A large percentage of American citizens have the “kick them out and keep them out” opinion when it comes to illegal immigrants. The thing that these people do not realize is that these immigrants can actually help our economy instead of hurting it, as they are so widely publicized to do. Also, keeping these people out is being very inhumane to them. There are countless reasons why it would be beneficial to all if the immigration laws were relaxed and these immigrants were given a fair chance. Some of these reasons include:
1. The average age of American citizens is rapidly growing. Between improving healthcare for the elderly, and a lower number of children per family, the number of working age citizens is on the decline. If this number decreases too low, our country will be unable to provide for the elderly and children who are unable to work. Allowing more immigrants to cross the border and work on American soil can help to balance out this problem and lessen the stress on American workers.
2. Another number on the decline is the number of people farming in America. As our society becomes more technologically advanced, and as cities grow larger, more and more farmers are leaving the profession. On top of this, the farmers that do stay in business find less people willing to work in their fields. Illegal immigrants are the only thing keeping many of these farmers from going out of business. Also, illegal immigrants help keep our food prices low. Illegal immigrants are very often willing to work at lower salaries than American workers, therefore allowing the farmer to sell his goods at a lower cost.
3. One of the largest complaints about illegal immigration is that these immigrants take jobs from American citizens. While in some cases this may be true, these immigrants usually fill positions that American workers do not want. While this may sound like a very large generalization, it is true. Many farmers and contractors cannot afford to pay out the wages that American workers demand; therefore American workers do not show interest in the position. By immigrants filling these positions, the immigrants are raising the wages that are paid to American citizens. Illegal immigrants are generally hired as low skilled laborers to avoid companies that require legal residency. This opens up the more skilled positions to the current residents; therefore, earning them a greater pay rate.
4. It is often said that illegal immigrants are “stealing the American dream” from American citizens. To those who support this belief, I must ask if it is worth killing these people to avoid this from happening. This is exactly what is happening with added border patrol. Many key sites on the Mexico-United States border have added extra security to ensure that no illegal immigrants enter. Though this may have helped the problem, it is impossible to patrol the entire span of the border. This is leading these immigrants to crawl through the blistering heat of remote desert locations on the border for a chance at making it to America. Many immigrants have died simply trying to get to a place with a job. Have illegal immigrants caused enough harm to us for us to force this fate upon them?
5. My final reason that immigration laws should be relaxed is that the immigration problem is likely to work itself out. The high level of immigration is due to the poverty and unemployment rates in Mexico at this time. Mexico is a developing country. As the country develops, more jobs will open up, and fewer immigrants will be forced to enter the United States to find employment. Many immigrants will return to their home country to be with their family when they are certain to find employment.
These are simply a few reasons that immigration laws need to be relaxed. If it were easier for these immigrants to enter the United States, it would be very beneficial to them as well as our country. Immigrants are not a drain on the American economy, they are a necessity.
"Immigration Policy Issues." News Batch. July 2007. 14 Nov 2007
Simon, Julian. "IMMIGRATION." 11 Dec 1995. Cato Institute. 14 Nov 2007
2 comments:
These reasons do not provide enough evidence to prove that immigrants should be easily allowed into America.
1. The average age of American citizens may be growing, but because American’s are living longer, they are also able to work longer. If there is a surplus of available jobs in America, then why are there unimaginable numbers of homeless people on American Streets? By allowing a surplus of immigrants on to American soil, they are likely to throw off the balance and even more people would be living on the streets.
2. Our society is becoming more technologically advanced, but that does not mean that farming is declining. People are willing to pay prime dollar for fresh produce. An increase in technology does not mean a decrease in eating. Yes, immigrants may work for a smaller salary, but doesn’t that just aid to the poverty levels of America when they can find a job, but then they still cannot support their families?
3. So now, instead of helping immigrants by allowing them entrance into America, we are not only helping them, but taking advantage of them as well? If these immigrants are allowed American Citizenship, then they are considered Americans. It is their choice of what job they want to take, but they usually do not have any other choice than cheap farming labor. I am sure that they probably want something better, but with their backgrounds, they cannot be hired by the better companies.
4. It is not a matter of what they have done to us; it is a matter of protecting America’s future. Immigration must be controlled like everything else. Take every-day pollution for example. We are realizing how much of an impact our pollution is becoming on Earth, so we enforce laws to decrease further harm. Too many immigrants throw off the balance of working true citizens in America and therefore, they too should be controlled. We have yet to solve the problem of getting our own citizens off the streets, so why are we bringing in surpluses of more people?
5. Sure, Mexico is developing, but we cannot allow their “wanderers” into America where they could topple over our economy. We have our own country to look out for and we need to be positive that our country can support itself, before and after allowing immigrants in.
You two did a good job of starting the "conversation." The next step is to mediate the issue. You have both addressed the good reasons to support your side of the issue as well as addressed the basics of why you can't accept the other side's position. Now you need to start thinking about where the issue can go. What can be compromised? Will compromise be enough to solve this problem?
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