...In 2014 there were over 11 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S. They create about 4% of the U.S. population. The number has stabled in the last few years. Half of the unauthorized immigrant population is from Mexico. The number of Mexicans coming to the U.S. has been declining from 6 million in 2009 to about 5 million in 2014. Illegal immigrants makeup about 5% of the U.S. work force and in 2012 about 8 million of the group were either working or searching for jobs. Also in 2012, 7% students from the grades kinder to 12th had at least one illegal parent. A few reasons why illegals shouldn’t be given citizenship is because it will encourage more people to come to the U.S. without permission. The population could increase dramatically...
Words: 581 - Pages: 3
...grew up with and having to adapt to America. Built out of curiosity, Telleria set her challenges by going the extra mile and earning her PhD in mechanical engineering. She is now a successful cofounder of Canvas. Her story influenced the American Dream and many other immigrant individuals can use their own various aspects of themselves to achieve the same purpose as Maria. Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants? There have been countless illegal immigrants who have been treated as an exception to America, and I believe that they should be at the same level as others, and be able to obtain their citizenship. Many would be introduced to vote, receive social security, allow other family members to cross the border, and commit a crime without getting deported. Not only will they gain government benefits, but they will meet their dreams in the U.S....
Words: 493 - Pages: 2
...recent years, illegal immigration has been the topic of public discourse (Wucker, 2007). The public discourse is mainly due to the sensitivity of the issue of illegal immigration and the burden attributable to the resulting population explosion is placing on the governments and citizens as well as legal residents of states and counties in the United States (Martin, 2008). The recent enforcement of U. S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. DHS) laws, which started in 2006, is working (Camarota & Jensenius, 2008) but the enforcement is not reducing illegal immigration, especially on the United States’ Southern border (Ewing, 2008). Baker et al, in a U. S. Department of Homeland Security report show, from 2006 to 2007 the illegal immigrant population increased by 4% (Baker, Hoefer, & Rytina, 2008). Illegal immigrant population is declining because of border enforcement of immigration laws (Camarota & Jensenius, 2008). The loss of jobs due to economic downturn in the country can also account for declining illegal immigrant population (Grayson, 2008). Despite the declining population of illegal immigrants due to enforcement, illegal immigration is still a challenge (Ewing, 2008). The persistence of illegal immigration on the border implies that the countermeasures in use in fighting illegal immigration on the borders appear to need revisions (Ewing, 2008). Statement of the Research Problem Statement of the Problem According to a report by US DHS on estimates of illegal immigrants...
Words: 4165 - Pages: 17
...Time for a Change With over 12 million illegal immigrants in this country, most Americans can agree that our immigration system is definitely broken. The problem is that we cannot agree on how this system should be fixed. On April 23, 2010, the Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, decided that she would attempt a solution to the problem. She signed into law one of the nation’s toughest bills focused on illegal immigration in her state. This law re-ignited the immigration debate all across the United States and brought out many protestors from both sides. Some of the issues at hand are amnesty, healthcare costs, and the increasing crime that illegal immigrants bring into our country. To begin with, does amnesty encourage illegal immigration? Secondly, what does it do to our already fragile health care system? Thirdly, what kinds of crimes are being committed by some illegal immigrants? In my opinion we need to do whatever we can to secure our borders and only allow those who come in legally into our country. Amnesty, in the case of illegal immigrants, is to grant legal status to those who have entered our country illegally. It forgives the fact that they have entered the country illegally, and forgives other illegal acts such as driving and working using false documents. In 1986 under President Ronald Reagan, our country granted what was supposed to be a “one time only” amnesty for approximately 2.7 million illegal aliens. At that time, Congress also enacted a new set of...
Words: 2133 - Pages: 9
...to the land of the free in an attempt to obtain a lifestyle based upon the United States’ concept of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” With more and more people entering the country, the United States quickly evolved into the ultimate melting pot that welcomed any and all who desired to become a part of it. As time has passed and millions of immigrants have ventured to the country, the United States still maintains a welcoming attitude towards new immigrants. However, with such a vast amount of foreigners who desire access into the country, entry into the United States has become much more complex since the days of Ellis Island. As a result, this new century has given rise to another kind of immigrant: the illegal immigrant. Desperate to become a part of the booming American culture, thousands upon thousands immigrants have begun to enter the United States illegally. Ignoring the laws set forth by the American government, these immigrants enter the country and unnoticeably assimilate themselves into the culture of the United States. With the influence of several factors such as large borders and unruly citizens who refuse to uphold the law, the government essentially allows these individuals to enter the country and actually cause some major damage. Ultimately, as the United States’ government is unable to fully enforce the...
Words: 2739 - Pages: 11
...Illegal Immigration and California COM 220 Illegal Immigration and California Everyone has an opinion on the immigration crisis gripping the nation. From border security restructuring to a complete overhaul of the system, anyone in this country has an idea to handle the ordeal. In preparing for this paper, this author spoke to family and friends for their opinions. One relative suggested the United States ratify Mexico as the 51st State, leaving the seated president in power as governor, turning each state into a county with the respective governors retitled as mayors. The working theory holds that the United States could then intervene and lend aid to the more impoverished areas of the newly formed state. Resulting from this, illegal Mexican immigration becomes a nonissue, Mexican citizens see improved living conditions within a few short years, and the United States gains a large tax-paying citizenship. Admittedly, without benefit of research or a visit to the country, this family member’s theory consists of stereotype and over-generalization. Even so, it illustrates the point. With unemployment rates soaring, and the economy in a tailspin, many blame illegal immigration for current turmoil, and many theories abound. California If considered as an independent nation, California would rank among the world’s 10 largest economies (Hutchinson Encyclopedia, California, 2009). From rural to metropolis; from dry desert to lush forest to sand beaches; from unemployed...
Words: 2810 - Pages: 12
...Erick M Hudtwalcker Illegal Immigration English 102- Katema Lee Due Date: 04/14/08 Illegal Immigration The United States of America is a country made up of millions of people. Its society has many different cultures and religions. These blends of diversity make up America. The United State’s way of life is based on how people’s ancestors grew up and by the different traditions passed down from generation to generation. America is unique from most other countries in that she was founded by immigrants from numerous other countries. From Plymouth Rock in the seventeenth century to Ellis Island in the twentieth, people from every where came to America some were fleeing religious persecution and political chaos. Most of them came for economic reasons and were part of extensive migratory systems that responded to changing demands in labor markets; others, came here by choice and all eventually were integrated into the “American society” to become a homogenous people. These immigrants had a vision, work ethic, values, fortitude, imagination, and pioneering spirit which enabled her to become the greatest nation on earth. While it took longer for some than others, they and their descendents ultimately became "One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all." Many, but not all, modern immigrants to the United States are not much different. However, unlike the distant past, immigration now consists of two components:...
Words: 4765 - Pages: 20
...Illegal Immigration Maricela Vega CJA 446 May 2013 With over 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally (as of 2011), the issue of illegal immigration continues to divide Americans. (ImmigrationProCon.org, 2013) Illegal immigration has become a major concern to the government in the U.S today. This was not a major concern until lately in the past twenty years. There has been an alarming increase of illegal immigrants in the U.S. A debate has arisen over the amount of action that has been exerted on the purposes. There are immigrants coming to America from all over the world today in search of the American dream. However, the greatest concern at this time is Mexico. Smuggling aliens has become more frequent every year. The smugglers are willing to go to great steps to smuggle people across and are escaping before they get caught. These smugglers are making hundreds and thousands of dollars to get these immigrants across the borders. Very few are actually caught and the illegal immigrants enter this country and disappear. Most of the illegal immigrants at this time are coming from Mexico, which means the bordering states are the major concern. When it comes to the topic of illegal immigrants or anytime the term “illegal immigrant” is brought up it is safe to say that many, or most Americans conjure up images of desperate migrants sneaking across the Mexican border. There is another side to America’s immigration problem, however, that most know very little about;...
Words: 2114 - Pages: 9
...Interactive Case Study – At the Border 1. The stakeholders and their interests: a) The federal, state and local government of both the countries have a stake in this issue as in case of illegal immigrants migrating to the country it would increase the economic burden on the government. Also, Illegal immigrants in USA would pose a threat to local citizen’s jobs, and may lead to increase in crime rates across the country. For example: In case of a robbery an illegal immigrant does not go to the police as that person would be deported back to his own country and such actions lead to increase in crime. Illegal immigration has severe effects on demographics and economy of a country. Therefore, these illegal immigrations effect the government of both the countries involved. b) Various law enforcement agencies work towards keeping their country safe by enforcing various laws. In case of illegal immigration, it becomes difficult to track the number of people coming into the country and doing various kinds of work without authorized permission. Consider a case of an accident where an illegal immigrant is involved, it becomes difficult to get the insurance settlement from the illegal immigrant responsible as they don’t show up in court due to the fear of deportation and lack of legal and necessary documents. c) The illegal immigrants have the highest stake in this case as they are migrating to a new country in search for jobs or better living conditions. dThe local...
Words: 300 - Pages: 2
...1/26/2015 Jennifer Rainville | Immigration Control Introduction Illegal immigration is a big problem in the United States. If you ask around where you live you will get so many different views and arguments. Realistically immigration has resulted in the laws having more illegal immigrants live and work here in the United States. I have read three different articles on the pros and cons of illegal immigration. Immigration is becoming a normal thing in the United States and it shouldn’t be. Summary In the article “Let Us Give Thanks to Our Immigrants” by Rupert Murdoch, he shows some evidence to support his agreeing with illegal immigration. He shows support on how they have contributed to the education in America. Whereas in the articles “The Winners in Immigration: Public Prisons,” by Aubrey Pringle, and “Republican Views on Immigration,” by RepublicanViews.org shows support on why immigration is not good for the United States. Murdoch shows that many of the high paying jobs in the United States are held by immigrants or children of immigrants. Whereas Pringle and RepublicanViews.org shows that our government is suffering because of all the illegal immigrants in our country. Argument Murdoch is pro-immigration. He has provided evidence to show why he supports immigration. He also was an immigrant himself and all his family was from Scotland. He does state though that these days it’s hard to talk about the benefits of immigration after 9/11, because many Americans...
Words: 1059 - Pages: 5
...Chapter 4 Case Study: Why Illegal Immigration Is an Intergovernmental Mess and Will Remain So 1. Why have state and local governments become more active in regulating illegal immigrants during recent years? Illegal immigration is a significant challenge/concern for state and local governments because it's not being well-regulated on the federal level. It's also not being well-regulated on an individual level; as the authors of the text pointed out, some businesses do elect to hire undocumented immigrants because they're willing to accept work for lower pay and fewer benefits. Subsequently, the ugly business of dealing with illegal immigration falls to the state/local governments. These governments have to figure out how to keep immigrants out, locate the ones that have already gotten in and take decisive action against them. This is a costly and time-consuming process. Since many state/local governments have adopted different stances on illegal immigration and the federal government has yet to create an official American policy, there is no cohesive solution to the problem. Immigrants who get caught in one state can simply flee to the next one, where that state/local government must expend more money and manpower to track them down and remove them from the state. Illegal immigrants drain time, money and resources that the state could be using for more important things. Immigration policy gaps exist because federal, state, and local policymakers disagree over both the...
Words: 553 - Pages: 3
...After Arizona passed a series of tough anti-immigration laws, Rob Knorr couldn’t find enough Mexican field hands to pick his jalapeño peppers. He sharply reduced his acreage and invested $2 million developing a machine to remove pepper stems. His goal was to cut the number of laborers he needed by 90% and to hire higher-paid U.S. machinists instead. “We used to have many migrant families. They aren’t coming back,” says Mr. Knorr, who owns RK Farms LLC, an hour’s drive from Phoenix. Few issues in the presidential campaign are more explosive than whether and how much to crack down on illegal immigration, which some Republican candidates in particular blame for America’s economic woes. Arizona is a test case of what happens to an economy when such migrants leave, and it illustrates the economic tensions fueling the immigration debate. Immigrants Push Down Wages for Low-Income Workers—But How Much? Economists of opposing political views agree the state’s economy took a hit when large numbers of illegal immigrants left for Mexico and other border states, following a broad crackdown. But they also say the reduced competition for low-skilled jobs was a boon for some native-born construction and agricultural workers who got jobs or raises, and that the departures also saved the state money on education and health care. Whether those gains are worth the economic pain is the crux of the debate. Gordon Hanson, a University of California at San Diego economist who has studied...
Words: 2246 - Pages: 9
...Senate Bill 1070 Support Our Law Enforcem ent and Safe Neighborhoods Act Abstract On April 23, 2010 Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed Senate Bill 1070 into law in order to resolve immigration problems in her state (McFayden, 2011). It is one of the toughest pieces of legislation in the nation. SB 1070 allows Arizona law enforcement to stop, detain, and arrest any undocumented immigrants if the officers have a “reasonable suspicion.” This law not only makes it a crime to be in the Arizona illegally, but also a crime to transport or hire someone for employment as well (McFayden, 2011). Judicial Watch (2011) pointed out that Arizona has a right to defend itself under the Constitution if the federal government fails to stop illegal immigrants from crossing its border. In addition, this article confirmed that the creating of SB 1070 complied with the relevant federal, state and local laws, the Arizona Constitution, and the U.S. Constitution. The SB 1070 complements the immigration law rather than usurping the federal jurisdiction. It protects the American citizens and the legal immigrants in Arizona through a legislation that is enforceable against the illegal immigrants, the employers who engage in hiring the illegal immigrants, and those who are involved in transporting the illegal immigrants. Arizona Senate Bill 1070 Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act Introduction On April 23, 2010 Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed Senate Bill 1070 into law...
Words: 1781 - Pages: 8
...felonies. People that are for illegal immigration believe that immigrants would help our economy due to the fact that they do not demand as much money from employers as citizens. Illegal immigrants have been taking jobs away from U.S. citizens. The immigrants believe that U.S. citizens don’t want some...
Words: 1042 - Pages: 5
... Mr. Martin Adv. 100 June 23, 2013 Illegal Immigration in America One of the most controversial political issues today is illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants is a serious problem that has to stop, because it is unfair to the people here in America. Illegal immigration is also unfair for the country that the immigrant left. It is public knowledge that the majority of the illegal immigrants in America come from Mexico. This is a problem that must me stopped as it hurts America’s economy and tax paying citizens. Illegal immigrants live off tax payers, take jobs and housing of hard working citizens, and leave there country of birth without skilled workers and help leave their own country into poverty. Legal American citizens pay taxes that help support welfare, health care, public schools and many other social services, many of which are taken advantage of by illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants do not have to pay as many taxes as citizens do, illegal immigrants don’t have to pay social security. This isn’t fair to Americans. I personally don’t care if people migrate here I just want them to have to pay taxes just like everyone else. Illegal immigrants need to abide by the same laws as Americans. If a child is born in America, even if the parents are illegal, the child is a American citizen, making this child a burden to the state to make sure the child receives adequate care. So...
Words: 1843 - Pages: 8
