A Potential Solution?

What would be the effects on America’s economy if we were to allow a certain number of Mexican/Latino immigrants into our country each year to work in lower-waged jobs? They could pay taxes and then save the rest of the money to send back to their family. Each year, there will be a turnover of immigrants, the old immigrants would return to their former country, allowing room for a new cycle of immigrants. We would reserve a certain number of jobs for migrant workers, leaving room for expansion for other American workers who wish to have a job. This would create a steady input of work into the American economy. There would also be a steady decrease in deaths among immigrants because they wouldn’t have to risk going through the desert if they have a visa to come here.

But even looking at this solution, it's assuming that most immigrants are wanting to return to their country, in most cases they are because that have left family there. But this situation encompasses many different aspects. For example, what should we do if an illegal immigrant has a baby in the United States?

We must come up with a solution to fix their conditions at home so that their will be less demand to travel to the United States. Therefore, we must go to the root of the problem. One thing that is being done and that should be promoted more is creating a system of fair trade between consumers and the the products made by Mexicans and Latinos. Looking at this solution, it looks like a win-win situation: Mexicans/Latinos are more likely to stay in their country without risking death and people don't have to worry about any changes to their economy, even though statistics show that there has been approximately equal input and output from immigrants.

Food for thought....

However, in a way, both sides are arguing for the stabilization of the U.S. economy. How they want it to become stable is where they disagree. One believes that a way to alter the economy is to allow immigrants in to do the jobs that Americans don’t want. Another side believes that we should increase border control and allow more Americans more opportunities.

So if we were to increase border control, how would America appear to others if we didn’t try to help underdeveloped countries? If immigrants are putting into the economy as much as they take out, do they really have an effect on the economic system? If they don't, are they the real problem at hand?

Looking into History...

But if you take a deeper look inside of the issue, it basically boils down to whether or not we should extend a hand, help those in need, and allow them to become citizens or should we shut our doors and close them for good to protect our economy? Helping others v.s. Helping ourselves…

Historically, there has always been a great influx of immigrants because America was known as the place of opportunity. If, people wouldn't have migrated to America, would it be as diverse and as prosperous as it is now?

In the past, they’ve tried to solve this problem of immigration by forming the NAFTA contract (previously explained). There was an increase of globalization for top companies such as Wal-mart. However, there was a negative impact on Hispanic businesses, forcing them to shut down, forcing workers to go look else where for jobs, such as the United States. This led to what Dr. King called a “Negative Peace”. Also, they have tried to increase border control to slow the amount of illegal immigrants. However, there was an increase in deaths among illegal immigrants and there was no significant decline in the number of those Hispanics/Latinos trying to come to America because their situation at home never changed. They just had to find alternate routes to get into America. This “solution” also resulted in “Negative Peace”.

The ETHOS

In a world where the economy is influenced by the availability of jobs, it creates a competition among people to find and keep a job. Because immigrants come to America in search of opportunities, they may have an effect on the economy. As we dive into the deeper roots of this situation, we begin to look at the main players of the situation. First, we have the Mexicans/Latinos who desire to come to America in search of better job opportunities because of the losses they suffered through back at home. Then there are those who strongly oppose immigration and want tougher control over American borders. Lastly, there are those who are willing to allow immigration into our country and let the immigrants feed off of the American economy.

Those who strongly oppose immigration say that immigrants are taking away our jobs and lowering the availability of jobs for other Americans. They also say that since they aren’t contributing to our taxes, then they shouldn’t become citizens. They gradually impact the resources that taxes do pay for: schools, roads, and health care. If they were to be stopped from crossing the border, American companies would be more liable to higher wages, to increase the number of American employees desiring to work there. This argument is assuming that all Americans want a job and are willing to do anything to make a living.

But those who are in favor of increased immigration say that if we were to shut off all immigration and lower border control, then most of the jobs that were taken care of by illegal immigrants would fall because they complete the jobs that most Americans would not do. And even though immigrants may lower wages, prices for products contributed by immigrants are lowered. But there are lower class Americans that work side by side illegal immigrants doing the same job. So what makes one think that all American’s would not want to do any type of job, especially if they have no job in the first place? But how much should we give until we start to suffer? What is the capacity at which the United States can no longer equip a certain number of people?

NAFTA

NAFTA stands for the North Atlantic Fair Trade Agreement, otherwise known as the death warrant to Mexican farmers. It was an agreement that was supposed to Mexico's failing economy around. It was supposed to establish a plethora of jobs, enough jobs to lower the immigration rates from Mexico to the U.S. It has created competition between American farmers and Mexican farmers, especially in the corn production, which ultimately forced the Mexican farmer to result to newer ways of income. Approximately two million Mexicans have had to drop their farms and mainly risk their lives to crossing the border. Not only have the prices of corn increased traumatically and farmers have lossed their jobs, but major corporations, such as Wal-mart, have been allowed to come in and eradicate as much as twenty-eight million small and medium sized owned businesses due to NAFTA. And due to the high demand of jobs, wages have decreased significantly to an average of sixty cents to a dollar in major sweatshops. What else do I not know about NAFTA?

Source: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0425-30.htm

The Relationship Between My Bias and Illegal Immigration

There are many reasons behind the way I feel about illegal immigration. The one major reason is because of my religion. As Chrisitians, we are supposed to act like good Samaritans and help anyone we can who is need. So therefore, if we have the resources, why not reach out our hand and help others? In the Bible it says, if you give, you shall receive. So we give the immigrants a job and a place to stay, and in return we receive labor and a boost in our economy.

Root of Hispanic/Latino Immigration

As I begin my journey on this analysis of Illegal immigration from Hispanic and Latino countries, I begin to question, what causes this heavy influx of immigrants to America? Why come here? What is so terribly wrong with their country that they would rather risk the possibility of death to escape to the U.S.? In other words, what is the causal relationship, if any, between the current situation of Hispanics/Latinos and their desire to become a U.S. citizen? According, to the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, the increase in migration stems from the low availability of jobs in Mexico. Because jobs are in high demand, and their are not a sufficient amount of jobs to sustain the increasing population of Mexico, citizens are forced to look to other means of income to provide for their families. And because their is no work nearby, the closest area where they know they will get payed is America. Companies and small business owners are willing to pay them a cheaper price for their hard labor. This is appealing to Mexicans/Latinos because they are at least getting paid and are able to send money back to their families. But is it just the Mexican economy that drives the influx of migrants, or is there something more?

More Sites to inquire about...

Hey Everyone,

Thanks to my peers help, I have added more sites on this very controversial issue! Please take time to read them as they will give a bigger perspective on illegal immigration! If you have more, please feel free to comment!

How Much Do I Really Know?

As I stood in class, I began to wonder: I'm expressing my feelings on topic I haven't even asked myself about my deepest intellectual thoughts on! Walk with me as I think about my knowledge on this situation...

What do I know about illegal immigration?

If I knew an illegal immigrant, what would my reaction be towards them?

How has illegal immigration affected my life?

How could illegal immigration affect my life in the future?

Do I know about the potential effects of increased immigration?

What are my concerns about illegal immigration?

How far would I go to help someone even though it is a potential risk for me?

If I were in their shoes, what would I do?

In My World

In my world, there is a problem that us, as Americans, have not solved since the beginning of time, which is Illegal Immigration. It's a situation, that no matter how much we have fussed and consulted with the government, hasn't been dealt with appropriately. Iwould like to share how this issue stands my eyes.

In my eyes, these immigrants just want something that we were automatically given. We were blessed and fortunate enough to be born in the "land of opportunity", the land where globalization has had an extreme impact on society. Back in their homeland, there is a tremendous effect on how globalization has affected their economy, created a greater inequality among the upper class and the lower class.

And since we see this problem at hand, wouldn't it be the United States, as a apart of the United Nations, duty to help lift these people out of their situation? Since history, the U.S. has taken upon themselves to help every nation in need. In Vietnam, they took it upon themselves to protect South Vietnam from not subcumbing to Communist influences. So, therefore, should we take it upon ourselves to help these people instead of turning our backs to them?

Interesting Blog Sites

Here are some other interesting Blogs created by my peers. Please be sure to take time out to read them!

Death Penalty Blog by MyopiniontheMatter

This blog converses with the idea of should the Death Penalty still be an allowed consequence.

Sex Education by i-tarheel

This blog demonstrates how the increased knowledge of sexual activities and contraceptives will lead to a decrease in the amount of sexual diseases and pregnancies among teens.

Homelessness and Poverty by lifesizesuperman

On this blog site, the connection between poverty and various aspects of a person's life is demonnstrated.

Sites to be Informed About

Please take a look at the interesting sites about Illegal Immigration:

The Source of Illegal Immigration:

Why Gobalization is Boosting Inequality in Developing Nations
This site goes to the root of the problem of illegal immigration: what makes them want to come here? This website goes over the pluses and minuses on globalization and how it can have positive impacts on one country and negative impacts on another, such as Mexico, making it difficult for the average citizen to succeed there.

Looking at the Issue:

CUSMIA - Center for U.S.- Mexico Immigration Analysis

Using research, this site looks at the immigration issue from an unbiased perspective. It's goal is to understand and raise awareness about the issue so that something can be done.
US Illegal Immigration Explained - Profits and Poverty, Social Security and Starvation
This site discusses why the Federal government can't control the increasing numbers of immigrants. It takes a look at the lack of border control, reasons why Mexicans/Latinos come to America, and many other factors that contribute to the abundance of illegal aliens.
Breakthrough: building Human Rights Culture
This site implies that illegal aliens should be considered under special circumstances before being deported back to Mexico. It is a major advocate for immigrant rights. It presents its position on this issue through various interactive services such as games and videos.

Effects of Illegal Immigration:

Q&A: Illegal Immigrants and the U.S. Economy

How much of an effect does Illegal Immigrants have on the economy? Are they much more of burden as they are claimed to be? This site answers these questions and more about Illegal Immigration and how they really do affect the job market. It basically goes over the pros and some cons to allowing illegal's settle on U.S. soil.
Why Hispanic Immigration is Not a Threat to American Identity
While some may argue that immigration may deter the "American" Identity that we have always had, this article explains why it wouldn't have such an effect. This site uses statistics from how well Hispanics assimilate in linguistics, religion, and ethnicity to prove their point.

Statistics:

Center for Immigration Studies:
http://www.cis.org/topics/illegalimmigration.html
This site discusses the statistics revealed by the INS and the Census Bureau about illegal aliens living in the United States.
http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
This site analyzes and discusses the impact illegal aliens have on our country each year in terms of dollar amounts. It shows that immigrants do have an major impact on our economy in more ways than one. It also examines how the country should attack this problem.

Pew Hispanic Center

This site gives the results of the many research studies they do on immigrants each year. Contains analysis and various articles on immigration to the United States, especially from Latinos.

Migration Policy Institue: U.S. Immigration, Borders, and Security

Although the major goal of this site is looking at immigration on a global issue, this specific site focuses mainly on immigration onto U.S. territory. This site features statistics on current immigrants, policy work, and even recommendations on how the U.S. should attack this growing issue.

In the News:

The following are news articles on the latest illgal immigration.

Here Illgally, Working Hard and Paying Taxes

This article focuses on various illegal immigrants and how they work like the average American, don't get payed as much, and still are devoted to paying their taxes. Article also talks about how it is becoming tougher and tougher to avoid the "immigration police". It is definitely an article that makes one look through the eyes of an immigrant and their life in America.

At the U.S. Border, the Desert takes a Rising Toll

This article discusses one extreme case of two illegal immigrants trying to cross the border. It tells of one person's death in trying to cross the border in the desert in order to avoid border control. This shows the danger illegal immigrants go through to make it to America.

Has Increased Border Enforcement Reduced Unauthorized Immigration?

This article analyzes the increased use of border control to limiting immigration. Is it really effective like it was portrayed to be? It also takes a look at the increased incidences of deaths among immigrants crossing the border.

NAFTA & Globlization is Killing Mexico's Farmers

This site talks about the struggle among many of Mexico's Farmers due to the falling prices of crops and agriculture. It explains the apparent relationships between agriculture, the economy and the government.
Illegal-immigration foes want police to change rules
This article highlights the controversial issue of whether police enforcements should enforce the "Don't Ask" policies when it comes to Illegal Immigrants. The "Don't Ask" policy refers to not asking an immigrant whether he is illegal or not. Those in favor of it argue that it will create safer neighborhoods, especially those where most of the crimes were committed by illegals. Those against it argue that it will keep more illegals in our country.
Judge voids city's illegal immigration law
This article announces the first of many cities, Allentown, Pa., that overturned it's tough immigration laws, that basically deprived illegal aliens of their basic rights in our country.
Dreams of Steady Work fade for Hispanic Workers
Two Hispanics are interviewed about their difficulties in finding and keeping a decent job in the Gulf Coast. This article also talks about the Hispanics are putting an economic strain on our health care system and that current conditions don't seem to be looking up.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog where I will discuss and demonstrate my thoughts on illegal immigration in the U.S. Illegal immigration is one of the most controversial issues in American society today that basically boils down to: Should we allow Illegal Immigration to continue even though it’s beneficial to them, but has negative effects on our country?

Posits

What is the causal relationship, if any, between illegal immigrtion and the U.S. economy?

What is the causal relationship, if any, between allowing immigrants to settle on U.S. territory without obtaining U.S. citizenship status and the U.S. job market?

What is the causal relationship, if any, between allowing immigrants to settle on U.S. territory without obtaining U.S. citizenship status and still living up to the U.S. morale code of honor?

What is the causal relationship, if any, between illegal immigration and the capacity at which the U.S. territory can sustain life?

Biases:

Even though I am here to demonstrate to you that illegal immigration is not harmful to society, I feel that I must share my biases on this issue. I believe in going out of my way to help people and the situation that the Mexicans are living under is very crucial. There are no jobs down there to help support them and their families, so if the U.S. is so big in giving aid to people in need, then I think we should do something to help them out instead of closing our doors on them. Also, immigrants haven’t done anything wrong in our society. Most of the time, it’s American citizens who break the laws. All they do is work for us and do the jobs no one else wants to do. If they are kicked out of our society, then who will do their jobs? Most immigrants respect our country and are so happy to be here in the land of freedom. Should we punish them for being born in a society where life just isn’t easy for them?