Issue portfolio reflections

Illegal Immigration

 

For thousands of years mankind has been known to immigrate from one place to another seeking better living conditions, be it weather, farming, hunting, trading, or more recently, for better quality of life, work and education opportunities.  Today, millions of people are immigrating to the United States (US) seeking the same opportunities that mankind has pursued for years. Among those immigrants, however, is a large percentage that crosses our borders illegally from the neighboring country of Mexico.

With the annual increase in the Hispanic population, the US has now become a two-language speaking country namely, English and Spanish. In the US, illegal immigration has become a leading national problem. Illegal immigration, by definition, is the act of living in a country without government permission, thus violating the immigration laws of that country.

 The main problem with illegal immigration is that it makes it impossible to know precisely who is living and working in the United States since they are undocumented.  This presents a major security issue in light of the recent terrorists’ attacks, most notably, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

In the US, this problem has resulted in a division of thought as regards to how it should be addressed. Like any contested issue, there are those who believe that illegal immigration is beneficial to the overall economy of the US, and there are those who believe that illegal immigration is a detriment to the economy of the US.  The problem is further compounded by politicians who seek personal gains rather than solve a problem of national concern.  There is no more evidence of the division in opinion, solution strategies and approaches than what is currently taking place between the two governing entities in the US namely, the Senate and the House of Representatives.  So why is illegal immigration a difficult problem to tackle? Below are a few of the reasons for, and against, finding a practical solution for illegal immigration.

Those who are for illegal immigration claim that these immigrants are positively contributing to the economy of the US. Facts (through newspapers, TV, internet and government studies) however indicate that illegal immigrants do the jobs in the US that citizens/residents are not willing to do, primarily due to low pay. For example, in the farming industry, it has been known for years that illegal immigrants form the backbone in this industry. While an undocumented worker may be willing to accept a $7.00 hourly rate to assist in picking fruits and vegetables, a US citizen will most likely frown at this low pay.  Not only are those immigrants accepting a low pay rate and substandard housing, but they come to the US with experience that they have learned for many years from their parents and grandparents in their native land.  From this stand point, illegal immigrants do contribute immensely to the economy of the US. Unfortunately, this also gives rise to a few individuals who take advantage of those workers thus raising the potential for human abuse.

Those who are against illegal immigration, on the other hand, claim that these immigrants are taking jobs away from US citizens and residents.  While this is partially correct, there are more important aspects of how they do have a negative impact on the US economy.  Limited resources in the educational and health fields are two areas where this problem is debated.  By law, hospitals and school provide services to all those who seek them irrespective of color, ethnic origin, religion, etc.  For example, an illegal immigrant who requires prenatal care and hospitalization for delivery of a child may cost tax payers and the hospital thousands of dollars.  With limited funds nowadays available to hospitals it was no surprise that a few of them closed their doors filing for bankruptcy due to their inability to cover their own expenses.

Starting a life by breaking the law is not the ideal way to advance economically, educationally or politically. Crossing the country’s borders illegally is also not the best way to accomplish these goals.  However, those immigrants are now, and have been, for many years active participants in the development of their communities. They work, raise successful children, born in the US, who are by law, US citizens.  Extreme public opinion on how to handle this issue calls for deporting ALL those who are illegal regardless of any existing family ties , thus breaking bonds that have lasted for many years and forcing those individuals to start experiencing living conditions that they originally fled from in earlier years.

A reform for this immigration problem will require not only a clear path for legalization but also consideration of worldwide human rights. Is granting amnesty the solution?  In today’s environment, all indications in the media (TV, newspapers, internet, etc.) point to one thing – namely, amnesty is not the solution or even part of the solution.  This is primarily because amnesty represents a process where all legal steps have been bypassed. Those against amnesty, such as vocal politicians in the Senate, view amnesty as "welfare" in disguise where limited resources are being stretched to their limits.   Opposing views from a democratic-dominated House on the other hand, say that amnesty should be a part of the solution especially, for those few immigrants who have been productive members of society for many years.

Certainly there are more things to consider with illegal immigration.  For example, is a major liberal immigration policy needed or, is there one where the president of the US, together, with politicians from the Republican and Democratic parties can arrive at without their futile in-fighting?  If so, then how can this plan satisfy those who are pro amnesty and human rights?  How can this plan also address the legalization of those who are in the US, not to mention, the many which will follow asking for legal status?

To further learn about the illegal immigration problem and answer the above questions, I plan to; expand my knowledge through accessing up to-date information on the world-wide web, access conference proceedings that summarize national opinion, attend open hall meetings held by vocal politicians, and follow up with national and international TV and News media reports covering this problem.