The Need for Immigration Reform in the United States - Case Study Example

? The Need for Immigration Reform The aspect of immigration in America is considered to be a vital part as it has not only resulted in complex demographic occurrences but has also brought about major political growth and cultural changes. With the growing illegal activities, the issue of reforming the immigration policy has been debated amid many critics around the country, some supporting it and some against it. The purpose of the paper is to ascertain the need for immigration reform which facilitates legal immigration in the United States. However, it is ascertained that immigration reform needs to take into concern the aspect of protecting the US from the entities who aim at causing it harm. From the findings of the analysis carried out in the paper, it has been viewed that the aspect of rapid illegal immigration has been the cause of various illegal activities in the nations. Additionally, it has also been determined that reform in the current immigration policies would not only facilitate in decreasing the illegal activities but would also aid in developing an environment that would be safe for both the civilians and immigrants who migrate legally from other nations either for professional or academic purpose. Introduction The facet of immigration plays a vital role for every nation as it not only involves financial benefits but also aids in developing the country technologically and culturally among other aspects. In general, immigration is the process through which the people belonging to a particular nation move to another country owing to economic, political, natural disaster or other factors. With the advent of globalization and the increasing literacy rate, people tend to emigrate from their home country to another nation because of the need to progress their professional or academic life. However, it has been viewed that many countries lack in terms of regulating proper immigration policies that at times result in causing harm to their civilians (Anderson, 2010). In this regard, it has been apparently observed that the United States of America (USA) has been one of the leading nations, which has over the years attracted individuals from all over the globe either because of its financial and academic development from the past. However, in recent years it has often been viewed that the lure of reaching the land of American dreams has propagated many individuals to tread the forbidden path of illegal immigration. Subsequently, in the act of immigration, people who belong to different terrorist groups move to the country either legally or illegal and cause great harm to the citizens. This has given rise to the debate amid many political critics to implement strategies and policies that would help in reforming the immigration policies effectively along with helping to maintain a safe place for the civilians to live in (U.S Department of Homeland Security, 2012; Library of Congress, n.d.). The purpose of the paper is to depict the need for immigration reform which allows legal immigration in the United States, while enabling to protect the nation from the people of groups that aim at causing it harm. Discussion History of Immigration in the United States The aspect of immigration in the United States can be divided into four major parts. From the Colonial era to 1880, most of immigrants came from northern part of Europe especially from countries such as England, Germany and Ireland. It is worth mentioning that the Africans were also brought in America in this period through salve trade and Chinese began migrating towards the end of this period. The second period started from 1880 and ended in 1920. In this era, people especially from the southern and eastern part of Europe especially from countries such as Italy, Russia immigrated in America. The third wave of immigration can be categorized during the World War I targeting Asians, southern and eastern Europeans to strengthen the military force of the country. And, the fourth ended after the conclusion of the World War II. The Immigration Act which was formed during the World War period was abolished by US Congress for distributing more visas equally across the globe in the year 1965 (Jimenez, 2011). Subsequently, additional new laws were also made to integrate the aspect of global economics and US military involvement which gave rise to a new wave of immigration that exists till today. Today’s immigrants primarily belong from Latin-American, Asia and the Caribbean, undergoing a noticeable shift from the predominantly European origin. Moreover, it has been viewed that today’s immigrants are largely from more diverse backgrounds and are considered to be from some of the most educated and wealthiest families. Another distinguishing feature that has been viewed with the growing immigrant’s number in the country is that most of the contemporary immigrants prefer settling in states like California, New York, Florida and Texas among other developed states within the nation. However, it has been observed that almost 38 million immigrants in America are residing without any legal authorization. Although proliferation of illegal immigration generally emerged in past decade during recession however the size of illegal immigrants is considerably higher than it was decades ago irrespective of the improved government rules and regulations (Jimenez, 2011; Papademetriou & Sumption, 2011). Current Scenario The policies relating to the immigration aspect in America have been changed numerous times. It is considered that increasing immigrant’s rate can be a disadvantage for both nations from where people move out and where people immigrate. For instance, depression of wages may occur resulting from increasing immigrants in one nation. Increase in population may cause negative effect on public services. Above all, rise in immigrants results in increased security monitoring and also facilitates illegal activities such as organized crime and human trafficking. Additionally, the countries of origin may face economic disadvantages through the loss of young workers and loss of highly trained workers as it has been viewed that people tend to move abroad after gaining a considerable amount of work experience in the home country (Embrace NI, 2013). America has been the home of numerous immigrants from different parts of the globe however it has also been recognized that a lack of proper immigrant policies has always been a major problem for the government resulting in changing the policies numerous times. The election of President George W. Bush is considered to be a landmark in the US immigration policy. Thirty five years after the last major change the immigration policy, was again altered as effective modification in the existing policy would provide adequate benefit to the US economy (Rosenblum, 2011). Nevertheless, things seemed to have changed after the 9/11 attack which was launched by Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon three of the major administrative buildings in New York city and Washington D.C. which led to the enumeration of strong measures to restrict any illegal entry into the nation and allow the collection of data and vital information of any individual who may be suspected as terrorist. It has also broadened the government power to detain and deport immigrants. Nonetheless, it has been viewed that despite powerful changes in the immigrant policies of the country no benefits can be observed for the people who tend to legally enter the country either because of the professional or academic purpose. Visa category such as H1-B program only exists for highly skilled foreign individual workers who specialize in computers and science among others. Whereas, other categories exist for individuals whose family members are residing in the nation legally. This has limited the chances for other individuals who excel in different professions. Moreover, it has also been viewed that the government is mainly focusing on the military aspect and is expanding its budget primarily for such activities. For instance, the number of border security forces grew by three times amid 1986 and 2002 and then doubled during President Bush’s tenure. Secondly, it has also been determined that the new enforcement made have diverted the inflow to more remote desert regions where rate of interception has actually dropped resulting from more sophisticated smuggling operations through these remote areas. Furthermore, it has been observed that immigrants who tend to enter the nation illegally are more likely to die in the attempt of crossing the border. The death rate of immigrants crossing the boundary from regions such as Moscow and other neighboring areas seems to have risen to a great extent (Griswold, n.d.). Another important aspect is the constituent of socioeconomic integration. It has been recognized that people tend to have a negative perception about immigrants regardless of the fact that they might have legally entered the country. Above all, it has been viewed that immigrants are also victims of certain activities that are at times caused by the local people. Considering the aspect of health and information technology, it has been acknowledged that the healthcare sector has special significance in discussion about the impact of immigrants on prosperity and the standard of living of the civilians (Papademetriou & Sumption, 2011). A few of the immigrant policies also tend to harm the general human right of an individual as they have to undergo certain examinations and procedures which should not be done if humanitarian grounds are considered. It is worth mentioning that after the 9/11 attacks, a commission final report considering the immigrant policies of the country i.e. the “Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA)” was formed. Under this Act, the commission recommended to create an office which would be known as the Director of National Intelligence. The body would mainly focus on the security aspect of the country and would fund activities to create additional surveillance, border enforcement and immigration detention bed that were finally signed into law in December 2004 (Rosenblum, 2011). However, in recent years, it has been determined that the body has been implementing strategies that are acting as a barrier for the public to act according to their will which in turn is giving rise to certain conflicting situations amid the civilians and the government. Additionally, it has been observed that students who emigrate from foreign nations to pursue their higher education have been encircled under certain concrete provisions. The “Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)” which was authorized in 1996 was only provided power after the 9/11 attack. Under this provision, the administrator has the right to track the entire students who have emigrated from foreign nations irrespective of the colleges they have been studying in. The main reason behind establishing the system was that many of the terrorists who were involved in the 9/11 attack were either immigrants who illegally entered the country or were on student visa (Orozco, 2011). Survey Considering the current demand for changes in the immigration policy, a survey was conducted to measure the percentage of people who desire to see new changes in the immigration policy. The survey was also done to identify the specific areas that require upgradation in the immigration policy which would in turn facilitate in maintaining law and order in the country along with protecting people who emigrate in America in a legal manner in near future. For the survey a total figure of 20 people were taken as the sample to represent the whole population. Additionally, the questionnaire was also prepared after studying all the vital aspects that have resulted in demand for reform in the immigration policy in the nation. Moreover, it was given importance that the survey also included individuals from different countries who reside in America. Findings Throughout the nation there has been rapid discussion amid individuals who either support or are against the idea of reforming the immigration policy of the country after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. The survey mainly entailed 20 respondents out of which 12 were man and 8 were woman. Among them, 4 were under the age of 20, 9 of them belonged to 20 to 35 years age group, 5 of them were between 36 to 45 years and 2 were above 45 years. Within the respondents, 8 migrated from foreign countries and were either on F1 Visa or were working on H1-B sponsorship and the remaining were permanent residents of America who were either employed or had their own farm. In repose to question no 6th, 16 out of the total permanent residents stated that there should be a reform in the current immigration policy whereas 4 were against the idea of implementing changes in the current immigration policy. Considering the reply of international students, 5 supported the idea and 3 were not sure of the consequences. In repose to the 7th question, it is viewed that out of the 20 respondents, 13 stated that modification in the current immigration reform would help in economic development of the country and would also facilitate in bringing in more safety for the civilians. Whereas, 5 stated that the reform would only facilitate in bringing more changes in the military aspect of the country and 2 were not sure of the outcome. In response to the 8th question, it is recognized that most of the respondents highlighted the aspect of border enforcement when they were asked about the items that need to be considered in any immigration legislation. With regard to the answer given in response to the 9th question, it is recognized that 14 of the total respondents stated that there would not be any negative impact on the country’s economy if the immigration policy is reformed. In response to the last question, it has been viewed that 4 out of 20 respondents stated the factor of border control is the key aspect that must be changed. Among them, all the 8 individuals who emigrated from foreign country stated that the aspect of work Visa program must be changed as it would not only help in attracting more foreign individuals but would also aid in providing employment opportunities to a number of individuals. Furthermore, they also stated that a clear background check of the individuals must be done so that the safety issue of the civilians must be maintained. And, the remaining 6 stressed on the need of employer verification system as it would aid to maintain a track of the individuals who have migrated from foreign countries and are working in America. Additionally, a common registration database can be created that would help in tracking all the individuals irrespective of their job role and their nationality. Conclusion The aspect of immigration reform for enhancing the security of the civilians has been in discussion since the 9/11 attack in America. America has always been a country which has welcomed people to reside in the nation irrespective of their nationality or religion. The aspect of immigration in the nation can be viewed from the colonial period and exists even today. It is considered the US is amongst the countries, which has been the first preference for any individual to move in. However, after the end of World War, the prevailing Immigration Act was abolished by the US Congress as a strategy to welcome individuals to develop the economy of the country. With the passage of time, it has been acknowledged that America has become the home for many individuals who have migrated either legally or illegally thereby creating a distance in the security aspect of the country. Consequently, the issue of illegal immigration was projected as a minor issue. Nonetheless, the scenario seems to have changed completely after the 9/11 attacks which resulted in killing of thousands of people in the country and also affected the economy of the country within minutes. This devastating incident brought into limelight the paramount importance of bringing in changes in the immigration policy as it is viewed that most of the individuals who were liable behind the illegal activities were either in the country through student Visa or were illegal immigrants. With reference to the above stated discussion and survey conducted to study the importance of bringing in changes in the immigration policy of the United States of America (USA), it can be affirmed that changes in immigration reform would not only facilitate to ensure peace and prosperity for the natives and travelling immigrants. It would also enable to develop the level of security of both the civilians and the immigrants who are legally residing in the country. Moreover, such reforms in immigration policy would go a long way to ascertain economic development of the nation by attracting more individuals. Thus, it can be concluded that a resolute immigration reform can materialize with the proper enforcement of planning on behalf of concerned authorities. References Anderson, S. (2010). Immigration. The United States: ABC-CLIO. Embrace NI. (2013). The pros and cons of migration. Retrieved from http://www.embraceni.org/migration/the-pros-and-cons-of-migration/ Griswold, D. (n.d.). Comprehensive Immigration Reform: What Congress and the President Need to do to Make it Work. Cato Institute, pp. 1-17. Jimenez, T. R. (2011). Immigrants in the United States: How Well are they Integrating into Society? Migration Policy Institute, pp. 1-25. Library of Congress. (n.d.). Immigration to the United States. Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/riseind/immgnts/ Orozco, M. (2011). 9/11?s impact on U.S. Immigration Policy. Retrieved from http://www.jlpp.org/2011/11/17/911s-impact-on-u-s-immigration-policy/ Papademetriou, D. G., & Sumption, M. (2011). The role of Immigrants in Fostering Competitiveness in the United States. Migration Policy Institute, pp. 1-25. Rosenblum, M. R. (2011). US Immigration Policy Since 9/11: Understanding the Stalemate over Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Migration Policy Institute, 1-18. U.S Department of Homeland Security. (2012). DHS reforms to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants. Retrieved from http://www.dhs.gov/news/2012/01/31/dhs-reforms-attract-and-retain-highly-skilled-immigrants Bibliography Bray, I. (2013). U.S. Immigration made easy. The United States: Nolo. Brown, T. J., & Suter, T. A. (2012). MR. The United States: Cengage Learning. Questionnaire 1. I am a Male Female 2. Please specify you Age Group: Below 20 21 to 35 36 to 45 More than 45 3. Please select your Profession: Student Home-Maker Owes Own Firm Employed 4. Please State your Nationality 5. If you are not an American Citizen please specify your Visa Type 6. Why do you think there should be reform in the current immigration policy of America? ___________________________________________________________________________ 7. Do you think that modification in the immigration policy would help the country in any aspect? If yes please specify the area. ___________________________________________________________________________ 8. According to you, what are the elements that need to be considered in any immigration legislation? ___________________________________________________________________________ 9. Do you think that reform in the immigration policy would have a discursive effect on the economy of the country? __________________________________________________________________________ 10. Would you like to see any specific changes in the new immigration policy if made? Please specify your preference. ___________________________________________________________________________ Thank You! Read More