Illegal Immigration, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Controversy abounds over the issue of illegal immigration into the United States. Since the tragic events of 9/11, the Untied States is understandably concerned about who enters this country and for what purpose they enter, more than ever before (Hanson).  Most of this contention specifically centers on those who live as undocumented aliens from Mexico. As the population of this minority swells, the importance of reaching resolution increases proportionately. Many believe that illegal aliens either broke laws by coming here illegally to begin with, or break them by remaining after the expiration of their visas. They see such people as criminals who pose social and economic burdens for Americans.

Some facts are telling. In 2006, the Department of Homeland Security estimated that almost 12 million unauthorized people lived in the United States and that deportation efforts had returned almost a quarter of a million in that year

alone (Homeland Security). More than 40 subterranean passages had been discovered on or along the US-Mexican border in a five-year period (ProCon). Staying beyond visa limits is a civil offense, while entering illegally to being with is a misdemeanor or even a felony.

The Term “Illegal Alien”

Those who desire the return home of the people in question prefer the term “illegal aliens” when describing them. They believe that these people are lawbreakers and deserve the adjective “illegal.”

Amnesty

Many people feel that any forgiveness of illegal actions undermines the rule of law and is an endorsement of illegality. They feel that those who enter or stay illegally are more prone to commit other crimes.

Border Fence at Mexico

There are those who want to bring the immigration to a halt by erecting a long series of fences along the US-Mexican border. George W. Bush had the opinion that “good fences make good neighbors” (to borrow an observation from a familiar Robert Frost poem). “By making wise use of physical barriers and deploying 21^st century technology we’re helping our Border Patrol do their job,” Bush said at the signing of the act that would construct such a fence (Bush, 2006).

Deportation

Proponents of deportation lobby for a simple formula for deportation. They believe in the small, yet constant extraction of illegals, whenever and wherever they are located.    

Civilian Border Patrols

Some have organized, as is the case for a group known as the “Minuteman Civil Defense Corps” of Arizona, to protect the border that its state shares with Mexico. These people, fully armed, feel that by dissuading illegal entrance into the US through their state, they are keeping out a foreign aggressor.

Terrorist Threats

Many Americans feel that immigration is a foremost tool used by would-be terrorists. As a result, our efforts to tighten security entrances into the US are not optional. They view each immigrant as potential terrorist.

Economic Burden

Critics of illegal immigration know the tremendous cost that US taxpayers pay for the medical treatment of aliens. They also know the huge amounts of money made in the United States are sent to Mexico, producing one of Mexico’s most plentiful streams of revenue, resulting, as it were, in a transfer of wealth.

Driver’s Licenses for Illegal Aliens

Thousands embrace the idea that access to driver’s licenses by illegals poses security threats and undermines existing laws. Illegals are not always going to carry insurance on their vehicles once they are issued a license to drive, they say.

Using State and Local Law or National Only

By a ratio of several thousand to one, illegal immigrants outnumber federal law enforcement authorities for immigration concerns. Without the help of state and local law enforcers, there is no way for federal officers to handle more than a small fraction of illegal immigrant issues. Local authorities meet illegal persons on a regular basis and are in position to take action regarding any immigration infractions.

Border Militarization

Our Border Patrol cannot do its job without help. It really is impossible for the Patrol to do its job, as our borders are being overrun faster than they can be guarded. The only way to seal the long border with Mexico is to call in the military and all of its strength.

Conclusions

Any idea about legalizing aliens needs to be countered with strong words about loyalty and allegiance to our country, as most aliens would maintain allegiance to their birth country through dual status. The mere mention of amnesty for illegals unleashes a pariah attitude, complete with words that are long and loud. The bottom line is if we are going to get tough on immigration, we must get rid of the magnet that draws illegals here to begin with –jobs (Navarrette, 2006). Repeatedly, deportation advocates make impressive reasons for carrying out such a plan.

Works Cited

Friedlander, Terry. “Anti-Immigration Group is Not Part of Mainstream.” USA Today 18 Nov (2009).

Hanson, Kenneth. Postmodern Border Insecurity: Rationality, Discourse, and Antiessentialism.  Administrative Theory & Praxis (2009) 31, 3.

ProCon.org. (2010). Retrieved 25 Apr 2010 from http://immigration.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000843

Navarrette, Raul. The Politics of Immigration. Hispanic (2006) 19, 11.