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Immigration :Major Immigration Issues

Immigration issues are a hot topic of U.S. governmental debate and controversy today. Republicans and democrats are both divided and partially united on issues such as public assistance, education and employment for immigrants.

One area of debate is the influx of illegal aliens from countries such as Mexico to perform jobs that are not being filled by U.S. citizens. The farming industry is one sector of the job market where workers are desperately needed, as few Americans are clamoring for these often low paying positions. President Bush, in an attempt to both improve U.S./Mexican relations and provide workers for certain U.S. industries, has proposed a temporary-worker program.

The Bush administration postulates that this program would not only be good for the economy, but would also allow the border patrol and other law enforcement agencies to concentrate their efforts on true threats to national security.

The temporary-worker program has sparked debate. There are arguments from both the political left and right both for and against this program. Those who support the temporary-worker program believe that it will offer relief to farmers and those needing unskilled labor, as it provides them with both a fervent and legal workforce. Many conservative republicans are not as optimistic about the temporary-worker program. They do not see the benefit in making illegal workers legal, even if it is only temporary.

Some liberals and Latino Americans are not behind Bush’s proposal for a temporary worker program. They believe that six years of temporary legal status is not enough. This program, they argue, does not lead to a green card or the possibility of permanent residency in the U.S. Making their presence known by U.S. officials will ultimately lead to their later deportation. Those against the program state that the temporary worker program does not provide an adequate incentive to those wanting to immigrate to the U.S. to work.

Another topic of U.S. governmental and citizen debate is public assistance for both legal and illegal immigrants. It is noted that some immigrants take advantage of health care and welfare programs. This in turn costs the United States billions each year leaving taxpayers to  foot the bill   . Regardless, the question remains, “Would it be humane to deny economic and medical assistance to those who need it? 

Although illegal aliens are ineligible for public assistance, they are often able to obtain it under false pretenses. Concerning health care, many walk-in-clinics and hospitals do not ask for identification.

Even if it is known that an individual is an illegal alien, they will not be turned away if medical assistance is warranted. Legal immigrants use to be eligible for public and medical assistance. In 1996, a law was passed that made it necessary for legal immigrants to undergo a long waiting period before assistance could be granted.

Those who argue for public assistance for illegal and legal aliens state that no one should be denied healthcare. This would only cause the spread of disease and potentially cost the U.S. taxpayer more in the long run.

Financial assistance, it is argued, will help individuals care for themselves in the long-term by giving them short-term assistance. The U.S. government would also be able to better monitor illegal immigration and help to clarify the true costs of assistance on U.S. taxpayers. Many illegal immigrants obtain benefits illegally and this makes the cost of assistance hard to track.

Opponents of governmental assistance to illegal aliens argue that illegal immigrants cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year and this is without them being eligible for welfare and healthcare. They argue that the 1996 law making it mandatory for legal immigrants to wait a set period of time before being eligible to apply for benefits has monetarily benefited the U.S. They stand behind their stance that   immigration to the United States is a privilege, not a right ”.

Another topic of heated debate is the issue of schooling illegal immigrant children and teenagers. Proponents of schooling illegal immigrant children and teenagers argue that children should not be penalized for their parents’ actions. From a more practical standpoint, children denied education would be more apt to become criminals and would ultimately put a drain on U.S. social services and prison systems.

Those who argue against educating illegal immigrant children state that doing so costs the U.S. billions each year. In 1996, the California governor’s office was spending approximately $2 billion to educate children of illegal immigrants. They further argue that schooling illegal immigrant children and teenagers would be an added incentive for foreigners to enter and remain in the U.S. illegally.

There are numerous issues surrounding foreign immigration to the United States. Both liberals and conservatives alike, hotly debate the pros and cons of education, health care, public assistance, and employment for immigrants.   more ..

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