Modern Challenges in Immigration, Essay Example

In its most ideal form, the United States is a country that values diversity, tolerance, and an open-minded approach to all nationalities. However, in the wake of 9/11, our immigration policies have become increasingly stringent and our acceptance of immigrants has begun to be tempered by fear. The current economic crisis has impacted greatly on public opinion concerning Mexican immigrants to the United States, especially since there is a widespread belief that illegal Mexican immigrants negatively affects the ability of American citizens to find work (Passel & Cohn, 2009).

Immigration policies that favor certain kinds of immigrants-those with college degrees or guaranteed jobs in America, for example–may result in an immigrant population that lacks diversity.  This would also affect the ability of poorer immigrants to help their families in their countries of origin, as in the case of many Mexican nationals (PBS, n.d.). It is difficult to determine how best to design immigration policy so that both the United States and prospective immigrants can benefit. However, I believe that America needs to remain a place of refuge, safety, and opportunity.

As such, citizenship preferences that focus on needy applicants will ensure that our reputation as a country that offers salvation and support to desperate people will remain intact. By prioritizing applications from individuals in countries devastated by war, famine, or other humanitarian crises, the United States will both enrich our already diverse population while assisting people who may otherwise have nowhere else to turn.

References

Passel, J. & Cohn, D. (2009, July 22). Mexican immigrants: How many come? How many leave? Pew Hispanic Center. Retrieved from http://pewhispanic.org/reports/report.php? ReportID=112

PBS. (n.d.). Beyond the border: Immigration issues. Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/itvs/beyondtheborder/immigration.html