By Jessica Davis
Illegal immigration is a topic that has pervaded many areas of discussion in the past decade. It has become a platform for many political campaigns, an economic factor for our country and a cultural adjustment for many Americans. Supporters of illegal immigration argue that America is neglecting its tradition of being a melting pot that encourages immigration and cultural diversity. However, I strongly feel that this erroneous statement distorts the idea of the tradition of diversity in America to support a one sided view. I am the daughter and product of a first generation Jamaican-American family that immigrated into this country 50 years ago, so being culturally accepting is not a challenge to me. However, to see the country that I love become saturated with illegal immigrants causing economic and social despair, and be disregarded by politicians as a “too far gone” issue is revolting and should in no way be acceptable.
Many supporters claim that there are many benefits to securing illegal immigrant rights that allow them to remain in the country. However, I must plead to attest to the substantial negative effects of illegal aliens. Supporters argue that illegal workers are occupants of “menial”, low paying jobs that natural born Americans “won’t work.” However, with the unemployment rate at 9.8% (Sept. 2009) I’m sure Americans struggling to feed their families and keep their homes would be willing to work these jobs….IF they were available. Also, these jobs that were once available as part time jobs for teens and the elderly are now consumed with under the table workers. Another fact is that because these jobs are being replaced by undocumented workers who do not have tax pulled from their paychecks, our government (which is already in an economic crisis) is losing even more money causing a reduction in money for education, health care and social programs. The aforementioned services are all offered to illegal immigrants at little or no cost to the immigrant. So where does this money come from? I’ll tell you! YOUR pocket! The money that you earned working a part time or summer job is being used to pay for illegal immigrants to fed, educated and medically cared for on a daily basis. So now the fact remains that illegal aliens are benefiting from an economy to which they have contributed nothing. The last argument I will make (but definitely not the last argument on the topic) is the fact that because the U.S. is not properly monitoring who enters the country, we are being invaded with people who in their country of origin had committed acts of violence and are criminals fleeing persecution. Why should our country be polluted with people who have attitudes of lawlessness and couldn’t fathom the idea of a legal system if their life depended on it? With horrible violence related directly to drug cartels and illegal criminals at an unbelievable high, why isn’t now the time to crackdown on naturalization laws?
There are reasons that the process to becoming a naturalized citizen is both extensive and encompasses various costs. These requirements ensure that those who desire to be American citizens truly WANT to bear allegiance to this country. It makes sure that economically our country is not hurt by an influx of immigrants and it reemphasizes the idea of lawfulness that our country once was prided. If illegal immigration is brushed off and ignored what will be the motivation for legal immigration and the observance of the very necessary naturalization process? If illegal immigration is able to continue without consequence or penalty, this occurrence will have a horrific snowball effect that could lead to the downfall of lawful structure our country observes. Is this really what America wants?
7 comments:
This was a great topic due to the fact that immigration has been a hot debate for many decades. Being that New York and California are among the top 3 states for the highest number of residing immigrants, it is clear that immigration is an important component for population growth as well as diversity amongst communities. However, when immigrants fail to abide by the law in the proper way, that is when things start to get controversial. Many people feel that tougher immigration policies should be in place in order to get a hold of illegal immigrants and deport them, and I completely agree with this idea. Yes, immigrants are still normal people dealing with the many challenges that typical Americans may face, but they voluntarily work under the table to avoid paying taxes, and take away easily accessible jobs to the rest of the citizens in America. With the increasing employment rate that is currently taking place, there needs to be more drastic measures put into place in order to get a hold of immigrants residing in this country with improper documents. It is known that immigrants come to America to better their lives, make money and send money back to their countries, but they are not loyal and most of the time are not products who bear allegiance to America. More effective immigration policies must be in tact in order to prevent more immigrants from living in America illegally and consequences of having invalid documents needs to be put in place.
I think that there should be stricter laws on immigration. Although immigration was how America was founded, it has completely changed America today. There are instances where families don't speak English and illegal immigrants don't pay taxes. There should be stricter border control, and laws to regulate the immigrants in America now. To be honest I am torn on this issue. As much as I want illegal immigration not to occur, I am real close to a woman who married an illegal man. He lives under a fake name and has been able to provide for their family well. If he was not to be there or had to be deported, I don't know how the family will survive.
shanika simmons
This was a really good topic, I know that it is quite controversial, but I have to agree with Jessica. Illegal immigrants cost the country too much money. I feel that it is not fair that illegal immigrants are able to use and abuse our health system and then American citizens have to pay for it. Illegal Immigrants also anger legal immigrants who have come into this country legally and through a process. I understand that America seems like the place to be, but unfortunately when illegal immigration becomes so extensive, then we will not be the "place to be" anymore.
-Nia Newton
This was an interesting and great argument especially because immigration is of great concern in the United States right now. You make great points about undocumented workers and the jobs that they are now occupying especially with the country's high unemployment rate. I feel that the points you make are something that the President, Congress, and American citizens will have to take a serious look at in determining what should be done about immigration and undocumented workers.
-Ashley R. Jones
I personally agree with the author. I too feel like the government needs to take a stand on who is actually entering this country. If no action is taken the country will continually be negatively affected. Throughout the reading the author brought up good points and supporting evidence on how this is a devastating issue for the United States. Within the next couple of years, the government has to take a stand and do something before it is too late.
-Courtney Warren
I agree with you and the points you made throughout your argument. Why do we as “true” American citizens have to pay for these individuals to reside here illegally? America is already over populated and it does not need to add to the situation. I don’t mind immigration in fact I am a firm supporter of it, but only if it is legal. We should not pay taxes for those who did nothing more than find a scheme and/or plot to sneak across the border. As a country we must address the situation now before it grows out of hand.
I agree with you on this topic. I think that the recession and the current economic crisis should make Americans feel stronger about creating stricter immigration laws. Many Americans are losing their jobs and are unemployed, and I'm sure they would be willing to take an "undesirable" position in order to feed their families. Further, I believe that our taxes should be benefiting us. I think that it is only right for people to go about citizenship in the right way instead of exploiting our government and the people who live here lawfully. I think it may cost even more money if we deport illegal immigrants. Instead, I think we should locate them and make it more difficult for them to stay and live daily without proper documentation. We can only be a functioning melting pot, a cohesive group of people living together in the United States, if foreigners legally foster multiculturalism.
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