Immigration in our country has become one of the most complicated issues that our society faces. Our government has shifted its focus from being a nation that welcomes everyone, to being a nation that is scared to death of any foreigner.
Throughout the last 20 years, when the issue of immigration came up on a political agenda, it would be directed toward the influx of Hispanic immigrants coming to America legally and illegally. Sailing on overcrowded boats, hiking through deserts in the Southwest, or paying people to transport them over the border many in the Latin American population came (and still come) to our country seeking a better life.
It might be easy to think that with so many illegal immigrants coming to our country, our economy could be overburdened by such an influx of extra workers. In reality, the jobs that people actually want are not in danger. Illegal immigrants cannot get jobs as police officers, teachers, doctors or CEOs of major corporations.
Another argument of anti-immigration organizations is that illegal immigrants don’t pay their share of taxes but get all the entitlements of a US citizen. In any state that has a tax on goods and services, an immigrant must pay those taxes when they make a purchase. If someone lives in this country, then they will be consuming the goods and services our country provides, thus contributing to our consumer-driven economy.
In actuality, many of the legal immigrants that come to our country maintain jobs that are a great help to society. If you’d like to see proof of this, look no further than our own university. If you have doubts about the value of legal immigrants, I encourage you to visit Yoakley Hall, home to the international student advisement office and ask them if they believe legal immigration is an asset or a burden to our economy. You would be hard-pressed to find a better-informed source on this campus than that office.
Since 9/11, there has been a movement to strengthen our borders and severely restrict both legal and illegal immigrants. Part of their rationale for doing so is justified, since several of the 9/11 hijackers were legal immigrants with valid visas. But when it comes down to placing very strict guidelines on admission to this country, remember that in addition to keeping out potential terrorists, our government will also be keeping out doctors, businessmen, scientists and other valuable professionals from overseas.
Many Americans are under the illusion that immigration is a burden on our economy, a threat to our national security, and a coup d’tat on “the American Way.” Though in reality, our country has been, and always will be, a nation of immigrants seeking a better life. I guarantee that 99.99 percent of the people reading this article are descendants of immigrants to this country.
Immigration has always been part of the foundation of this country, making it what it is today. Our country has always been a refuge for oppressed people escaping persecution, famine, genocide, war and starvation. Look back to your history lessons in grade school and remember the Statue of Liberty. You’ll find that an inscription on its pedestal states, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Let that still be the sentiment today.

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