2008 Woodie Awards
Should illegal immigrants receive amnesty? Yes
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Opinion
Robin Phelps
I will begin with a disclaimer because I know many will refute me in this matter and regard me as un-American.
Hear me out as I confront this issue and hereby squelch opposing claims by addressing this topic as it relates to our nation fiscally and economically, socially, globally and to me personally.
The issue of illegal immigrant status has been one debated time and time again. Like many issues, there is no cure-all or black or white. There are only gray areas and exceptions to the numerous rules, laws and policies we put in place to fill our nation's insecurities when it comes to outsiders.
The U.S. should grant amnesty to illegal immigrants for too many reasons to describe in this short commentary, but I will bring a sound argument and hopefully enrich, or at least evoke thought, in the minds of those who feel our country should not allow illegal immigrants amnesty.
The current status quo of our nation is the barrier on the border, which attempts to prohibit illegal immigrants from entering the U. S.. According to the United States Management and Budget, the 2008 budget set aside $13 million to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement. In addition, more than 11 million illegal immigrants reside in the U.S., according the July 2008 CIA Factbook.
Even with border patrol, illegal immigrants still find a way into the country. It is clear that regardless of any physical barrier the U.S. constructs, people will find their way in. Why not focus on the problem of those already in the country?
Though I hate to quote him on this topic and be misconstrued as a follower, our very own president said it well in this quote: "We need a new way for foreign workers to come here lawfully on a temporary basis and support our economy."
While many will argue granting amnesty to illegal immigrants or allowing them a chance for citizenship will create competition in the job market and increase unemployment, they are definitely not being real; they just don't want the jobs available; enough said.
I will begin with a disclaimer because I know many will refute me in this matter and regard me as un-American.
Hear me out as I confront this issue and hereby squelch opposing claims by addressing this topic as it relates to our nation fiscally and economically, socially, globally and to me personally.
The issue of illegal immigrant status has been one debated time and time again. Like many issues, there is no cure-all or black or white. There are only gray areas and exceptions to the numerous rules, laws and policies we put in place to fill our nation's insecurities when it comes to outsiders.
The U.S. should grant amnesty to illegal immigrants for too many reasons to describe in this short commentary, but I will bring a sound argument and hopefully enrich, or at least evoke thought, in the minds of those who feel our country should not allow illegal immigrants amnesty.
The current status quo of our nation is the barrier on the border, which attempts to prohibit illegal immigrants from entering the U. S.. According to the United States Management and Budget, the 2008 budget set aside $13 million to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement. In addition, more than 11 million illegal immigrants reside in the U.S., according the July 2008 CIA Factbook.
Even with border patrol, illegal immigrants still find a way into the country. It is clear that regardless of any physical barrier the U.S. constructs, people will find their way in. Why not focus on the problem of those already in the country?
Though I hate to quote him on this topic and be misconstrued as a follower, our very own president said it well in this quote: "We need a new way for foreign workers to come here lawfully on a temporary basis and support our economy."
While many will argue granting amnesty to illegal immigrants or allowing them a chance for citizenship will create competition in the job market and increase unemployment, they are definitely not being real; they just don't want the jobs available; enough said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 43
Judy
posted 9/05/08 @ 9:12 AM CST
So Everyone that wants to come here should be allowed into the US? How about this recession? We are crowded, resources are in short suppiles, jobs are drying up, and school systems are in peril. (Continued…)
T. Lynn
posted 9/05/08 @ 9:22 AM CST
"So for those who are not of American Indian ancestry, you are in fact an immigrant. America gave you or your ancestors a fair chance to be here, to live, share goals, values and cultures. (Continued…)
Diane Dugan
posted 9/05/08 @ 9:48 AM CST
Amnesty-NO
I knock on the door and wait to be admitted to my neighbors house. It's called respect for the property of others.
How dare you attempt to give away the Country that our decendants have built and died for. (Continued…)
Buzzm1
posted 9/05/08 @ 9:49 AM CST
THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY!!!
OUR ACCEPTABLE IMMIGRATION REFORM
#1. Secure the Border!!!
#2. Mandate E-Verify for ALL Employees!!!
#3. Mandate E-Verify for ANY Benefit!!!
#4. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 9/05/08 @ 10:00 AM CST
If you want to be well informed on the subject of legal immigration, visit Americans for Legal Immigration at alipac.us
Mary
posted 9/05/08 @ 10:15 AM CST
And just what would the writer of this sob story tell American families who have had their family members killed, murdered, robbed and raped by these illegal alien invaders? They just came for a better life? Ha!
They are closing down hospitals due to illegal aliens swarming them for non-emergency problems. (Continued…)
Callie
posted 9/05/08 @ 10:33 AM CST
AMNESTY????? ABSOLUTELY NOT! WHY?
Why does the writer of this article want this country to become a second Mexico? The MAJORITY of the ILLEGAL ALIENS are from Mexico, and so many of the areas where they live, now resemble barrios, its unreal. (Continued…)
tina
posted 9/05/08 @ 10:36 AM CST
Whether it be sneaking across the border, identity theft/fraud, driving w/o a license, being a financial burden on the taxpayers, illegal aliens have clearly demonstrated through their dishonest actions, that they have no claim whatsoever to the welcome mat extended to legal and honest immigrants. (Continued…)
legalatina
posted 9/05/08 @ 10:43 AM CST
As a daughter of naturalized citizens and LEGAL immigrants who immigrated to this country over 50 years ago from Latin America, I can say that Ms. Phelps obviously has not studied this issue beyond what some open-borders and pro-illegal alien organizations have put forth as their agenda. (Continued…)
lccat
posted 9/05/08 @ 10:44 AM CST
The author has bought into the Elitist Politicians, their Elitist Contributors, Big Labor, Big Religion, Chamber of Commerce, and other Special Interest Groups view that they consider United States citizens only as "units of labor" and the sooner we become a Third World Country the better for their "bottom line"! Our Elitist Politicians and their Elitist Political Contributors will not be happy until they transform the United States into a Third World Country for most of our citizens while furnishing the Chamber of Commerce and all their Elitist Special Interest Groups with their supply of "cheap labor". (Continued…)
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