Many Americans ask: What is the best response to illegal aliens living in the US?
One possible response to illegal immigrants is to deport them out of the US. And, to make life in the US as hard as possible for illegal immigrants. Kris Kobach offers an example of this approach:
This year may be Kobach’s most influential yet. From a base in Kansas, where he is the newly seated secretary of state, Kobach will help Arizona defend his laws against all comers. Both the Justice Department and American Civil Liberties Union have sued the state, claiming that immigration is a federal matter. He’ll also counsel a dozen or so states that are considering copycat laws and a coordinated assault on birthright citizenship. And he’ll litigate at least four ongoing immigration-related cases, including lawsuits against California (for extending in-state college-tuition rates to the undocumented) and San Francisco (for failing to notify immigration authorities before a thrice-arrested alien allegedly murdered three people). It’s a “legal jihad,” according to a new report by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which calls the path he’s blazing “a trail of tears.”
Another approach to illegal immigration is to be more open and to make it possible for illegal immigrants to become legal US citizens with Constitutionally guaranteed rights. Stephen Walt offers a good example of this approach.
Although the United States has hardly been free of racial or ethnic conflicts during its history, these features have made it possible for every new group to integrate itself as full citizens. The United States is an attractive destination not just because it is a wealthy society, but also because many different groups and individuals can become integral parts of that society instead of facing permanent second-class status.
If I'm right, then the pressures of international competition give an advantage to any society that can "cream" some of the smartest and/or hardest working people from all over the world. How? By making that society an attractive place to live and work, mostly by creating an atmosphere of equality and toleration. By contrast, societies that limit their de facto talent pool by defining citizenship narrowly, by treating minorities badly, by discriminating on the basis of race, religion, or other characteristics are placing themselves at a competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis the rest of the world.
Over time, therefore, we should expect a growing gap between "cosmopolitan" societies that develop institutions and cultures in which diversity and tolerance are prized and where potential conflicts between them are managed well, and more restrictive societies that are either attractive only to a fixed population of particular ethnic identity, or who are face recurring internal conflicts between various contending groups. My bet would be that, other things being equal, the former do better over time.
So, what do you think?
How should the US respond to illegal immigrants?
Should the US focus on securing its territorial borders from foreigners illegally crossing into the country? Should enforcement focus on punishing companies that hire illegal immigrants and on deporting illegal immigrants out of the US? Should the focus be on protecting American jobs and industries? Also: What would be the economic consequences for you if there were fewer cheap foreign laborers to pick your vegetables and build your houses?
Or should the US relax territorial border enforcement and focus on opening up to more immigrants as a way of becoming more competitive in the global market? Should money, businesses, workers, and goods and services be able to move freely between Canada, Mexico, and the US? Should the focus be on increasing American wealth and power and standing in world politics?
Are there other possible responses that the US government should take toward illegal immigrants?
I think that we should try and help make America and attractive place for immigrants to come work and live. We can use the increasing number of people to help better our place in the global trade market. We can set up industry which will eventually lead to trade. However, I do believe it is important to keep boarder patrols at a heightened level. There is no room for error in our nations war on illegal drug trade. Most of which enters the country in California through under ground tunnels between Mexico and the United States. However, If the process to become and American citizen become more appealing to immigrants the number of illegal immigrants has a chance of being cut down.
ReplyDelete(Revised)
ReplyDeleteI think that we should try and help make America a more attractive place for immigrants to come work and live. We can use the increasing number of people to help better our place in the global trade market. We can set up industry which will eventually lead to trade. However, I do believe it is important to keep boarder patrols at a heightened level.This is not only important to our security but to our war against drugs. There is no room for error in our nations war on illegal drug trade. Most of which enters the country in California through under ground tunnels between Mexico and the United States. However, If the process to become an American citizen became more appealing to immigrants the number of illegal immigrants will begin to decrease. This can be a potential economic opportunity for America.
even though some people disagree with letting immigrants come into this country, they themselves would not be here if it were blocked for immigrants. yes the drug trade is a problem and is also very much closely related to immigration but it is not right to simply block every one from coming in. what it calls for is the use of harsher laws against drugs and deportation to the rightful country even with "green card" in hand.
ReplyDeleteABOVE
ReplyDeleteROBERT HAYES PSCI 100:04
I think if immigrants want a better future and a better life for them and their families they need to learn our language. We shouldn't be putting signs in English and in Spanish. We're in America and English is our language. As for the illegal immigrants living here, I think it's unfair to us who have all sorts of different taxes to pay where they barely have any. If they're going to come here and look for a better life, they need to become citizens, learn our language and adjust to most of our customs. Both of my grandparents immigrated from Greece, they had to adjust and learn English but we still speak Greek in our households, celebrate our holidays and still have Greek customs and traditions. If everyone else has to do it, so can they. I just think they need to adjust to our customs and learn our language, if they can't do that than they should be deported.
ReplyDeleteTheoni Kontos
PSCI 100.03
What I think about immigrants is some are useful but too many of them could hurt the United States. I beleive that only a certain amount should be allowed in America but after that we should protect our boaders well. Drugs is a huge problem with immigrants and everyone knows that and that is one of the strongest reasons why we hold down our boarders and check for papers so much. Also if they are able to become a citizen, then must to be able to learn enlgish instead of everyone else in America having to learned Spainsh just because they came to our land.
ReplyDeleteTrae Tinsman 100.04
The us boarders issues are ridiculous. I mean I can't solve them but they do tend to prove out countries racism. I mean we are closed to some places because we wont help them open to others because we claim we are helping them and there are no real reasons. The things we do about our boarders are violent and insensitive but similarly protecting our boarders for government reasons are understandable from a capitalist prospective. We need to defend ourselves from drug trafficking and un taxed labour but the inflation is inevitable without it. If we have americians doing the work they will want minimum wage and benefits which will mean the farmers need to charge more for their products. Over all what can we really do. Anthony Harley 100.05
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I feel that no matter what, we will always face the battle of illegal immigrants in our country and pretty soon, our country will be filled with illegal immigrants if nothing keeps them from coming in. Not only are our jobs being taken away from us but they get to live here without paying tax. I understand a lot of them come here to make a better living and support their families but there are other ways of going about that. I just feel that we SHOULD make life as hard a spossible for illegal immigrants. Its getting out of control and if no one puts a stop to it, it will only proceed to get worse.
ReplyDeleteBrittney Butler PSCI 100.03
I think we need to either go either one way or the other. If we are going to crack down, we need to commit to it. However, I think that illegal immigrants would become immigrants if America was more atractive. I think that we should make it more atractive that way we do not have illegal immigrants. It should not be easy to be a citizen, but we should not scare people out of becoming citizens.
ReplyDeleteAmy Sultner PSCI 100.03
I think that people need to remember that without immigration we wouldnt be in the united states to begin with. I think that immigrants should become legal and learn english but keep their culture at the same time. There is no need to keep them out and people who dont agree i know would still not pay for higher things. Just assimilate and get over it.
ReplyDeleteCourtney Owens PSCI 100.03
Being that we are all immigrants from one time or another I think we should just open the boarders and allow people to come in. We spend all that money to keep people out (that still make it in). We need to allow people even immigrants a better chance at life. I mean that's what we are known for. However, I see the other side as well. Im sure their are a lot of people that want to get into to this country but with our unemployment rates being how they are, and immigrants working for next to nothing, Im pretty sure some companies will hire for a cheaper price which leads the unemployed to still be unemployed. In some cases its not always back and white.
ReplyDeleteMarChell DeShong PSCI 100.04
with the status of our economy and the economic rise of china, I would promote tem,porarily that it is in our best interest to focus on being the most competitive player in the global economy. We have more serious issues to deal with such as war and government uprisings in the middle east. Illegal immigrants benefit our economy, they work jobs that (WE) do not want to. If we were to kick them out, then finding employees to work the crop fields and other low wage jobs would be alot harder than one would imagine. Think about the people that would have to fill in those kind of jobs, they tend to be in urban settings as opposed to the suburbs because they have less access to education. I can't imagine putting a street-raised urban high school drop out in the fields to pick vegetables. It's a bit of an exaggeration but it's reality. The illegals do jobs that we prefer not to. We should emphasize the importance of our economy which is now suffering, and focus on changing that before we worry too much about illegal immigrants
ReplyDeleteI personally have no issue with immigrants that take the steps to become legal. Its the illegal immigrants that come here to earn some money and take advantage of our systems that bothers me. All the people I know that have moved out of this country take the time to learn the native language of where they are going to help their adjustment. I believe it should be the same here. English seems to be the dominant language but because of so many immigrants coming here that do not know our language communication is becoming difficult. Allowing illegal immigrants to work our less favorable jobs I believe is an honor. How can we allow them to work our high paying educated jobs if they do not have the education or experience. I'm sure most if not all immigrants are coming here for a better opportunity and just being able to have money and a job is a step up from where they came from.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Theoni on a combination of assimilation and acceptance of diversity in regard to immigration. Immigrants should expect to embrace American culture (which includes learning English) and maintain their traditions also.
ReplyDeleteImmigration seems to be a problem for a two reasons: illegal, and legal, immigrants are willing to work labor jobs for a pittance, and Americans are unwilling to work those same jobs for such a low wage. If the U.S. government offered national health care, cared for it’s retired citizens, and offered equal educational opportunities regardless of tax brackets, then Americans wouldn’t feel “cheated” out of jobs and benefits by the illegal immigrants.
The U.S. government has created this problem. If government accepted the immigrants and allowed them to become citizens, they would participate and contribute to society equally. And the government should not make it easy for businesses to shirk their duty to America by taking the easy way out and hiring illegal immigrants so that they can make a profit for their own pockets.
Although immigrants come from many places, it seems as if Mexican immigration is currently the most debated. I don’t know much about the economics of Mexico, but wouldn’t it be wise of the U.S. government to foster a better relationship with Mexico and figure out a way for Mexicans to be happy and prosperous in their own homeland.
Dee Pierce
PSCI 100.03
Okay, some want immigration and some don’t. I see a problem with it when they are illegal, which most are and we all know it. I think that if they’re legal and making an honest effort to become citizens and work and PAY TAXES and other things that all legal individuals must do, then sure come right on in. But once you start populating our country to make cash, by working “under the table” or whatever, then we have an issue that needs to be put to a stop.
ReplyDeleteProblems in Mexico and hardships occur, and I understand the empowerment behind making money and sending it back to their families, but if they would take the time to work on getting a green card and becoming legal by the way we intended maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
Years ago, whites were the majority, now they are becoming minority due to the migration from Mexico. I’m not saying they need to leave because they are overpopulating the whites, or blacks, or Asians etc. I’m saying that maybe they should be more focused on other things, like finding legal jobs and not having so many children that they need America for money. So many of the illegal immigrants are on welfare, it’s unfair to the working class. Yet, still “free health care” is just like a sign saying “come to our country” for them.
Laura Elkins
PSCI 100.4
I believe that we should stop worrying so much about illegal immigrants. In the end, they help the majority of the population by keeping produce prices lower. Also, we should relax border security. The European Union has the strongest economy in the world (if all members are counted together), not only because there are many countries, but because they have a much wider job market. People from anywhere in Europe can get a job in any other country as long as it's a member of the EU. It's much harder to move from the US to Mexico for a job. By relaxing our border security, we also could economically partner with Mexico, which may help our economy as well as theirs. An economic union between Mexico, the US, and Canada would make our market much more stable.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Herbert, Psci 100.05
Immigrants usually don't come to the United States with the intention of spreading their culture throughout our nation. They usually come in hopes of having a better future for themselves and their family. In order for them to come here though, they should have to speak English because English is the main language in America. It isn't right that the United States adapts to the Spanish-speaking immigrants who come into our country by having everything, from signs to operators, being placed in Spanish. If we do that for the Spanish-speaking immigrants, shouldn't we also do it for the German, French, etc. immigrants? Immigrants do have a lot of opportunities when they come here as well, which isn't completely fair. They don't have to pay as many taxes and they can still attend universities within the United States for the same price as citizens. If immigrants want to live in the United States, they should have the intention of becoming a citizen and it should be a quicker process to make them a citizen. Honestly, I don't care about immigrants coming into our country, but they should have to become a citizen within a certain amount of time.
ReplyDeleteAs for the idea of keeping immigrants as a source of cheap labor, I completely disagree. Yes, they may provide us with cheaper goods and getting rid of immigrants as a source of cheap labor may hurt me financially, but it is very hypocritical for the United States to keep this. The United States constantly shows their disagreement with the numerous amount of sweatshops that are placed all over the world, yet we continue to keep immigrants as our source of cheap labor. Sweatshops are places that make people work long, hard hours for a low pay. Immigrants working in America are working in the most laborious jobs for under minimum wage. It may hurt many people economically, such as myself, but it isn't right if the United States is trying to shut down sweatshops yet continue to keep immigrants working as cheap labor for themselves.
Kelly Sweeney
PSCI 100.05
Regardless of how much time and money the United States Government invests towards preventing illegal immigration, people will still enter the country illegally. I do, however, believe that companies should be punished for hiring illegal immigrants. American jobs and industries should be protected and backed by United States citizens. We should strive to keep this country running in pristine condition; it should be, and is, one of the most appealing countries in the world. I have no problem with people emigrating from other countries; what I do have a problem with is the illegal immigrants who manage to cheat the system. If one is paying his taxes and is contributing to society, then there is not as much of a problem.
ReplyDeleteZachary Roach
PSCI 100.04
I feel the US should relax its territorial border enforcement and make it easier to become a US citizen. It will make us more favorable to others and help the US become more competitive in the global market. Some products should be allowed to more freely move across the US, Mexico and Canada borders but then comes into the problem of things like drugs that could spread further and faster if this happens. I don't think we should focus as much on increasing American wealth and power and political standing as much as were should focus on offering equal opportunity and easier access to US citizenship for those serious about living here.
ReplyDeleteJessica Hall, 100.04
Thinking more into this subject of illegal immagration I believe we should relax our border control a little bit. I know for a fact that if we were to completely do away with illegal immagration and set up consequences for companies who are dealing with it things would change greatly in our economy. No one sits and thinks about how much we get is often cheap because businesses are paying the laborers (illegal immigrants) so cheaply. If we were to stop immigrants from coming in our prices on everyday goods would sky rocket, and I know many people would not be happy about that and would wonder what is going on. So, I do believe we should relax the border a bit. As far as granting US Citizenship I do believe the process should be very hard to go through. Someone has to honestly want to become a part of this country. I don't think citizenship should just be handed down so easily. Through it all though things could be worked out to make everything a little bit easier and keep everyone involved happy.
ReplyDeleteHanna Simane
100.05
I feel that there are always going to be illegal immigrants. I do not think there is any problem with having legal immigrants, let’s face it, our ancestors all were at one point in time, maybe not even legal. However, I feel that if immigrants want to come they need to follow our rules and learn our language. If one does not know the language they cannot function as well as they could be able to. From what people have told me, American does not have a language but the most commonly used one is English. I feel that if one is immigrating to America they need to know how to speak English.
ReplyDeleteEmmi Shambeda
PSCI 100.05
This country was stolen from the Natives that lived here before white people. This country only belongs to the Native Americans, if any one being at all. I do not believe in the ownership of one body over landmass. People may proclaim "This is My Land," to themselves to hear and people around them, but in my mind I will not. We may borrow and cultivate and live upon a plane of horizontal landmass, but it is foolish to actually believe ownership over the US territory to its citizens is real. Borders do not exist. People only say they do while others believe them. I think immigration should not be an existing word in the English language, as any one body has the same right to trespass on any land they feel. Not one body is more entitled to one mass of land than another.
ReplyDeleteSteven Orrence
100.05
I think that the US should definately tighten up their borders. There are far to many illeagal immagrants here in the US. I feel as if they continuously have babies so that they are born US citizens, so that way they can live off the state assistance, because the state will help the children. I feel if you want to come to America to better your opportunities you should come the right way and become a citizen and pay taxes like the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteSecily Butts
PSCI 100.05
I don't think illegal immigrants are the problem at all. If they were, there wouldnt be parts of the U.S. and Canada that you could step across a dtich to be on either side like you said. Illegal Immigrants have a small impact on jobs compared to U.S. companies leaving the U.S. for a tax break and geting a tax break for opening up in another country. That seems like the big issue, maybe if all the companies came back to the U.S. that way many more people could get a job, illegal imigrants in the U.S. wouldn't be an issue anymore. We don't have alot of jobs out there, and the illegal immigrants are only a small part of the reason, there are many others.
ReplyDeletePSCI 100.05
Matthew Kimberlin
in the US we should relax our border control policies a little bit. we should still monitor them for the protection of the country but relax. if we were to get rid of illegal immigration and establish strict punishments for companies who deal with it the economy would change drastically.no one cares that we get goods for such a cheap price, but it is because we pay immigrants next to nothing. If immigrants were denied entry into the country our economy would fall due to the high prices that would ensue. relaxing the borders a bit would allow the immigrants to work in the US and boost our economy or we should develop some sort of branching economy like that of Europe to allow foreign citizens to work in the foreign countries. Granting US Citizenship should be very hard process but we should have to pass it first the questions should be in the dominate language and briefly test the knowledge of our society. Citizenship shouldn't just be handed out the individual must want it. At any rate there are things that can be accomplished to allow everyone to get along.
ReplyDeleteCordova, J
PSCI 100:05
I think that the issue with illegal immigrants needs to be responded to in a more positive way. I do not think that we need such intense border guards and walls and fences. I agree that I don't really want illegal immigrants to come into our courty but I don't think there needs to be such emphasis on it. I think that they ahould change the way to become a citizen in a manner that makes it more appealing for the people that are trying to come into our country illegally. I also think that employers should be held responsible for the workers they hire. I don not think that they should be hiring illegal immigrants and then paying them less money than a US citizen.
ReplyDeleteBen Hackett
100.03
I think that the US should respond to illegal immigrants more positively than most Americans do. The biggest complaint amongst Americans about illegal immigrants is that they are taking "their jobs" but what we must understand is that the jobs that the immigrants are taking are the ones that Americans don't want to have in the first place. As for border patrol, I do think that our country should crack down on enforcement along the borders and require people to have passports. On the topic of immigrants becoming legal, I do think that all of them should be required to become citizens of this country if they want to live here extendedly. My biggest concern is that of assimilation and on that subject, the last thing that I have to say is that, immigrants should learn to adapt to their new environment without losing their culture and Americans should learn to adapt to immigrants without being oppressive.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Trupo
PSCI 100.03
The US should allow immigrants in, but help solve the problem of illegal immigrants. If an immigrant comes to the US they obviously want to be an American and without taking the citizenship test then they aren’t showing their “American pride.” The US should have a better security around its borders because the US needs fewer illegal immigrants. When more illegal immigrants become American citizens then they can help out with the economy. Immigrants can help by spending their money that they made from working, which will help replenish our economy. I feel that immigrants shouldn’t be kicked out of the US because we are all kind of immigrants; I just believe that illegal immigrants should become non-illegal immigrants within the US borders.
ReplyDeleteAlaina Meserole
PSCI 100.05
The US needs to focus on securing it territorial borders from foreigners illegally crossing into the country. Yes we all came from immigrants but that doesn’t really mean anything now. If we were all flooding in to Mexico they would start securing there borders too. Not because they don’t like US citizens but because it’s just too much and it would start to destroy their jobs and industries. The same is true in America, we wouldn’t have to focus on the border if it wasn’t a job but it is. And whether people see it or not there are fewer jobs due to the fact that industries can pay an illegal immigrant a lot less. The punishment should be placed on immigrates, they wouldn’t come if there wasn’t an opportunity. The companies should be punished they play a large part in why illegal immigrants continue to be a problem. As for deporting unfortunately it is something that needs to be done. All the illegal immigrates cannot stay here, there is not enough work nor is there enough room. The American jobs are very important why should me employ illegal immigrants if there aren’t enough jobs to employ American citizens? Either way, letting the illegal immigrants stay or making them leave there are going to be economic consequences. So we need to make a decision have a job and have to pay more for goods or be unemployed and have goods be cheaper. I seems like a stupid choice to me if you are unemployed you don’t have the money to buy goods anyways.
ReplyDeleteSusan Stout
PSCI 100.05
I think the US should focus on securing its territorial borders from illegal immigrants. It is one thing for an immigrant to become a US citizen but doing things illegally isn't helping our economy out in any way. If the immigrants become legal and have jobs then they can add into the economy by shopping, pay taxes, etc. I think companies should be punished for hiring illegal immigrants. I understand that the immigrants are just trying to make a "living" by working but becoming legal should be top priority. Companies should verify that there workers are not illegal immigrants because if the immigrant gets deported, the company will be at loss anyways. American wealth and power should be increased because before long the economy will be so bad that people won't even be able to survive off their income. Brandi Parsons PSCI 100.04
ReplyDeleteI am impartial to this subject. I think there is a huge area of grey here, not just a black and white issue. I agree that we should have immigrants but it is also import that illegal immigrants are banned. I know that a poor life here for them may be better than a life back home, but then moving to our country may also be a partial reason for the downfall of our economy. I don't feel that i know enough on the subject to make a full decision on the matter.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the US should lessen the security on the boarders because we need to focus on more important things and become more favorable and accepting to others. The US should not focus on companies who hire illegal immigrants for most immigrants work much harder for pay than any US citizen ever would. Most people in the US want to be paid for not working at all. These people are greedy. Everyone is trying to make a living though, companies and workers including illegal and legal immigrants. However, people do feel that immigrants are taking jobs from the US citizens and this does cause a problem. I dont feel that deportation is very necessary unless its for something major like a crime, terrorism, etc. I feel that assimilation and celebration of immigrants is necessary in that everyone can learn from each other. Though I may just be talking of a perfect world and everyone knows that this world is no where close to perfect.
ReplyDeletePamela Smoot PSCI 100.04
I feel strongly about illegal immigrants. I feel that not only are they coming here illegally and taking job opportunities for the americans, they are also getting paid and not being taxed for it. We lose alot of money in tax to help support schools, roads etc, for our children and also the potential illegal immigrants children too. They come to America, work illegally, send there children to school for free, and dont pay for any taxing money. I think it is rediculous. Granted this problem will never be fixed, but I feel that it should be more strictly brought across.
ReplyDeleteAshley Eckenrode 100.05
I think the proper response to illegal immigration is deportation. The illegal immigrants who come to the US are unauthorized strangers. They may be seeking prospects here, but there is a process to becoming a US citizen. Immigrant or not, the process should not allow exceptions. Territorial boarders should definitely be more closely and cautiously patrolled to decrease the movement of illegal immigrants into the US. I think the English Language Unity Act of 2011 is exactly what we need in this country. Immigrants can demonstrate their knowledge of American language, pass the required tests, and become a US citizen. It’s really not that much to ask, and if it is, sorry, but you cannot be in this country. Too much of our country’s efforts surround conforming to the immigrants wants and needs, when in actuality they should be conforming to us. Celebrating diversity through clothing, food, festivals, and religion is one thing, but our country shouldn’t go through the hassle of trying to figure out what immigrants are saying, if they are legally here, or if we will be provided the same opportunities as the minorities. American citizens belong in America no matter what ethnicity or culture, all with the same opportunities, illegal immigrants do not.
ReplyDeleteCayce Martin
PSCI 100.04
I have a strong opinion on illegal immigrants. The US should definitely secure their borders more and only let in legal citizens. The only answer to the illegal immigrant problem is deporting them. I think that immigrants should definitely become legal if they are willing to go through the process and follow the law of the US. I feel as though illegal immigrants come over and purposely marry US citizens or have babies in the US so that they can stay, which is wrong. I think they should work harder to catch that. Business owners should be punished for hiring illegal immigrants as well, they know exactly what they are doing.
ReplyDelete^^^ morgan gabriel 100.05
ReplyDeleteI think we should still allow immigrants to come in because that is who is doing the jobs that no one else wants. If we stop allowing the immigrants to come then it will raise the prices for food and other things because that is usually the kind of jobs they work. People are complaining now that prices are high but the prices would go even higher if immigrants weren’t allowed in the country. Most people were immigrant that came to American anyways and probably many illegal. So if we were immigrants what is the difference between them being immigrants and us being immigrants? I still believe the borders need to patrol because we don’t want everyone coming in because if everyone was allowed in illegal or legal a whole bunch of people would come in.
ReplyDeleteAshley Mellott
PSCI 100.03
I think we should allow Immigrants into our country as long as they apply for citizenship. I feel we need to make America the attractive and world of dreams that everyone outside the U.S. thinks that we are. I feel this would allow the U.S. to grow from literally the outside in. The U.S. always places the blame for drugs and violence on immigrants when in fact the studies show that these originate within our own borders. This fear is placed in us by the government so we will take their side and give them control of the borders. The economy is blessed to have immigrants working because it lowers the prices of our goods in order to make them affordable for us to buy. On the otherhand, it isn't fair to them to have to work for so little. I still think we need to have territorial protection around the borders in order to stay in control of who and what is crossing the borders.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very tricky dilemma. I believe that it should be a combination of the two approaches. If we opened the doors to more immigrants we would have less that are coming in illegally. The United States was assembled by immigrant. However, I do have a problem with immigrants being here illegally due to the fact that they are not contributing to our society. They are living off of our tax dollars and just collecting a pay check without having to pay the taxes that then pay for the services that they take advantage of such as the school system. I can see why so many people would want to come into the United States, but we do need to keep control over the population due to the natural resources that are already being used and will continue to be used by the population increasing. People are going to continue to come into the country and we will continue to spend money and resources deporting them back to their country. I do feel that there really is no other choice than to have some restrictions. If we had a completely open border we could have a devastating effect on our nation’s natural resources. There really is no way of knowing just how many people would come into the country at any given time, but I can say we already have a problem with many areas being overpopulated and not enough resources (social services, schools, etc.) to handle them.
ReplyDeleteKaren Martin
PSCI 100.04
I feel that while we should allow for some immigrants to be able to come in and become citizens, it could also badly affect the US if too many are allowed to come in. If we let any immigrants come in and gain citizenship, there is the possibility of the population booming too far for us to handle. If too many people come in and are now citizens, then they are now part of the US and we can't just kick them out at that point because we are over flowing with people. While we shouldn't be blowing the amounts of money into border patrol as we are, and it would be great to have a larger amount of diversity in the States, there needs to at least be a limit. If we only allow a few people in a year, then maybe we would be able to control it, but at the same time, how would we decide who can and cannot come in? Due to this problem, I feel that we shouldn't just kick out anyone illegal, but we also shouldn't welcome everyone in. We need to find some kind of balance in between the two so that we can manage the situation.
ReplyDeleteKatherine Martin PSCI .04
I think that U.S. should watch the borders more carefully. They shouldn't just let anyone over. The immigrants should know some english to where they can communicate with Americans. I don't think we should get rid of them in the restaurants or other businesses. They do a fast job for a little bit of money. It is not the companies fault that they want to save a little monney. Who doesn't want low prices? If we didn't have them to pick our fruit or build fences then the prices would go up. We shouldn't open up to where anything or anyone can go freely into other borders. We need some control because it could get messy or chaos with people moving around.
ReplyDeletekathryn stevens pcsi 100.04
I believe that the United States should do a better job of making sure that all immigrants that come into the country have the proper documents to be considered legal immigrants. The United States tends to focus on the problems of other countries when we have issues such as mass illegal immigration occurring daily. I believe that the United States needs to secure its territorial boundaries from illegal immigration and not be so reluctant to punish those who are here illegally. If we put stricter laws on illegal immigration and make the punishments more harsher, then companies and employers will be more cautious in hiring individuals for labor. The United States top priority should be to protect American jobs and industries. Many use the argument that if we don’t use illegal immigrants for cheap labor then the costs of products will increase. This may be true, but many neglect the fact that we are paying for these immigrants indirectly when we pay taxes to support them.
ReplyDeleteJenna Peck 100.04
I feel that no matter what, we will always face the war of illegal immigrants in our country. Soon our country will be filled with illegal immigrants of nothing is stopping them from coming over. It is taking away jobs from us as well as they get to live here without paying taxes. I understand that most come here to make a stronger living and support their family but others are just taking advantage. I feel that illegal immigrants should have to follow the same rules as us. It is soon going to be taking to far and if no one stops it, it will continue to get worse.
ReplyDeleteMegan Long
PSCI 100.03
I feel that we will always face a war against Illegal immigrants. All they are doing is taking what belongs to us away from us and there is no way to stop them. It's not fair that they don't have to pay taxes yet if they have a child born here it's automatically a US citizen. It's sad to think in someway that they are favored. I strongly believe that they needed to be treated and have to pay what we have to pay. If they want to come here so bad and make a living for themselves then become a legal citizen and respect that we have our own language. Thats the other thing that makes me mad, I shouldn't have to press 2 for spanish. English is our language we shouldnt have to change it because we have too many immigrants. This problem will only get worse if we don't soon take care of it.
ReplyDeleteRebekah Knipe
PSCI 100.04
Personally I do think it’s fine to enforce border control, the United States has every right to but I think that while enforcement is taking place at the borders it should also control the companies and what not from hiring illegal immigrants for cheap labor. People hiring for cheap labor goes against the tightening of border control and arugment of deporting illegal immigrants while still supporting them. I think that immigration is a good thing, the American nation is based on immigrants but to maintain an equal society. If money businesses, workers, and goods and services were able to move freely between Canada, Mexico and the US I think it’d benefit all three of those countries a lot and it’d make the economy stronger as well.
ReplyDeleteSofia Khan
PSCI 100.05
I definitely think immigration is a big deal in the United States. It is a very hypocritical situation. I mean on one hand we love to have our everyday low prices at walmart, but one the other hand, we need to kick those immigrants out of our country. I think we should keep the immigrants in our country and make them legalized citizens via amnesty. It's a very big situation, this immigration issue, and it can't be solved in one night.
ReplyDeleteRoss Tamaccio 100.03
even though some people disagree with letting immigrants come into this country, these people would not be here if it weren't for immigration. yes the drug trade and other types of smuggling are a problem, both of which are very much related to immigration but it is not right to block all immigrants from coming in. what it calls for is the use of better laws against drugs and deportation to the rightful country even with "green card" in hand. Not all need to be gone because some of them are actually productive members of our societies.
ReplyDeleteErik Peat 100.03
Sam Beatty 100.4
ReplyDeleteI believe that a combination of both approaches to immigration should be taken. I believe many of the immigrants that have jobs now should be able to keep their jobs and become citizens. Or maybe if they have worked 5 years in America then they should be able to become Americans if they pay their taxes and have not gotten into any legal trouble. Now I do believe that right now the borders should be very strictly watched. If many more illegal immigrants are allowed into the country then the unemployment of uneducated and unskilled Americans will go up again because the immigrants will take less money. If all the immigrants are kicked out of the country then the prices of simple goods will go up because we will have to pay Aemerican workers more. So it is a toss up and I believe that not all immigrants need to be out of the country, but the borders do need to be a bit more secure so it is not overpopulated.
Sam Beatty 100.4
Although, the illegal immigration problem is not very good, I feel many people just complain way too much about it. Without the illegal immigrates all citizens would be greatly affected by not having immigrates to do all the work like farming and building houses. I think I anyone complains so much about them working companies should get punished for hiring them too. If there were fewer cheaper good American wood buy less food, which would hurt the economy.
ReplyDeleteWayne Fleming 100.4
This may be slightly off topic but personally, I don't think the war on immigration should be the hot button issue that we've made it in to today. The "borders" that we spend millions of dollars each year to protect and enforce are unnatural man-made structures to keep other men out of certain areas that aren't naturally separated. Of course, at this point in time the idea of "borders" has come much too far to be debated on but it is a sobering fact. The idea of Mexicans, Americans, Canadians and any other country's citizens didn't exist at one point. As long as you could protect yourself you were free to go anywhere you wanted. Who is to say that a "Mexican" shouldn't be allowed in America or vice versa. It is all "land" and if you're feet can take you there I believe you should be able to go.
ReplyDeleteThe hostility that extreme border control creates between countries is also taking a very negative toll on the global economy. Mexican citizens are greeted with hatred and dislike so rather than staying in America with their families they feel unsafe and unwelcome and only come here to make money and transfer that money back to their families in their home countries.
Honestly, I am not sure what the best course of action is towards dealing with the illegal and legal immigrant issue but greeting immigrants with hostility is the wrong thing to do. Tension between borders causes trouble that neither country should need to deal with.
Sheridan Webb
PSCI 100.05
As far as this arguement goes, i feel we as a nation should make it easier for those that want to become immigrants to achieve citizenship. This country started off as a nation made up of immigrants and has since had a large population constantly immigrating to recieve the unrepressed lifestyle that was the basis of this country in the first place. I feel our boarders should be kept under control, but I feel it should be easier to maintain citizenship which would lessen the appeal of crossing over illegaly. As far as the job market goes, I feel it would be hypocritical to punish businesses that hire illegal immigrants for less pay when a larger part of the job decline in this country is due to companies sending jobs overseas for the same reason. Yes this issue needs to be addressed, but I feel if citizenship was easier to achieve then we wouldn't have such a big problem in the form of illegal immigrants.
ReplyDeleteMiranda Beahm
PSCI 100.05
Although the situation is difficult, I believe that there should not be illegal immigrants at all. If immigrants what to come to the US then citizenship should become easier to achieve. I don't think the answer is to just focus on American's economy or industries, but most Americans complain about illegal immigrants. I don't think American opinion should be put aside and to let illegal immigrants come and go as they please. I think if illegal immigrants were lessoned and more had citizenship, than Americans wouldn't be so critical. I think tt is not the matter of ethnicity, but other issues such as the lack of citizenship.
ReplyDeleteHannah Hime
PSCI 100.04
I believe that the low wage that the illegal immigrans work for, by manual labor could help stimulate the economy in the global trade maket much in the way it helps china. If we tightend up the immigration laws and deported everybody who is not a legal citizen, then the prices for food would go up, the cost of living would go up, and all of the jobs that the illegals do for low wage will then have to be done by better paid, American citizens. I understand that the illegals are getting away without having to pay any taxes, but maybe there could be another way to fix these problems rather than doing what Arizona and other states are doing. I don't have a solution of illegal immigration in America, but neither does the government. It will take time to come up with a good plan and much revision before the problem can be solved.
ReplyDeleteDillon Berger 100.4
I feel that if the US lossens then border for illegal immigrants, that if immigrants come to our country they become citizens and learn English. Not making it their primary language but learn it so they can use it in the work force. I think it would also stimulate the economy. However, I don't think immigrants should take America's oppourtunities for granted, if you come into America. You should become a ciitzen of one, so I and my family don't support you and yours.
ReplyDeleteCourtney Pepperling
100.04
I believe it is a difficult situation for me to take a side on. As an immigrant I understand how many of us are mistreated, no matter whether you are legal or illegal, in this country. With that being said, I do believe it's not fair for those who are legal in this country to have harder time trying to find a job because most of them are taken by illigal immigrants. I'm not just talking about hard labor, but retail jobs as well. So I think companies should be responsible for doing this, because I know some places that would pay at least minimum wage to Americans who haven't had any retail experience to start with. One of the solutions I have thought about is that maybe the us government could help immigrants with work visas for a certain period of time and maybe just get paid minimum wage so that maybe we could start controlling this situation.
ReplyDeleteThe u.s should focus on securing territorial borders from illegal immigrants. They need to be able to keep an eye on terrorists trying to get into our country. The illegal immigrants are taxing our nation financially. Middle class jobs are being lost due to the illegal immigrants. If we didn't have immigrants to do labor for a small amount prices would rise. The up side to not hiring immigrants would be that more American citizens would be employed at middle class wadges.
ReplyDeleteKristin Knotts 100.05
I do not believe there is correct answer to these questions. Who's to say one's opinion is better then another's? Immigration is not a new concept, our ansetors were immigrants and as discussed in class they were looked down on much like the "illegal immigrants" of this generation is. I think people should be more open minded and less ignorant before discriminating against a whole class of people; especially since the we are all pretty similar and those who are moving into the country are doing the labor jobs that many Americans are too good to do.
ReplyDeleteI am strongly against illegal immigrants. I feel that it is ok if they come into the United States being legal. If they are illegal they are taking our job opportunities and not getting any tax money taken out and the money that im working for could be going toward them and i do not agree with that.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Himmighoefer
PSCI 100.05
I feel like no matter how hard we try to put up boarders or keep illegal immigration from happening, it will persist. People not living in the US will still think of a possible better life here by earing wages that could really help them in their countries. If we truly wanted to stop immigration it would have to start with the companies that hire them. If companies were punished for employing illegal immigrants, then they wouldn't want to try...even though it is cheap labor. It's always going to be a struggle between those who live here now and those who want to. I don't see a problem with immigration as long as everyone is willing to co-exist and speak the language of the country they are moving to.
ReplyDeleteKindra Bittle
PSCI 100.03
I think that maybe the immigrants could be beneficial in helping the US become competitors in the global market, but I think it's extremely important to focus on the disadvantages of a population boom from the incoming immigrants. I think it's very important to keep patrolling the borders and enforcing strict policies against immigration. The population of the US grows dramatically every year already. If it were easy for anyone to enter, it could have serious consequences on our country.
ReplyDeleteJessica Meyers
100.05