Illegal Immigration as One of the Controversial Issues in the US - Essay Example

Illegal immigration Illegal immigrants is one of the most prominent and controversial issues that continues to be the topic of debate even in the modern century. An illegal immigrant is any individual that resides in another country but migrates to a different country without obtaining the proper visa and protocols. These individuals are undocumented and enter the country illegal usually searching for a better future in a country that is also more technologically advanced. Although the process of entering a country without following the legal protocols is illegal, one cannot judge this behavior based on these facts. Many immigrant families have a vision of seeking a better future for their kids and have often have unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. Hence, illegal immigrants should be able granted amnesty because it gives immigrants new opportunities, benefits the American core values, and enhances the economy. Before diving into the legality of the problem, it is crucial to understand why and how illegal immigration is a controversial issue. The famous saying that American roads are paved with gold is an ideology that is supported and believed by many. Every nation has a purpose of its creation and independence. The untold story of America is bit different as America was founded upon the principles of freedom. America’s tradition to build upon opportunity has been the pinnacle point that has made it exceptional over the years. Undoubtedly, it is also one of the key characteristics that has made individuals all across the world to migrate to America. A country where opportunities are prevalent and individualism is propagated is truly an element that makes this country exceptional. Examples of immigration success rage from Albert Einstein to Barack Obama. Hence, America continues to be exceptional because of the opportunities, firm belief in changing status quo, and diversity that it has celebrated over the centuries. This is why America appeals to illegal immigrant, because it allows them to migrate here and seek an opportunity that was never present in their homeland. First and foremost, it is essential to understand that American citizens feel entitled to preserve any invasion that would affect their American dream. Most Americans have a very clear understanding that most illegal immigrants come to America seeking a better life and are willing to work hard for a lower pay. This insecurity has been a focal point of Americans for many centuries. It is clear that this hostility is built because of these issues that circulate around Americans prosperity. Another reason why some Americans are hesitant to embrace immigration, specifically illegal immigration is because it threatens the core principles of Democracy. Americans pride in the capitalistic and Democratic principles. Immigrants that come from other parts at times, feel that their values must be implemented at a local level. In essence, they form communities at a micro-level which may seem threating to Americans because it clashes with their values. For instance, in Saudi culture, the young married women tend to stay in the household of her husband, which can mean that family core values are closely combined. The mother takes care of the house and knows the situation in most cases of her family members. She is obligated to cook, clean and take care of the children. However, in the western culture, that is completely different. The American society prides itself and supports the education of women. These clash of values threatened the fundamental principles that Americans take pride in, which adds fuel to the fire. More importantly, America has been a propagator of isolationism since the dawn of Roosevelt’s era. This is a crucial point because it serves as a testament to Americans pursuing their own dreams rather than attempting to solve issues that are beyond their control. Contrary to this issue, propagators of amnesty have their own justification for illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants should be granted amnesty because of the fact that they need the proper support for a better future. Undoubtedly, illegal immigrants should be given a chance to become citizens for variety of reasons. First and foremost is the fact that it would allow them to start all over again. Amnesty would offers millions of immigrants a chance to seek their provisions. Forgiving their crime of coming here illegally can be beneficial as it can certainly restore law. Providing illegal immigrants with amnesty would not necessarily be a self-burden to society. John Kerry brilliantly states his opinion as he states, "Absolutely. I supported and was prepared to vote for amnesty from 1986. And it is essential to have immigration reform. Anyone who has been in this country for five or six years, whos paid their taxes, who has stayed out of trouble, ought to be able to translate into an American citizenship immediately, not waiting in false hopes.." Instead it would give these individuals a chance to prove themselves in a competitive work environment. A competitive labor force is good for America, whether America embraces that or not. The true version of living the American dream can certainly become a reality for these individuals. Moreover, one cannot refute the fact that this country was based upon the foundation of immigrants coming from different spheres of the world. America has been known as the “melting pot” of assimilation of cultures and has given new opportunities to immigrants throughout history. Another key reason why it is logical to legalize illegal immigrants is due to the fact that these immigrants are hard working individuals striving to seek provisions for themselves and their families. Millions of these illegal immigrants are undoubtedly employed currently throughout the nation. Rounding and deporting these immigrants is clearly illogical as it is not feasible. John McCain in his 2005 speech clearly states, “It would be impossible to identify and round up all 10 to 11 million of the current undocumented, and if we did, it would ground our nations economy to a halt… Aliens will not come forward to simply report and deport. We have a national interest in identifying these individuals, incentivizing them to come forward out of the shadows, go through security background checks, pay back taxes, pay penalties for breaking the law, learn to speak English, and regularize their status.” Anyone who thinks deportation is the only solution clearly does not recognize the root cause of this huge issue at hand. The “icing on the cake” that proves that illegal immigrant should be legalized is because research indicates that it would boost local economy. A new study revealed that granting amnesty to 12 million workers would escalate the economy, creating jobs and wage increases for American individuals themselves. This report also insists that legalizing these immigrants would boost the current GDP by a hefty figure. In addition, this study indicates that every 100,000 immigrants are a catalyst for 510 businesses to expand. These business ventures are essential for the tough recession that the country is plagued with currently. With the economy booming, it does not make sense to deport these immigrants. Another problem is that that these immigrants find a way to come back the country. Critics of granting amnesty to illegal immigrants argue that is it unethical and immoral to encourage illegal behavior. Giving amnesty encourages bad behavior which portrays a bad example for the younger generation. Without a doubt, that is true. However, deporting millions of illegal immigrants is also out of the question. First and foremost is due to the fact that deporting these individuals is merely impossible. In addition, it can be a huge detriment to the local economy as the labor force would drastically shrink down. Furthermore, it creates future problems for the younger generation of illegal immigrants who would suffer psychological and mental agony. Moreover, coming to the country without following the right jurisdiction is never encouraged, forgiving this act and allowing individuals to have new opportunities represent the true face of America itself. The government in essence must take additional steps to increase border patrol security and ensure that these illegal immigrants are documented so they may pay taxes. Additionally, the government must continue to work with Mexico as this issue continues to be a focal point of international relations between the two countries. Enforcing border security and building good relations is just a catalyst to resolve this everlasting issue. From my perspective, I think illegal immigrants should be granted amnesty for the reasons that are justified. Amnesty would offer those individuals a fighting chance at being independent and social mobility, which makes sense in this case. I am clearly aware that this is an issue that needs to be rectified by securing borders. I do understand the fact that it is not fair for immigrants to come here without proper work. However, it is clear that I have to be realistic about these issues because border control has been failing over the years. Immigrants that attempt to pass the borders are liberated and attempt to cross it again without being penalized. Clearly, that is an illogical cycle in which the issue does not get rectified. Moreover, I rather make these citizens legal because they in fact work behind the scenes and not pay taxes. That is not fair for American citizens that actually follow rules and guidelines. To compromise from both sides, illegal immigration is not an issue that will go away considering the fact that America has become so diverse over the years. I think giving amnesty is the correct protocol in this issue because the economy is really dependent on the laissez-faire principles. Diminishing the work force may take the impact in the economy and that may be detrimental. Amnesty will allow these citizens to pay taxes, which I think is crucial for native citizens to have closure about this issue. America is the land of opportunity that must be equal to all individuals. Without a doubt, illegal immigration is a sensitive issue that will continue to the topic for debate for decades to come. Democrats and Republicans will continue to have a difference of opinion because both parties have their justification. Hence, it will be a hallmark that will dynamically impact president elections as the nation prepares to be more aware of the issue at hand. Granting illegal immigrants is vital towards the betterment of the future. It provides new opportunities for individuals who want a better future for themselves and their families. Moreover, these illegal immigrants are already embedded in the large labor face of the nation. Deporting the hard working immigrants is economically not feasible for this nation. Additionally, providing amnesty is the right path in this crucial debate. Making the illegal individuals become regular contributors to society by making them pay taxes, learn English and embrace the American culture is no doubt a good thing for America. It gives identity to America itself, which manifests itself in the “melting pot” culture. Propagators of this notion understand the gravity of this situation and know that forgiving them for their illegal action is the best way to diminish chaos and restore law. Works Cited " Illegal Immigration ." United States Immigration: Green Card, Visas and U.S. Citizenship . N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2011. . "Is amnesty a good solution to illegal immigration? - Illegal Immigration - ProCon.org." Immigration ProCon.org - What are the solutions to illegal immigration in America?. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Aug. 2011. Read More