated about Mike Huckabee who said "The intensity of the immigration issue,", and then added, "I honestly don't know why it's gotten so hot," shows that not everyone believes that immigration is as big a deal as it is being made out to be. I think that the citizens of the U.S. are just looking for someone else to blame on the negative economy issues. According to Tamar Jacoby Americans are not as divided on the issue of immigration that is being displayed in the news. He stated that recently surveyed Americans have shown a consistent view on the issue of immigration, stating that "Americans continue to take pride in the United States' heritage as a nation of immigrants." I believe that restricting immigration will dissolve the melting pot that we have began to develop in America and diminish some of the diverse culture and spice of American cities. On the plus side, restricting immigration will enhance job placement by Americans and lower the number of illegal immigrants. Immigrations should be more closely monitored and limited, but abolishing immigration completely is absolutely out of the question.
-LeeAnn L.
First of all never have I heard the term "garden salad". Anywho, immagration has been an issue from the beginning. The interest being renewed is because the people want to blame someone else. People are upset that they are working and not getting anywhere. So they attempt to blame the problem on another. Immagrants take the jobs that Americans do not want because it is backbreaking laboring work. The issue has been blown way out of porportion but there needs to be a limit on immagrants coming in. If we become overrun by immagrants we will become more of a culture of fear because we will be afraid of being overwhelmed as like is in Europe.
David L.
This renewed interest in the immigration issue is caused by politicians and the media, according to Tamar Jacoby. He states that 18 months ago if a visitor came to the United States and spent a week here, watching television and reading the newspaper, they would have no idea that immigration was a major issue. Voters are blowing this issue out of control. Yes, illegal immigration can be a problem. However, immigrants help the United States economy as well. They often work harder and for longer hours, and in many cases they take jobs that Americans no longer want. Immigrants make it easier for Americans. Jacoby puts is like this, “instead of staying home to cut the grass, the brain surgeon has time for more brain surgeries. Some advantages of restricting immigration would be that the population would decrease. Also, the jobs that they have would be given to unemployed Americans. Some ways that the United States could prevent illegal immigrant is to have more requirements for them to uphold a job. The employer must check for a green card to hire the immigrant. If the United States did this it would make it a lot more harder for an illegal immigrant to make a living in the U.S.
~Brittany L.~
This issue of immigration has been an important topic for debate because most Americans are looking for some kind of change in the policies for illegal immigration. Politicians are trying to appeal to the people by saying that they will shut down the border, even though this can not be done. We need border security but we also need unskilled labor just as much.
Immigration is a big deal because it makes a big impact on the economy and the diversity of our country. However, I think that a lot of people that are making a big deal out of immigration are only being racist and don't want Mexicans and other people getting the same advantages that we have by living in this country.
The advantages of restricting immigration are that it would leave more jobs open for American citizens and keep our borders safe and secure during this time of war. However, there are also disadvantages. Immigrants make our country what it is--the melting pot. Our country would be less culturally diverse if we restricted all immigration. Also, immigrants bring "hard work and entrepreneurial energy to our society," according to Joe Klein of Time magazine. Even if there are 12 million illegal immigrants in our country right now, they bring some certain advantages to our economy. According to Tamar Jacoby, immigrants "often work harder and for longer hours, and in some cases they take jobs that Americans no longer want to do."
Some realistic solutions to this issue, according to Jacoby, are more generous quotas for the number of immigrants that can enter the United States, and more effective enforcement. It should be fairly easy to come up with realistic limits on immigration until job positions are filled. Also, there should be a balance between low-skilled and highly-skilled workers.
This issue has been going on for several years and immigration has always been there throughout our nations history, but we have never had a problem with this many illegal immigrants.
Brittni W.
This is seems to be blown out of proportian by citezens. Even the polotians see this and thats bad. But the congress can't seem to decide because it's delicate. It would be too much trouble to find them all and if we move them out our econemy gets a kick in the shins from pointy toed shoes. And as Americans it is never our fault but someone else's , The illegal immagrents. Mr. jacoby has seen a drop in high school drop out rate. It means we are just ticked that at the immagrents because they can get jobs with no education
Eli.Johnson
Immigration has been a silent issue among the United States for the last couple of years. It has recently come to issue because the U.S. economy is not at its peak and the American people need to find some where to lay their blame. In the 1990's immigration was not an issue when the economy was soaring. To Joe Klein and Tamar Jacoby immigration is not that big of an issue as the voters arer making it out to be. To the contrary they say immigration helps the U.S. economy. For Senators and Representatives to think this though puts them at risk of not getting relected back into office. The American people don't want more immigrants, especially illegal ones, to come to America and take all the jobs and for the illegal ones not to pay taxs. Taman Jocoby says that America is not really divided on this issue. He says most Americans do not want to restrict immigration but they want the immigrants to come here legally. Advantages of restricting immigration would be few, the only one I can think of is there would be more jobs for the American people. The disadvantages would be far more, like we would suffer economically without their work, we would loss the melting pot side of our country, and we would be more cut off and hated by the world. This debate has been a old debate but was not a hot topic issue to worry about. When America was starting we needed all the working people we could get. It is now only become an issue because the economy is not great and the American people neede somewhere to lay their blame. Realistic solutions would be fore the government to allow immigration as normal but deport illigal aliens and make them come to America legally. America needs to decide will we hold our hands open or will we cross our arms and lett no one come through.
The renewed interest in immigration and whether it should be legal or illegal, in my opinion means that the U.S. is starting to become selfish. The advantages to making immigration illegal are that we have less of a chance of allowing terrorists into our country. The disadvantages are that we are keeping people from their freedom. Some immigrants come to the U.S. because they want to get away from the leaders of their country. Like communism and dictatorships, a lot of people are worried what will happen to them if they don't get out. A way to reduce illegal immigration is to let the immigrants fill out forms and take english classes. Have them take a test like we have been so that we can see how much they know about the U.S. We need some of the immigrants for jobs so that our wages will grow but sometimes illegal immigration is just to much for some people to handle. They just keep worrying on and on about it instead of worrying about more important things.
The renewed interest in immigration says that voters are worried about our economy and immigrants "taking over". Joe Klein had asked Hillary Clinton about "immigrants having to speak english". Her response was "During the 1990s, I cannot remember being asked about immigration... Why? Because the economy was working... And average Americans didn't have to go around looking for someone to blame."
In Tamar Jacoby's article, he states that according to a recent poll, people still see America as a land of immigrants. Yet they also want more strict regulations on immigrants becoming citizens.
Restricting immigration might cause the citizens of now to not blame immigrants for the economy troubles but it would also limit the amount of money that those same immigrants are bringing to the American people.
"I believe that people who come here legally from other countries...are our greatest strength." John McCain of the Republican party stated. And basically he says it all. He does everything he can to preotect our borders from illegal immigrants only because that is at the top of the voter's list for one of our major problems. And yes I do agree with what he says about legal immigrants being our greatest strength. Yet never is he going to go aganist what any voter wants. I honestly believe that illegal immigration is a big problem. I believe we should have stricter travel restrictions, for instance, some immigrants can come here and stay. Without anyone's knowledge. I believe it is physchially impossible for anyone to know truely how many people are in this country. Politicans will tell you how our border patrol is doing but in all honestly most might give us an update just because that's what we want. Restricting immigration has a few sides, although. Some disadvantages are that restricting immigration might keep educated and successful people that could be useful to our society. Although some advantages. To our politicans. Keeping them at bay keeps them in good terms with voters, although of corse I do believe restricting immigrants is necesary.
I'm going to comment on Twilight Wokkie. America has to take blame also. We can't just go around blaming everybody else. It's not the immigrants fault, its our own. We didn't have to let the immigrants come but it makes America a more diverse place. And about high school drop outs, well they are starting to make it were you have to graduate to even work at fast food, so those people aren't going to get very far.
I am going to comment on Twilight Wookie's blog Americans are not really upset because the immigrants are taking out jobs without no education because really the jobs that they take have no real requirments probably except for high school to get one of those jobs. Your comment was racist and to say that our economy may become upset and our economy would get a kick in the shines with pointy toed shoes.
Many people blame the immigrates but its not really there fault they are taking our jobs. They are coming here for a better life. We need to blame the owners of the company, they do the hiring. The immigrates take lower pay because they are still making more that they did in their country. So don't blame them blame company owners
Response to Amber
Making immagration illegal is silly because the illegal immagrents will still come and the terrioosts can just claim that they are being discrimnated aginst as muslims and clog our legal system. But to sole the problem of crappy counties os to secreatly start coups in dictorships and get a guy on our side in power to make the country great thus no reason to immagrate to america BLARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
I disagree with David L. because I don’t think that the problem with immigration is just because people are upset over jobs so they “blame” immigrants. If anything, Americans should be happy about immigration because they really do take the jobs that no one wants and they don’t complain. Some dirty, hard jobs just have to be done, and immigrants are usually the ones that do them. Also, there does need to be limits on immigrants that come in to America, but more than that, they just need to come in legally. That is the problem with immigration: Immigrants are so desperate to get into America that they allow themselves to be smuggled across the border and get in any way they can. America needs to set up a better system for letting immigrants come across the border, for example, for an 8 hour work day and then go back. I disagree with David’s statement about being overrun by immigrants, too. This is not possible, because America is the “melting pot” and Americans are not just white people.
I disagree with Eli Johnson because the issue, immigration, is not blow out of proportion by the citizens. It is blown out of proportion by the media and the politicians. According to Jacoby, if a visitor came to the United States about 18 months ago and had access to television and newspapers they would not even know that immigration was a major issue. I also disagree that it would be difficult to find illegal immigrants because to survive in the United States they are going to have to get a job. Therefore, there employer would need to ask to see there green card. Another thing is that immigrants can get jobs without education because they take the jobs that no body wants anymore.
I disagree with Chantel’s response to the immigration topic. In the beginning she lacks clarity on what happens when immigrants come to the U.S. The immigrants do not put us in danger by coming here; they just work hard like some Americans choose not to do. Immigrants who come to the U.S. also do not lead us into a downfall either. Tamar Jacoby explains that when the immigrants come here and take American jobs are helping our economy, not hurting it. Chantel also talked about the nickname of the United States being the “melting pot.” I disagree with this nickname because Tamar Jacoby also says that the U.S. is like a garden salad. This is true because the cultures have not “melted” together but rather are just all mixed up in one country. Terrorism is a problem but most of the immigrants who are coming into the United States are from Mexico and we have not experienced terrorism from this country. Chantel said that limiting immigration will make our economy stable which is not true because immigrants are keeping our economy stable by taking the jobs that most Americans do not want. Her realistic solution is to monitor who we let into the country but she does not explain how the United States is supposed to do this.
I am going to talk about Crystal's comment. There are a few misspellings and it is kind of funny because she should know how to spell the words that she misspelled. Other than that it was a well typed and thought out comment. I am not just saying this because she is my best friend. She really does have well opinions and she sometimes knows what she is talking about. I trust Crystal to speak her mind and she always does when it comes to articles like An Immigration Nation. Crystal will tell it like it is!
Immigration has become one of the biggest disputes for Americans today.In fact, aside from international terrorism, immigration is second on the list of problems facing the nation. But is immigration really as big a problem as everyone makes it out to be? Immigration has been stereotyped to be something bad because when they hear the word immigration, the first thought to pop in their head is "illegal". But, immigration when legal is a good thing. Not only does America gain more diverse and cultural people, but it can also help to boost the economy. In the article titled "road to reform" the author talks about how if immigrants were not here to take jobs that no other Americans wanted, our economy would face some problems.Although people consider the debate on immigration to be a hot one, it really is not. In fact, most Americans agree that there needs to be tougher enforcement and earned citizenship for illegal immigrants in the country. More enforcement on border laws would lessen the amount of illegal immigrants to enter in to the United States. If Americans are angered by the fact that immigrants enter the country illegally, then perhaps they should stop whining and crying about it and do something. The same can be said to the politicians on Capitol Hill. If your are so concerned with the illegal immigration issue,then do something about it. The first thing I noticed when opening the article "Immigration: The Hottest Issue" was the picture. A sheet of metal is all that stands between an illegal immigrant and a better life? Is that a joke? How many people is that little piece of tin can going to stop,honestly? Also, Americans feel that those who do enter the country illegally should have to earn their citizenship. This should require some knowledge of the English langauge in order to obtain. I believe immigration is a big issue facing the United States, but only because we have not taken the steps to make it less of a problem. I may seem harsh when i give my opinion, and i do not mean to be, it's just that i feel this whole issue of illegal immigrants could have been prevented, or at least lessened, if someone with some guts would just do something about it.
I disagree with Tyler Fields. Having all illegal immigrants become legal may be very tough. And to all future immigrants to be legal may also be a problem because America is not perfect and people WILL find a way into our country illegally. I think the only way we can CUT DOWN on illegal immigration is to set a better system where it is more difficult for them just to arrive in the states--perhaps a wall or fence as mentioned before on the news and such. If we were to have a device dividing our territory it is very possible that the illegal immigration status will decrease, but to make ALL illegal immigrants citizens will be impossible.
Any disagreements?
I would have to disagree with Crystal. There is a lot more advantages to restricting immigration. Who says that having a limit on immigration would hurt our economy? If the immigrants become citizens and paid taxes wouldn’t that help the government then putting money under the table? Limiting would not hurt our "melting pot because immigrants will still be coming and making our country diverse. They would just be entering legally. Should America have their hand half open and half closed? We want immigrants to come in but we don’t masses of them coming illegally. If we go on as normal, immigrants will still come in and nothing will be done about it. They will still be illegal, there needs to be another plan besides going after the illegal ones.
I disagree with Jordan. He states that immigrants are taking the jobs that Americans do not want. How can this be true when there are American citizens who will do anything, they will even climb down a sewer tank for three hours just to make a couple dollars. how is this a better way to get people to graduate from High School and go on to work in better jobs? people are becoming discouraged by the lack of job opportunities. they do not think that they can be hired for a decent job, so they just give up. I agree with Tamar Jacoby when he states that a "majority of Americans want to see Congress address the immigration problem using tougher enforcement and earned citizenship." Why should Americans let people from other countries just walk into our country? There should be an extensive process to becoming a United States citizen, not just a test. They should have to take a course, learn the English language(even though there is not National Language0, and they should have to go through the application process. I agree with Jordan that immigration should be limited, but what is Congress doing to limit it? To some it does not seem like they are doing anything.
I feel the need to disagree with the response written by Joey Chamberlain. Immigration may not be as big of a problem as people are making it out to be, but there are possible solutions. No one can really be sure if those solutions are even possible...but the theories are out there. The system isn't really working out as well as people think because if it was...there would not be so many complaints on the subject. Yes, there will always be people that are unhappy because lets face it, you can't please everybody. But the government also shouldn't just give up. That would just be setting a bad example for everyone else. If things go bad, are we just supposed to "give up?" I don't really think so.
I agree with Stephanie L's response. The company owners are hiring the immigrants because they know that their pay will be less than the average American civilian. The immigrants should not be blamed for the loss of American jobs. The people who cannot find jobs obviously have no presented the information needed or not fulfilled the requirements to hold a job at their place of interest. But on the contrary, the illegal immigrants that are taking jobs away from Americans should be blamed. If the immigrants are not supposed to be here then they should not be taking away jobs from people who were born here or live her legally.
I disagree with Lindholm's response. I dont think that all people blame immigrants for taking the jobs of Americans. Most Americans who complain are the ones who wouldn't be caught dead working in mines, or in factories. Unfortunantly, these jobs have to be done, and the people who are willing to do them should. I agree that something needs to be done about the illegal immigrants, they are finding ways into the country that just should not be that easy. I don't think that we would lose our identity, because our identity is a "melting pot", or "garden salad". We are diverse, and the immigrants that we get everyday help to keep our culture rich, and vibrant.
I disagree with Jordan R. Even though the immigrants take jobs that people do not want, they still take hard working Americans jobs. Sometimes you just have to do something you might not want to. All immigrants should be legal. If they were not legal then people could pose the question that you can do illegal activities and they will justify this comment with immigrants. Making illegal immigrants citizens is giving like giving a kid a bowl of ice cream for breaking a window. You are encouraging the activity. If we do not want illegal immigrants then we should punish them.
IN RESPONSE TO TYLER FIELDS
Immigration is an extremely big isssue and that is what causes controversey. Many immigrants that come here might become some of the most powerful minds in our nation. Just because one who doesn't reside in their nation doesn't mean they lack the intelligence that nation provides. They may even exceed it. Most Americans who worry about jobs may be less qualified as this immigrant next to them. They won't accecpt that although. Most of us are stubborn. The immigrant next to us may not be. If Immigration was completely outlawed, our economy would be in turmoil. Not just hurt. Many other things would become hectic also.
Never in six million years will we solve this problem. Problem? Debate? (nodding one's head) Debate.
My dear Eli...Americans aren't mad because illegal immigrants take jobs,they are mad because they come into this country illegally. Although America is "The Land of Opportunity", you have to earn your right to be here. If you are here illegally, that means you might not have to do things that other Americans are forced to do, such as pay taxes. I do agree that it would take too long to seek out all illegal immigrants and have them go through a process of becoming legal, but that is why Americans should focus more efforts on stopping them from coming in illegally at all.And yes, this problem has been blow far out of proportion by the American people, but in a time when a Presidential election is just around the corner, all issues are made out to be big deals,even when they aren't. The fact is that measures can be taken in order to deal with the issue of illegal immigration, but no one has been brave enough to act. Politicians like Hillary Clinton and Goerge Bush can talk it to death all they want, but in the end all the American people want to see is action. I'm not saying that they should focus all their time and efforts into this problem, but still, this problem has to stop being a topic for political debate. Most Americans agree that there should be tougher border control and right to citizenship for those who come in illegally, so why must politicians continue to argue about it. The American people know what they want, the Politicans in Washington D.C don't.
In response to Karin's first post; I don't not agree that if legal, immigration could bring culture and anything but a burdon on our economy. Although I do see an advantage on Americans becoming more diverse and understanding of other cultures, can we really sacrafice expanding our worldly understanding, only to kill our own economy? I really don't think this country can handle the pressure that legalizing immigration would put on it. Legalizing immigration is an easy way out to a problem that needs to be fixed.
I would like to disagree with David l. he says that the U.S. will become over run with fear if we do not control the immigration. The immigrants are taking jobs that other Americans do not want. Why would we fear people who will work long hours for low pay. They are helping us. They are doing things that we do not want to do, but need done. Why would we not want them to do that for us? If they immigrate legally then why should we have a problem with it? I do think that we need to increase the border control and force them to speak English. When you can not understand them there is a problem. I hate when I go to the store or somewhere and can not understand.
I feel the need to comment on Amber McClellan’s post on "An Immigration Nation." I agree with some of her views and disagree with others. First, what does limiting immigration have to do with allowing terrorist into our country? Most terrorist activity happens outside the country. Limiting immigration will not stop terrorist from attacking the U.S. Next, I don't understand her disadvantage to allowing immigration. Why would limiting immigration be limiting people's freedom? Freedom that the U.S. gives is only guaranteed to U.S. citizens. So, immigrants coming to the U.S. do not have U.S. citizen’s rights or freedoms until they become official U.S. citizens. I understand that people are trying to flee from bad situations in their country, but America cannot take in all of the world's mistreated people. I do agree that to stop illegal immigration it would be good to have test and English classes for immigrants to take to become legal immigrants and U.S. citizens. Immigrants do help the U.S. economy, but illegal immigrants hurt U.S. economy. This is an issue to look at but I agree with Amber it is not the most important issue to look at. There are more important issues to look at at the moment. Overall, I think Amber's paper is a well written, thought out response. Some of her views don't exactly match mine in every aspect. Though she does share the main point of my views. Plus, I think she is the only one who had no grammar mistakes on her post!
To chantel's comment about my comment, how is it racist.Blargggggggggggggggggggggggggg
I feel the need to comment on Tyler Field's blog. It would be difficult, nearly impossible, to make all current illegal immigrants legal U.S. citizens. There are just too many of them. Jobs seem to be an issue in the blog. Deporting all of the illegal immigrants back to Mexico might make more job opportunities for Americans, but most of the jobs made available will be low paying. Most Americans will find another job to get better pay and not have to do so much manual labor.
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