Currently, it is estimated that more than twelve million illegal/undocumented immigrants from Mexico live in the United States. At the same time, the 2010 Census confirmed that Hispanic Americans are the largest and fastest growing minority population in the United States, not including the twelve million undocumented Mexican immigrants.
One can hardly watch the news, read a newspaper, or drive down a street where yard work is occurring and not be faced with a fleeting or deep thought about two separate, but very related and important questions: "What should the United States do with the twelve million illegal immigrants already here, working, and having families?" And, "What policies, measures, or actions should be taken to secure the border between Mexico and the United States to stop the influx of people coming into the country illegally?"
One also needs not to go very far (whether around the family dining table, in the break room at work, a pub, or the student union) to realize it is a very emotionally-charged and divisive topic. There are strong, often irrational, opinions about many aspects of the issue. Unfortunately, current or aspiring political leaders at the local, state, and national level espouse many of the divisive and emotionally-charged opinions.
Historically, immigration policy has been established at the federal level, and implemented at the state and local level. It is fitting that an equitable and constitutionally correct policy for immigration reform must also occur at the federal level.
This seems to be the common expectation and the Republican candidates for President who are vying for the 2012 party nomination are expressing their views at every debate. Unfortunately, the candidates' positions seem to be determined or change based upon the audience to whom they are speaking. On the issue of the best way of stopping Mexicans from crossing our borders illegally, we have heard everything from erecting electrically charged fencing to increasing the presence of the National Guard or some other policing force, or a combination of fencing and "boots on the ground."
As far as the issue of the best way to handle the twelve million illegal immigrants already here and raising families, the proposed solution is non-existent or at best unclear. The closest proposed policy is to issue some form of amnesty — where citizenship would be extended based on past conduct/contributions and some kind of penalty payment structure. But there doesn't seem to be a well-thought-out policy on which candidates and the public can debate and arrive at some reasonable and practical solution.
There are a few things that seem indisputable: 1) It is unrealistic to think that you can round up and send twelve million people back to Mexico; 2) It seems illegal, immoral, and irresponsible to continue to deny the offspring of illegal immigrants, who are born in this country and legal citizens, the rights that go along with that citizenship: The right to get a quality education beyond the secondary level, and the right to get the best job for which they are qualified.
That is what passage of the Dream Act is all about — allowing the children of illegal immigrants born, reared, and educated here to have the same opportunity to go to college and get a better job as other American Children. Legislation similar to the Dream Act has been adopted by 11 states, but continues to fail at the federal level, in the United States Congress.
Given the size and importance of the components of the current immigration issue, do you think it should be a major part of the platform of candidates vying to become President of the United States in 2012?
If you were sending the people who are vying to become your Congressman, your Senator, your President your thoughts about these issues, what solutions would you propose to address the immigrants who already live here? And, what measures do you think should be taken to secure our borders between Mexico and the United States?
What do you think?
Comments
Immigration.
Immigration is a difficult issue to tackle. With many different views on how to handle immigration looking at it as easily solved issue is basically impossible. In the article it asked if the immigration issue should be one that Politicians address and try to Solve. In looking at the issue at hand I believe that you have to look at it as something that they need to address because there are 12 million illegal immigrants in the states right now. So their opinion on the subject should be looked at because that opinion will affect the country. As far the sons and daughters of these illegal citizens they should be given the opportunity to work for a better life for themselves and get an education and have the chance to get jobs like everyone else in the U.S. They should have this chance because they are citizens of the United States also. Immigration is still a deep problem in society today and change isn’t going to happen over night, but hopefully throughout these coming years we will see the change that is needed.
Immigration
In recent years, the subject of illegal immigration has become a topic of hot debate in most political arenas. There are twelve million people already living illegally, there are children of those illegal immigrants who are technically legal citizens and who have been raised here, and there are also many more who will attempt to immigrate illegally in the future. Those already here ought not be deported in mass. This goes beyond simply fulfilling what the law requires into what morality requires. These people's lives are built around being members of our society, and they contribute to it as such. The naturalization process ought to be made easier and more accessible to these people. If they are not scared that they will be deported for admitting they are illegal, the process of naturalization would become more humane and more prominent than illegal immigration. The children of these people are citizens and deserve to be treated as such. Therefore, the Dream Act should be passed to ensure that these children are receiving the same benefits of citizenship that every other citizen enjoys. For the future, an isolating border wall simply perpetuates the belief that America is selfish and unconcerned. This country was founded on illegal immigration, and the Statue of Liberty requests that those in need seek refuge on our shores. I do not know exact ramifications regarding the solution to the issue. But I do believe that the legal immigration process must be made more accessible and that those who immigrate illegally must not be treated as anything less than human.
quality of life
My thoughts on this seem to be filled with impossible wishes. I think if we really want this problem to improve then the quality of life in Mexico needs to be improved. Immigrants come here in search of jobs and a means of providing for their families. Who are we to deny them this right; after all we are a country built on immigration. I know that the problem then becomes over population of areas. This leads me back to wanting to improve condition in Mexico this way the desire of America will fade. There will be more room to spread out while still being able to provide for one’s family and
opportunity follow one's dreams.
I think the dream act is a great thing because children should not be denied education for factors beyond their control. None of us get to choose where we happen to be born. We should be given the opportunity to learn. But then again the problem becomes a brain drain the children that are educated will use their skills hear instead of helping out their country of origin.
I know my goals seem unreasonable and will most likely lead the us to more harm than good whenever you try to change an area there is always resistance and having a war when the countries are so close could be traumatic. However I still dream of being able to help others by improving their lives where they are already.
Something has to give
I appreciated your comments about improving conditions in Mexico. Though there are a variety of reasons people immigrant to the U.S., poor living conditions are a key factor. The problem is that improving conditions may mean losing the cheap labor that makes so many goods and services easier to afford. Unfortunately, most people want to improve conditions in impoverished nations without giving anything up.
I agree that the Dream Act sounds like an all-around benefit. The cost of education and basic care is far offset by the revenue in sales and income tax that a person can contribute. It makes me think of the problem of homelessness. There are great difficulties in getting the funds together to provide care and assistance getting their lives back together, but the contribution made to society are still significant. This doesn’t even include access to the military or education.
Immigration
I agree that the quality of life in Mexico would help with the immigration problem in the US. If the living conditions in Mexico were not so bad than they would not be risking their lives getting here. I also agree that education of the children born here is a great idea, giving these children the opportunities needed to to make a better life for themselves and their families.
The issue of immigration and
The issue of immigration and what to do about the 12 million who live, work, and raise children in the U.S. illegally is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed by presidential candidates. As mentioned in the article, this issue is very divisive and creates mental, emotional, and physical gaps between Americans everyday. If an individual plans to lead the entire United States as presidential candidates do, they must be able to recognize the issues that are dividing our country and address this in an open and upfront manner. While this is not the trend that we typically see with presidential races, candidates, and the elected, it is imperative that we as American citizens not lose sight of our idealistic goals and dreams. This statement does apply to the current immigration debate, as well as many other facets of American life.
I would suggest that first of all, the 12 million people who are in the U.S. illegally must be seen as people. They, just like every legal American citizen, simply want what is best for themselves and their families. If we keep this in mind while creating and enacting policy changes and reforms, no one will be 'left behind'. America must realize and understand exactly how much we benefit from the work done by illegals in the country and also the role played by America in the destruction of living standards in Mexico. Children born in America must be given access to the same resources the 'typical' American citizen is, and in order for this to happen, the parents of these children must be treated with respect. The fear of deportation must be removed from this situation in order to make any progress. I do not claim to know exactly what needs to be done to address this situation, but I do know respect for and from all parties involved is necessary.
Isn't going to happen overnight
I believe you have pointed out the problem by stating the the change needed is not going to happen overnight. The problem is that overnight change is exactly what Americans have come to value and expect. Any sort of long term 'fix' to the issue would most likely frustrate and annoy people on both sides of this debate. We as an entire society must learn and understand that change happens slowly and cautiously, then I believe change can actually begin.
Immigration Reform 2012 Elelction
I do not think the issue of immigration should be a major issue for the presidential candidates. The issue of Mexican immigration, in my opinion, seems to be an issue of racism. When the issue of illegal immigration arises the issue of the growing number of Mexican Americans also arises. Why should it matter that the number of Mexican Americans is increasing if this is not an issue of racism? Most Mexican immigrants are not coming to the united states with ill intent. It seems their goal in immigrating to the United states is the same as immigrants throughout history, to have a better life. I think we should grant citizenship to the twelve million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Most are already productive members of society. They should not have to live in fear of losing their jobs, lives, families, or being deported. They will no longer be illegal and will contribute to society paying taxes, which seems to be the biggest complaint made by those against immigration. As for future immigration, maybe we need to focus less on keeping people out of our country and more on helping the Mexican government improve quality of life in Mexico.
What to do what to do what to do.
Honestly? I have no idea what to do with this situation. It's messy because it's a very grey area that morality does not give much clarity to. I believe illegal immigrants come to america for the same reasons that people came to it in the very beginning-a chance to do something with their lives that they wouldn't have without this freedom. I think to cut people off from that opportunity would go against what the United States has so clearly stated and sold to its people.
However, I know it's not that simple and because it affects worlds i never know. it's difficult to fully support any stance Maybe I'm a coward, but I think resisting illegal immigration does not stop it, so perhaps we can peacefully systemize the illegal-legal process & at least maximize each person's potential here today.
Target Group
There are several issues I have with the current debates on immigration. The focus is almost entirely on Mexican immigrants who cross the border illegally. In fact, a significant portion of those in the U.S. illegally entered legally but overstayed. Also, there are quite a few immigrants from other countries as well. The Mexican immigrant is, however, the target of choice for political campaigns. I have to be honest, I think there is only so much that can be done about immigration without building a giant wall around the U.S. I hear comments all the time that Mexicans don’t have trouble getting jobs and “They took our jobs,” but these aren’t accurate or helpful. Since when does a job belong to anyone? There are a limited number of jobs that a person without adequate documentation can get and I don’t know that people are lined up around the block for those. It seems to make people feel better to have a scapegoat to blame economic problems on and I think immigration helps to provide that scapegoat. I think the Dream Act is an excellent piece of legislation, but it concerns me that some politicians may only agree to extended stays on the basis of contributions and conduct. There’s too much ambiguity to attempt to base citizenship on this type of standard (and it goes without saying that people who already have their citizenship aren’t held to those standards either). It’s easier to say what I would disprove of than what I would approve of. I wholeheartedly disagree with some of the laws we’ve seen in recent years, such as carding anyone who the authorities think looks like a possible illegal. It’s not easy to make a solution, but I think that trying to install electric fences and extra guards at the U.S./Mexico border targets only a specific group entering by a specific method rather than addressing immigration concerns in general.
equality
As someone whose great great grandparents were immigrant farmers as well, who am I to say that children of immigrants have less rights than me? Technically, if you are born on the U.S. soil, you are a citizen. Many of these children belong to hard working immigrant parents. From a government standpoint, I would rather the illegal parents be coming to our "land of opportunity" to work, and make money, than the many United States CITIZENS that do not work, and feed off of the welfare system. I would rather assist those that HELP THEMSELVES than those that want everything handed to them. In my opinion, I beleive that this country should not be about whether or not you "belong" here, but whether you are willing to do what it takes to "earn your keep," if you will.
Immigration
Seeing that there is already 12 million illegal immigrants in the country, I don't think that there is a specific solution that will end the problem. When thinking about the presidential election I don't think that any of the new presidents will actually put an end to illegal immigration. I believe that people like to hear the different ways the candidates come up with solutions to get a feel for their intelligence and reasoning. Having illegal immigrants does not bother me or does it really cripple the nation if they come to work and act as a civilian. It's the ones that come over and take advantage of the welfare system that get under my skin. Take away all illegals and businesses lose the benefit of cheap labor which make other things easier to afford.
I do believe that this is an
I do believe that this is an issue that needs to be addressed by the candidates. The people need an idea as to what they stand for in order to vote. The incoming President needs to make immigration part of their agenda. Illegal immigrants coming to America and starting lives here need to become citizens so that the government may be able to serve the people more justly. I believe that by forcing all illegal immigrants to become citizens is one way to end the problem. If the immigrant does not wish to comply, then they should not be able to stay in this country. America's laws are only here to protect it's citizens and not the illegals.
I agree with you, because if
I agree with you, because if they just become citizens, we can deal with their issues. Because right now, being under the radar, their problems can't be served. Finding and deporting illegal immigrants isn't logical. That will only cost the government more money than we can afford. And that is not just what the United States stands for.
For the DREAM Act
The issue of illegal immigration is a tough one because it can often lead to reducing people to outsiders and aliens rather than acknowledging their person-hood. Just as I did not choose to be born in the United States, so did they not choose to be born in Mexico. I become extremely frustrated when US citizens are seen to have intrinsically more value than a non-citizen living in our country.
However, that does not diminish the fact that there are rules and regulations, and illegal status, which eludes paying taxes, also can have significant barriers to advancing in this country. Parents come to this country illegally, not to make a great life for themselves, but to have legal children and hope that they can advance economically once they are grown.
I agree that it is unrealistic to round up all the illegal immigrants and ship them back to Mexico. I also become frustrated at the long process it takes to become a citizen in this country. It makes more sense to smuggle yourself in and have children here than to go through the long, expensive process it takes to become a citizen. I am reminded of the poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty and I am discouraged that it no longer holds any relevance in our country. It reads, "Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, / Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door." The enormous number of illegal immigrants in this country and the amount of conversation and legislation around the topic suggest that this is no longer our country's montage. Rather we have minimized ourselves to a selfish people, wanting to keep these resources to only those born here, while making it difficult for foreigners to earn their way here. Our businesses exploit the vulnerable, weak, and poor. This I am not proud of, and if legislation such as the DREAM Act is a step towards giving others a chance to make a way for themselves, I am in support.
Get Up and Fix It
I do think that there should be some platform on this issue for those who want to be president because it is such an issue and people are concerned about it. There are a lot of opinions and thoughts concerning this so someone needs to give some direction. In my opinion there needs to be some sort of program set up so that they can begin to contribute to the society they are choosing to live in, if they want to be here so bad they need to work for it and im not talking about manual labor. They need to give reason and their citizenship needs to mean something to them like it does for us. On border control I simply believe that what we do have needs to be perfected and enforced. I also think that we need to go and help make Mexico a desirable place to live, we need to become partners and help them make their country good and desirable to live in.
Immigration
Illegal immigration has become an extremely sensitive subject in our nation. There are many opinions on both sides of the coin. Some people believe they shouldn't be here, and should be sent back, while others think that to be impossible. I think that the 12 million already illegal immigrants in our nation should be allowed amnesty. They are already here, and their families should not be punished for a decision that was made in the past. As for limiting immigration, I am not a firm believer in it. I understand the issues with people believing that they are taking American jobs, but the more people that are here, the more jobs are required. If we are to be called a Christian nation, not allowing people in stands against that. All should be welcome, whether they are escaping something awful, or just looking for something else. We should be a welcoming country.
Uneducated Opinion
The issues with immigration should be looked at from all angles. Politicians should make regular American citizens more aware of the fact instead of just imposing their personal beliefs on the public concerning this sensitive subject. The fact is immigrants have a lower crime rates as the American citizens. Also who are we to deny the right to freedom to people who are looking for a place to raise their children in peace and risking their lives to provide a better life for their families. The issue at hand needs revised regulations to make becoming a legal citizen easier. Majority if not all immigrants are very hard workers and are not looking for handouts. We need to makes steps in this area to live up to the values we claim to have in our country.
Immigration
Immigration is a touchy subject both in everyday conversation and also in politics. Since there are already so many illegal immigrants living in the U.S. I do not think that we should allow any others into the country. While my heart feels for the people who want to come to America in order to make a better life, but they are also inhibiting those Americans who are also struggling by taking their jobs. We as Americans need to take care of our own people before we try to reach out to others. I can only hope that their lives may get better.
Immigration
Immigration is a touchy subject both in everyday conversation and also in politics. Since there are already so many illegal immigrants living in the U.S. I do not think that we should allow any others into the country. While my heart feels for the people who want to come to America in order to make a better life, but they are also inhibiting those Americans who are also struggling by taking their jobs. We as Americans need to take care of our own people before we try to reach out to others. I can only hope that their lives may get better.
I agree with you, there isn't
I agree with you, there isn't much we can do to the immigrants who are already here, but we need to find a way so that more can't come in. This isn't a race issue, it is an issue of jobs and money.
My thoughts are... You cannot
My thoughts are...
You cannot send these people back and majority will not become citizens. Their children are born citizens and then stay here to establish their own families. We cannot stop the cycle easily. We can secure and close the border, but then again, we built this country on the idea that all are welcome. We are then saying they are not. We cannot violently do so with electric fencing and having people watch the borders is nearly impossible and not worth it. We need to find some way to only allow them if they become citizens like we do with other immigrants. We also need to realize they account for a major part of our labor and do the jobs we do not want to do, helping to make prices for certain goods low since they are paid little. If we get rid of them, we may actually face more issues than we think. It is a difficult question to answer (What do we do?)
I agree
It is a major issue that cannot be dealt with easily. Many people complain that they are taking away jobs, but the jobs they take are the ones most Americans don't want to do. If it wasn't for their labor, there would be a major rise in inflation. The main issue I see with allowing them to stay, is that there are just too many people in the country. Poverty and hunger are rising, but we can't blame the Mexican Immigrants. They are just trying to make a living for themselves and their families. It is a difficult question, but I don't think pushing them away completely is the answer either.
Over simplifying?
Upon reading this article, I was reminded of comment made in my Spanish class in high school. We were talking about immigration issues and the girl sitting next to me unsympathetically said under her breath that we ought to just build a really big wall. This seemingly insignificant comment has stuck with me because at the time I thought how overly simplified her voiced solution was, not to mention harsh! Now a few years older, and maybe a little wiser, I still think that “building a big wall” is over simplifying the issue. In the article above, it mentioned that a candidate has suggested even making the fences electrically charged. If you didn’t know they were talking about illegal immigration, you might think they were talking about restraints for animals! I think that lawmakers and others involved in trying to solve this problem need to take a step back and remember that illegal immigrants are people with families and concerns just like them. While this does complicate the issue, we must remind ourselves that people are more important that winning campaigns.
Immigration
Immigration policies are very relevant in the United States today, especially with the upcoming presidential election. I do agree that immigration should be part of the presidential platforms. I am not sure what the best ways are to secure our borders between Mexico and the United states. As for the immigrants and their families already in the United States we must give their family members who are citizens the same rights that other United States' citizens have. Also, I agree with this article that we can not solve the immigration by rounding up all the illegal immigrants and sending them back to their home country.
Immigration
I do agree that the immigration problem is a huge part of the presidential election. I think that if you are not in the american citizen, then you shouldn't be in the country. If those million and sum immigrants leave then there will be a excessive amount of new jobs for the American people. Those illegal immigrants are not counted in the unemployment rate therefore those american citizens that get the new jobs will be directly reflected in the unemployment rate. It will drop it drastically and this news would generate better economic performance. It an easy topic to grasp and is simple.
I agree with you we could
I agree with you we could have way more jobs, but how would we go about getting all of these illegal immigrants out of the country? I too think it is wrong that so many Americans are struggeling right now, when all of these immigrants have jobs, but most of the jobs they hold are below minimum wage, and they are jobs that most Americans wouldn't hold.
I know that there isn't much
I know that there isn't much we can do about all the immigrants who are already here, but as many of you have mentioned, they are taking American jobs. We need to put our foot down and not allow any more immigrants in until we have boosted our economy. Americans should be first priority for any jobs because this is our home.
I think that illegal
I think that illegal immigration is major issue. Personally, I think the process of becoming legalized should be made more streamlined and easier. Immigrants might not apply due to the lengthy process and the fear of being denied citizenship. Many just want a better life whether it be freedom from any type of oppression/abuses or a hopeful future for their children. There are so many arguments as to how illegal immigrants need to be dealt with and a lot of solutions are to deal with it after the fact. Maybe if we made efforts to prevent it from the beginning, this issue wouldn't be as prevalent.
melting pot
It's obvious immigration is very controversial and charged topic in the United States, but I think it's even more obvious that immigrants from Mexico aren't going anywhere and aren't going to stop coming, and why should they? Firstly, they come here, work hard, usually doing work even unemployed Americans won’t do, and make a life for themselves. That is how this country was started in the first place. Secondly, what happened to the United States being the “melting pot?” This used to be a country that embraced diversity and different cultures. This used to be a country where people could come to and make better lives for themselves. Why should we stop them from doing this and contributing to our society? I do think the immigration issue in the United States needs to be addressed and there shouldn’t be so many undocumented immigrants, and I think this can be solved in a couple of different ways. I think the amnesty idea stated in the article is one good answer to the problem, because those who have come here and worked hard and made a life for themselves deserve it. But I think the largest thing that would help contribute to less undocumented immigrants is for it to be easier for immigrants to obtain citizenship. Immigrants coming into this country could start being able to do things like get better jobs and ultimately contribute more to society. Why should we turn down anyone trying to come into this country and better themselves, which could help eventually help better our country.
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