For this assignment you will choose a side on the debate and do a little research about it (always start with the text and then go to the Internet and search academic sources, in other words NOT Wikipedia or similar sites – sites from non-profit, bi-partisan, government agencies are fine). Write a paper supporting one of the sides of illegal immigration. Your paper should include: A summary of the topic of illegal immigration • Your stated opinion on illegal immigration (you can actually focus on a particularly policy like the law recently passed in Arizona or the overall issue of illegal

QUESTION

(2) Paper #2: Taking Sides

Your paper must be word-processed, double-spaced and at least 850 words in length (excluding your name, title, and references). Your paper is worth 100 points. It is hard these days to watch the news without some report about illegal immigration or illegal immigrants. Everyone has an opinion about the subject but few take the time to learn more about illegal immigration. For this assignment you will choose a side on the debate and do a little research about it (always start with the text and then go to the Internet and search academic sources, in other words NOT Wikipedia or similar sites – sites from non-profit, bi-partisan, government agencies are fine). Write a paper supporting one of the sides of illegal immigration. Your paper should include: A summary of the topic of illegal immigration • Your stated opinion on illegal immigration (you can actually focus on a particularly policy like the law recently passed in Arizona or the overall issue of illegal immigration. • Supporting evidence for the side you choose to support

ANSWER

The Case for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Addressing Illegal Immigration

Introduction

Illegal immigration is a multifaceted issue that sparks passionate debates worldwide. It is crucial to delve deeper into the subject and understand its complexities beyond surface-level discussions. This paper aims to present a case for comprehensive immigration reform, highlighting the importance of addressing illegal immigration through a balanced and compassionate approach (Hardy et al., 2012). By focusing on the overall issue of illegal immigration, we can explore the benefits of reform and the need for humane and sustainable solutions.

Summary of the Topic

Illegal immigration refers to the act of entering or residing in a country without proper authorization or in violation of its immigration laws (Furman, 2012). It is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as economic disparities, political instability, and the pursuit of better opportunities. Individuals often migrate illegally due to a lack of legal avenues or as a result of desperation to improve their lives.

Stated Opinion

I firmly believe that a comprehensive immigration reform approach is necessary to address the issue of illegal immigration. It should emphasize fairness, compassion, and practicality, recognizing the contributions immigrants make to society while ensuring the rule of law is upheld.

Supporting Evidence

Economic Contributions: Immigrants, both legal and undocumented, contribute significantly to the economy. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, immigrants boost economic productivity, create jobs, and provide valuable skills and innovation. By regularizing the status of undocumented immigrants, comprehensive immigration reform can harness their economic potential, generating additional tax revenues and stimulating economic growth.

Strengthening National Security: Comprehensive immigration reform can enhance national security by promoting a well-regulated immigration system. By bringing undocumented immigrants out of the shadows, authorities can more effectively focus their resources on identifying and addressing legitimate security threats. Additionally, reform measures can include robust background checks and screening processes to ensure that those who enter and remain in the country pose no harm to national security.

Social Cohesion and Integration: An inclusive approach to immigration can foster social cohesion and promote the integration of immigrant communities. Comprehensive immigration reform can provide a path to legal status, allowing undocumented immigrants to fully participate in society (Saavedra et al., 2023). By encouraging integration, such as learning the language and understanding civic responsibilities, we can build stronger and more cohesive communities.

Humanitarian Considerations: Many undocumented immigrants are fleeing violence, persecution, or dire economic conditions in their home countries. A compassionate approach should recognize their vulnerability and provide avenues for legal protection. Comprehensive immigration reform can establish clear and humane pathways for refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring their safety while respecting the rule of law.

Reducing Exploitation and Abuse: Undocumented immigrants are often subjected to exploitation and abuse due to their vulnerable status. Comprehensive immigration reform can provide protections and labor rights, reducing the risk of exploitation in the workforce. By implementing fair immigration policies, we can create a more just society that upholds the dignity and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of illegal immigration requires a comprehensive approach that balances humanitarian considerations, economic benefits, and national security concerns. By embracing comprehensive immigration reform, we can create a more equitable and just system that respects the rule of law while recognizing the inherent value of all individuals. It is imperative to move beyond polarizing debates and work towards practical solutions that promote fairness, compassion, and the shared prosperity of our societies.

References

Furman, R. (2012, March 1). The Criminalization of Immigration: Value Conflicts for the Social Work Profession. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5614495/ 

Hardy, L. J., Getrich, C. M., Quezada, J., Guay, A., Michalowski, R. J., & Henley, E. (2012). A Call for Further Research on the Impact of State-Level Immigration Policies on Public Health. American Journal of Public Health, 102(7), 1250–1253. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2011.300541 

Saavedra, C. S., Lopez, J. L., Shaw, S. A., & Gibbs, B. G. (2023). “It Happened When I Was Connecting to the Community. . .”: Multiple Pathways to Migrant (Non)Belonging in a New Destination Setting. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2172. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032172