Immigration Amnesty Pros & Cons
Illegal immigration -- and what to do about it -- is one of the biggest hot-button issues in politics. This article examines the pros and cons of an immigration amnesty program.
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Significance
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Illegal immigration ranks as one of the most contentious issues in American politics. Ideas for addressing the issue include a "path to citizenship" with a guest worker program. Critics charge that it amounts to granting amnesty to illegal immigrants -- something that was done in a 1986 immigration bill. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of an amnesty program.
Pro: War on Terror Resources
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An amnesty program would allow the government to better focus its resources in the "war on terrorism." Resources that are now focused on capturing illegal immigrants, most of whom enter the country to work, could be redirected toward other homeland security needs such as U.S. ports.
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Pro: Economics
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Most illegal immigrants fill low-paying agricultural and service sector jobs that most native-born citizens do not want. An amnesty program would allow these workers to continue to contribute to the overall economy.
Pro: Family Unity
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Many illegal immigrants have children who, by virtue of their birth, are citizens or legal residents. An amnesty program would keep these families intact.
Con: Unfair
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An amnesty program rewards people for breaking the law by entering the country illegally and encourages more illegal immigration. Meanwhile, people who enter the country legally through proper channels are penalized.
Con: Costs
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Illegal immigrants impose heavy costs on governments through their use of public services such as education and public health care systems. They also are costly to deport.
Con: Wages
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Illegal immigrants take jobs from native-born workers and drive down wages by taking jobs for lower pay.
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Comments
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The amnesty will BETTER the U.S.
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Mar 04, 2011
The United States is known around the world as the Melting Pot of the world. There is a large amount of immigrants that have settled here many years ago. They have come to have an abundant life of opportunity and refuge. Many have escaped the tyranny ruler ship of their native land. In the essence of these people fleeing their countries they have sought out a better future for themselves and most importantly their children. Shall we let them stay illegally or try to legalize them with another amnesty like that in 1986? Shall we try to find all of them and deport them no matter how many years they have lived here? What if they have children who are U.S. citizens because they were born here? These are excellent questions that are relevant in todays news. The main focus to be examined is that these are human beings trying to define their place in a country that is built on freedom....
