Immigration in America

Jesse Delgado

Professor Estrada

Political Science 1

17 November 2005

Immigration in America

Beginning from the roots of our history, the United States has always had a problem with immigration. From the early gangs of New York to the current Minuteman project, these so-called “natives” of the United States have been seeking to rid the country of immigrants. But there is one question that must be asked among ourselves, “Why are we trying to block immigrants from trying to reach a better life and reaching the American dream?” If we look back at our family history or even our country’s history, we can find that no one currently living in the United States is a native of this country (except those from the Native American heritage). When the colonies first formed, the people that filled them were immigrants. They were immigrants from Europe seeking a better life, which is probably the goal of every other immigrant. Currently there is a bill that has been proposed to congress called the “Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005.” This bill is aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants in this country. Within the bill, undocumented workers who are currently working in the United States can become legal residents of the country, as well as help future immigrants receive legal status. This bill can benefit our National Security as well as help many immigrants reunify with their families and become residents of this nation.

The first way this bill can benefit immigrants is by giving current undocumented immigrants the chance to earn legal status. The visa that this bill would create would allow for current illegal immigrants to have a six-year stay. After this they would have the chance to become a permanent resident. It also allows for the family of the immigrant to have the same chance. This part of the bill is very generous, as it seems it is advertising to immigrants to come to America for a better life.

The second way this bill benefits is how this bill would also bring in more documented workers to the country, which in turn would help stimulate the economy. Many people believe that undocumented workers already do not help the economy, but knowing that is a common myth, a simple equation of more people plus more money would equal a better economy. Many people believe that immigrants undermine our economy. However, in The Top 10 Immigration Facts and Myths, it is stated that, “Immigrants will contribute $500 billion toward our social security program over the next 20 years” (National