Complex Elements of the US Immigration Policy - Essay Example

Immigration Policy Introduction Immigration is a very controversial topic in today’s society. Everybody has their own opinions, whether they are positive or negative. Immigration has both its ups and downs. On one hand immigration stimulates the economy and on the other hand it brings down the economy and poses security risks. Since the 9/11 attacks immigration policy has become a major issue within the United States. While the recent Arizona law that has been enacted to -- what some individuals argue -- profile Mexican immigrants crossing the border has received most of the recent media attention, the broader question of the extent and how the United States should regulate immigration is a more pressing policy concern. With terrorism a recurring threat in the country, the United States has enacted a number of immigration policies that some individuals argue infringe on the core values of the country. This essay considers the complex elements of United States immigration policy in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the United States economic structure and argues that immigration and must continue to remain core values of America. Immigration Policy National security depends on the U.S. taking immigration standards seriously. Some policy makers want to shut down or limit the borders because they fear what happened on September 11th. They should reflect though upon what happened on September 12th, as the nation joined together and mourned the loss together. Regardless of where individuals have all come from, America is their home. America cannot be on lockdown because they fear a terrorist strike. The United States is vulnerable. The government cannot guarantee protection to 300,000,000 people at all times. If the United States knows who is entering the country at all times along with what their goals are, they could all sleep a little more soundly at night. The majority of the American population believes the country’s immigration policy is too lenient. Ewing notes, “…a solid eighty percent of Americans polled by CBS- New York Times after the trade center bombings agreed that it is too easy for foreigners to enter the U.S…”. People believe American officials are not policing the borders, yet amnesty has been discussed as a way to remedy this immigration concern. They also believe they are not keeping up on expired visas and adequate background checks are not in place to ensure that we they are letting in people that will enhance society. The Immigration Policy Center (IPC) (2005, pg. iv) notes, “…the great American “melting pot” has begun to melt down…” Even as the United States faces security risks and other issues through lax immigration policy, the United States of America is a nation comprised of immigrants. Zolberg (2006, pg. 72) states, “…We are undeniably a nation of immigrants. Many of us are the descendants of those tired, poor and huddled masses that came here to find the life they couldn’t live in their native homeland…” We shouldn’t deny people entrance into a country that supports freedom on so many levels. It seems like the greatest reason Americans want to deny access to America is to protect what is “theirs”, specifically “their” job security. The fear is that immigrants will come into America and take all of the job openings. Some have called these jobs that they are taking, jobs American’s won’t do. Insecurity lies within many people and it keeps the majority of the population apprehensive about immigration. Nobody wants to share what he or she has worked so hard for. Legal immigrants can bring a positive boost to the economy. With the income they earn from the employment positions they fill, they in turn consume the nation’s products. In America, these people have the opportunity to accomplish things that would be otherwise unattainable. They will have the privilege to seek education and get involved in the government. The first president of the United States, George Washington, was born just 75 years after his family immigrated to America (Parry 1991). Today’s immigrants could one day lead this nation, or produce its future leaders. What better place is there to foster a child’s potential? It’s been reported that “…one in five Americans was born in another country or has at least one parent who was, according to a Census Bureau report…” ( Ewing, 4). We take many of our daily privileges for granted, but for immigrants who come from nothing, America is truly a land of possibility. On the other side of the issue people think that it is time for an urgent need for an immigration reform. There is an idea that immigration over the years hasn’t produced a profit for our economy, that instead immigration is inflicting significant costs on the natives of America. They believe that immigrants are soaking up all of the resources that belong to the Americans that need them. Many others on this side believe that the immigrants already in our country and showing deteriorating skill levels which could be responsible for a 1.2 percent wage loss (Ewing 2006). Part of the problem could come from the fact that some immigrants when they move into American culture can’t speak English well or communicate quite like the natives. The current natives now days like to have their life go without any complications. Having these foreigners come to our country and not be able to fit in right away might annoy some people. Whether you are on the side that thinks that immigration is good for the United States or the side that thinks that immigration is bad for the country, you will have things in common with one another. Everybody that currently lives in the United States right now has descended from an immigrant at some point in his or her family. Also, both sides have a different opinion; they have that benefit to our country. The people that are against immigration want to take all of the good resources that the country has and have it all to themselves. Both sides want to improve the lives of natives and newcomers and both want to improve America itself- politically, economically, and culturally- continuing the tradition of opportunity, stability, and freedom. The answer to the problem of immigration is finding a balance that both sides can agree on. (Meilander 2001) You need to find a balance that has the most benefits. Too little immigration is a waste of jobs. The job openings that were available could’ve helped out someone in another country that is dealing with poverty or any other type of problem. On the other hand too much immigration would severely drop our economy. We would have to place too many people on government-funded programs and our resources would be depleted in a quicker amount. Conclusion It is obvious that the country has a problem with immigration these days. It is important to keep the borders open and allow people to have the freedom to live here. The government must find a way to accompany all of the immigrants and still flourish. I believe that immigration in this country is what makes it so great with a variety of different cultures. With some many different people here we can learn so much every day. There are many reasons for immigration and the most important things, people need those to survive. “ Give me tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free” that quote shows why we all so different from other countries, America accepts people no matter who or what they are, whether they are poor, rich, and all nationalities. References Ewing, Walter A. Border Insecurity: U.S. Border-Enforcement Policies and National Security, Immigration Policy Center, American Immigration Law Foundation, Spring 2006. Immigration Policy Center. Economic Growth & Immigration: Bridging the Demographic Divide. Immigration Policy Center, American Immigration Law Foundation, November 2005. Meilander, Peter C. Towards a Theory of Immigration. Palgrave Macmillan, 2001. Parry, Jay. The Real George Washington. National Center for Constitutional Studies. 1991. Zolberg, Aristide. A Nation by Design: Immigration Policy in the Fashioning of America. Harvard University Press, 2006 Read More