Is Illegal Immigration Good or Bad for America?
Chad Jardine
Recently I was listening to the news over the radio in my car. The subject was immigration. Unfortunately, both sides of the argument were not covered equally and with equal fervor. So, to my shame, I found myself taking the position that was more vigorously defended. That position happened to focus on all of the negatives of illegal immigration-welfare, lack of loyalty to the United States, immigrants without insurance, crime, and so forth. It wasn’t until the report ended that I regained clarity. I then wondered, is illegal immigration good or bad to America?
I am torn on this issue. On one hand I think illegal immigration is good for our nation as a whole. It provides cheap labor for our businesses. The companies are then able to expand their profits by cutting expenses and use that extra money to expand further in markets both at home and overseas. A steady flow of immigrants also improves the lives of residents in Mexico and other countries. Immigrants make money which they can send back to their native countries where their friends and families live. Those people spend that capital in their communities which boosts the economy of those various nations. This, in turn, creates opportunity for America because those nations with boosted economies are potential areas for U.S. business dealings on a global scale.
Then again, on the other hand, is that level of progress realistic? This is where the second half of me begins to surface which claims illegal immigration is bad and, therefore, should be stopped. My first assumption is that illegal immigration is just that-ILLEGAL. It is the view of most everyday citizens that that is true. Ought laws to be maintained and respected by both members of this country who currently live here and those who wish to? Then again, does that make illegal immigrants criminals or just desperate and/or greedy people who either need or want money? This dimension of the question becomes problematic by introducing a human element to the two-sided equation.
Many want illegal immigration to stop because they feel those coming across the southern United States border are not of a disposition to keep the status quo of American culture. Yet, shouldn’t America live up to the term “melting pot” and incorporate the differences of Latin culture into the mix? Some argue yes because it would diversify our communities and bring added respect to other races. Others feel the answer is no, believing America should be unified under one language, and culture especially in this time of war.
Illegal immigration will continue to be a very important topic until a solution is found. This problem to some and blessing to others that makes up immigration will continue to perplex and interest peoples, politicians, and societies. Perhaps immigration will better the lives of large numbers of immigrants, thereby warranting the continuation of America’s current policies. Or conceivably America will one day crack down on illegal immigration that is often deemed by many as criminal and threatening. Whatever the eventual outcome, this issue will continue to stay in focus and continue to be a clash over what’s best for America. So I must ask myself exactly that question, “What is best for America?”
Chad Jardine
Recently I was listening to the news over the radio in my car. The subject was immigration. Unfortunately, both sides of the argument were not covered equally and with equal fervor. So, to my shame, I found myself taking the position that was more vigorously defended. That position happened to focus on all of the negatives of illegal immigration-welfare, lack of loyalty to the United States, immigrants without insurance, crime, and so forth. It wasn’t until the report ended that I regained clarity. I then wondered, is illegal immigration good or bad to America?
I am torn on this issue. On one hand I think illegal immigration is good for our nation as a whole. It provides cheap labor for our businesses. The companies are then able to expand their profits by cutting expenses and use that extra money to expand further in markets both at home and overseas. A steady flow of immigrants also improves the lives of residents in Mexico and other countries. Immigrants make money which they can send back to their native countries where their friends and families live. Those people spend that capital in their communities which boosts the economy of those various nations. This, in turn, creates opportunity for America because those nations with boosted economies are potential areas for U.S. business dealings on a global scale.
Then again, on the other hand, is that level of progress realistic? This is where the second half of me begins to surface which claims illegal immigration is bad and, therefore, should be stopped. My first assumption is that illegal immigration is just that-ILLEGAL. It is the view of most everyday citizens that that is true. Ought laws to be maintained and respected by both members of this country who currently live here and those who wish to? Then again, does that make illegal immigrants criminals or just desperate and/or greedy people who either need or want money? This dimension of the question becomes problematic by introducing a human element to the two-sided equation.
Many want illegal immigration to stop because they feel those coming across the southern United States border are not of a disposition to keep the status quo of American culture. Yet, shouldn’t America live up to the term “melting pot” and incorporate the differences of Latin culture into the mix? Some argue yes because it would diversify our communities and bring added respect to other races. Others feel the answer is no, believing America should be unified under one language, and culture especially in this time of war.
Illegal immigration will continue to be a very important topic until a solution is found. This problem to some and blessing to others that makes up immigration will continue to perplex and interest peoples, politicians, and societies. Perhaps immigration will better the lives of large numbers of immigrants, thereby warranting the continuation of America’s current policies. Or conceivably America will one day crack down on illegal immigration that is often deemed by many as criminal and threatening. Whatever the eventual outcome, this issue will continue to stay in focus and continue to be a clash over what’s best for America. So I must ask myself exactly that question, “What is best for America?”
posted by Chad J at 8:24 PM
2 Comments:
Dear Chad I think you had some good points, But I think your idea that illegal immigrants boost other countries economies so much it opens up new markets for U.S. business’s was unrealistic.
First of all, you're a great writer, your journals have such a good flow. But anywho I'm with ya on the immigration thing. My dad has a lot of strong opinions, and one of them is 'illegal immigrants suck', so I hear a lot of crap from him and am sometimes persuaded to his opinion...then again...come on, is it really all that bad? They're just tryin' to make a better living for themselves and their families. But I am a silly girl and pretty ignorant about most things, so...
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