Illegal: Immigration to the United States and Amnesty Act

| Illegal Immigration: The Story Behind Amnesty | Has Amnesty Changed through the Years? | PAD 510 Dr. Mustafa Abdelwahid | Lachera S. Huntley | 3/3/2013 |

Although thousands of immigrants come to the United States Illegally, most of them are in this country for the jobs that Americans will not do. That is why so many illegal immigrants come to the United States. However, everyone that breaks the Immigration Law should be punished, even if they are not citizens of the country. According to Perez (2001), “In 1986 Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act that, among other things, granted amnesty to illegal immigrants who could demonstrate continual residence in the United States prior to 1982” (Perez, 2001). Because of this law, millions of illegal immigrants can use this act to become citizens of the United States. Because of this law, millions of illegal immigrants can use this act to become citizens of the United States. Doing this historical perspective of time so many immigrants were coming to the United State. The people of this country was trying to find a way to keep the immigrants and employers from hiring illegal immigrants, so they came up with the passing of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 when Ronald Reagan was in office. | According to Mirram-Webster (2012), “amnesty means that the act of an authority (as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals” (Mirram-Webster, 2012). Therefore, amnesty is unfair and unconstitutional because all of the illegal immigrants that come into the United States are pardon after they have violated the laws in this country. Why do we continue to allow these illegal immigrants to go unpunished is the question that the government where asking themselves while debating on the amnesty law. If it were some of the U.S. citizens breaking this law they would not be granted amnesty; they would be treated differently, so why illegal immigrants should be pardoned? Robert Byrd (2001), a West Virginia senator, says, “Illegal immigrants who have worked for many years in the United States should not be granted amnesty” (Byrd, 2001). Illegal immigrants who work in the United States should be punished because they do not have green cards or permission from the United States to come to America. Although amnesty is an approved law, many peoples do not agree with this law. On the other hand, some Americans believe that there should be certain requirements for the Amnesty Act. According to the Chicago Tribune (2001), “Amnesty ought to be a privilege. It would be earned by those who can demonstrate that they have lived in the U.S. a certain number of years, have a stake in their communities, hold jobs and are able to support their families and do not have a criminal record” (Chicago Tribune, 2001). If the United States allows the illegal immigrants to become citizens, then they will send for family members, causing more illegal immigrants to invade the United States. Therefore, the Amnesty Act should not be a part of the United States regulations. In addition to amnesty being unconstitutional and unfair, the act signals to the illegal immigrants and everyone in the United States that is acceptable to break the laws in this country. “The Obama Administration will drop immigration proceedings against known immigration lawbreakers, including thousands already in immigration courts” (Edward, 2011). In a sense, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance but it is unfair for the U.S. to keep allowing people to come to the U.S. illegally. Receipt of "deferred action" or some other form of "prosecutorial discretion" will allow illegal aliens to remain in the country and pursue a valid work authorization permit”. Many people favor illegal immigration because they believe the immigrants keep the United States economy running; as a result, all illegal immigrants should be deported because they have broken the Immigration Laws. Byrd (2001) states, “In the year 2000, according to the Center for Immigration Studies, 41.4 percent of established immigrants lived in or near poverty, compared to 28.8 percent of natives” (Byrd, 2001). This is because many immigrants are breaking the laws; as a result, this causes them to live in the slums of America. See extra attachments titled, “Illegal Immigrants Should Not Receive Amnesty”.
If the society took the time to think about the Amnesty Act they would see that the citizens of the United States are losing jobs; this bill has helped the U.S. to create a more stable and secure country. But the Obama Administration sees things differently. For example, “The Obama Administration will drop immigration proceedings against known immigration lawbreakers, including thousands already in immigration courts. Receipt of "deferred action" or some other form of "prosecutorial discretion" will allow illegal aliens to remain in the country and pursue a valid work authorization permit” (James, 2011) cover the cost of services received by them. The quality of education, health care and other services for Americans are undermined by the needs of endless numbers of poor, unskilled illegal entrants” (FAIR, 2005). Amnesty is a serious problem that will destroy America if illegal immigrants and the employers that hire them are not punished.
Position in Favor of Amnesty
There are a lot of people who are against amnesty, while others favor it. Again, there are very few people who know the true meaning of the word amnesty. Why is that; very few people take their time to research and learn what amnesty really is. With this being said, a true debater always knows their craft, so let’s review the meaning of amnesty; amnesty means that the act of an authority (as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals. After reading the definition and truly understanding it. Amnesty is good for people who are trying to provide a better life for their families. Amnesty allows illegal immigrants to stay here without any penalty. Considering the United States was originated on using the Melting Pot Theory, why should we as a nation keep others from having a more stable and secure life in America? Hypothetically, amnesty is the best choice for all illegal immigrates. In favor of the immigrants, amnesty well provide special attention to the different nationalities who need to a better life, as far as, job opportunities, better living in environments, and opportunities for much strong education. With this being said, there are one strong point on why amnesty should be granted to be discussed in the context of this paper. First, amnesty for illegal immigration is fair and constitutional. This act signals to the illegal immigrants and everyone in the United States that no rules are being broken in this country. According to FAIR, “ Under the policies now being implemented, illegal aliens who have not committed violent crimes, and do not otherwise pose a security threat to the United States, will be allowed to remain in the country and will likely be grated authorization to work”(FAIR, 2011). In a sense, I believe without any doubt in my mind that everyone deserves a chance to become part of this country because it is fair for the United States; this means that we are a melting pot nation, no prejudices should be in place. We need to keep allowing others for different countries to come to our country to better their selves. Many people favor illegal immigration because they believe the illegal immigrates will help improve the United States of America’s by being major asset to our economy and educational systems. In addition, “There is no longer any need to speculate about what the administration is up to. The process of carrying out amnesty is already underway with funds that were appropriated for enforcement. Through this rogue amnesty program, the administration is plainly defying the authority of Congress and the will of the American People,” Stein concluded (FAIR, 2011). This is an indication that the Amnesty act is very fair and constitutional to all illegal immigrates, who are just looking for a better life, so they may achieve great things in life.
Response to Favor of the Policy
I truly understand that you Ms. Huntley feel that amnesty is fair and constitutional, have you really considered all the facts about the old amnesty law all the way to the latest and updated version? If not you need to learn all of the positions before making a decision on which side you are going to take. Considering all of the much needed information in response to favoring the policy it is not breaking the law and getting away with anything comes the issue that will permit illegal immigrants to legally take jobs legally away from citizens. Many argue that illegal immigration is endangering the economy or jobs in the United States. However, employers hire illegal immigrants because they are willing to except a lower salary. When this happens, Americans will not be left unemployed and they are not forced to get on government programs: Welfare, WIC, and Medicaid. The U.S. Congress needs to realize that they are not losing millions of dollars each year when they allow illegal immigrants in America.
According to New York Times, “One reason is that many undocumented workers pay taxes during their work lives but don’t collect benefits later. Another is that undocumented workers are entering the United States at ever younger ages and are expected to have more children while they’re here than if they arrived at later ages. The result is a substantial increase in the number of working-age people paying taxes, but a relatively smaller increase in the number of retirees who receive benefits — a double boon to Social Security’s bottom line”(New York Times, 2008). If the society took the time to think about the Amnesty Act they would see that the citizens of the United States are not losing jobs; the reason is American employers favor the illegal immigrants more because they will work the lower paying jobs, which creates more advanced paying jobs for American citizens. As a result, this leaves America in a better economic position financially. Amnesty is not a serious problem that will not destroy America if illegal immigrants and the employers that hire them are should not be punished.
Position against Amnesty Along with amnesty being fair and constitutional and signifying that it is alright to break the law and get away with it come the issue that permits illegal immigrants to legally take jobs away from citizens. According to Edwards, “This backdoor amnesty broadens and encourages use of "prosecutorial discretion" on behalf of foreigners who face removal orders. Not only will potentially thousands of illegals be allowed to remain in the United States, but the administration has also confirmed that those aliens can obtain work permits” (Edwards, 2011). In my opinion, I believe that the illegal immigrants who are already here should not be granted amnesty. Many argue that illegal immigration is not endangering the economy or jobs in the United States. However, employers hire illegal immigrants because they are willing to except a lower salary. When this happens, Americans are left unemployed and they are forced to get on government programs: Welfare, WIC, and Medicaid. The United States Congress needs to realize that they are losing millions of dollars each year when they allow illegal immigrants in America.
According to Gutierrez (2009), “Rep. Gutierrez' comprehensive immigration bill includes:
Amnesty: Amnesty for all illegal aliens who are not here to "hurt our communities." The plan would create a path to citizenship, requiring illegal aliens to go through background checks, pay taxes and learn English.
Border Enforcement: The plan calls for a "professional and effective" approach to border control, but offers no solutions to ensuring that the flow of illegal aliens is prevented.
Interior Enforcement: "Smart and humane" enforcement.
Workplace Enforcement: Employers would be held responsible for the hiring and mis-treatment of illegal aliens, rather than the illegal aliens who often use stolen documents to acquire the jobs in the first place. The plan also calls for a verification system, but does not mention E-Verify or the use of a biometric system that was discussed during a Senate Subcommittee Hearing over the summer. A statement issued by the ACLU today urged lawmakers to reject a biometric enforcement mechanism.
Worker flow: The plan supports the overhaul of the current visa program and an independent council that evaluates economic conditions to regulate the flow of foreign workers. This provision has been endorsed by the labor unions.
Immigrant integration: The government would take a more active role in helping new immigrants integrate into the country and their local communities.
DREAM/AgJOBS: The plan also includes the DREAM Act which provides amnesty for children of illegal aliens so they can attend U.S. colleges and universities, and the AgJOBS bill which provides an amnesty for illegal alien farm workers who can prove that they've consistently worked in the country” (Gutierrez, 2009).
The purpose of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 according to U.S. Citizenship and immigration,
“Public Law 99-603 (Act of 11/6/86), which was passed in order to control and deter illegal immigration to the United States. Its major provisions stipulate legalization of undocumented aliens who had been continuously unlawfully present since 1982, legalization of certain agricultural workers, and sanctions for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers, and increased enforcement at U.S. borders”( homeland-security, 2013).
In other words, this law was passed in order to keep track of everyone who was entering and exiting the country. Also, this law was provided to help protect our country. For example, when September 11 happened, does the questions, how did they get to this country without us knowing and why was the homeland security not enforcing more power? The United States of America has come a long way for the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. With this being said, the appropriate way to acknowledge this plan is to say that Obama is trying to keep this country in the melting pot theory. Now, the Obama Administration is working towards the following without working towards allowing the immigrants to stay in this country without any major penalties, this is the conflict between for the roles that the president and senators hold:
“While Obama echoed the pillars of immigration reform presented by a bipartisan group of senators on Monday, he also made an emotional plea for reform.
"What makes somebody American," he said, "is not just blood or birth, but allegiance to our founding principles."
The illegal immigrants are waiting patiently so that they can have a better life. The role of the entire group’s official, unofficial, and interest is to make the Obama Immigration Plan as fair and accurate as possible:
Like the senators' plan, Obama's proposal calls for a pathway to citizenship for many of the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. The senators' plan would grant "probationary legal status" immediately to eligible undocumented immigrants, but would not allow them to apply for permanent legal status, or a green card, until the border is deemed to be secure. Think of that as a trigger system( abc news, 2013).
On the other hand, administration officials told media outlets that they believe a path to citizenship needs to be more straightforward. They believe a trigger system, like the one in the senate plan, could lead to a state of legal limbo for the undocumented immigrants who receive legal status, The Washington Post reported”( abc news, 2013).

Obama said that immigrants make this country vibrant and are responsible for a fourth of new small businesses and a fourth of high tech businesses. He said Google and Yahoo! and Instagram were all in part founded by an immigrant.
He said that's partly why immigration reform is "common sense." Obama warned that as immigration reform becomes more of a reality there will be those who try to knock it down, who will try to frame the debate as "us versus them."
But "many forget most of us used to be them," Obama said before delivering a brief history of immigrants to this country — from the Irish to the Germans, from the Scandinavians to the Chinese” ( abc news, 2013).
The official actor of this plan is President Obama. Obama is consist at providing the most fair plan he can to help the United States and Illegal immigrates prosper. This is why he is the the official because he wants everyone to have a fair advantage for life in the United States.
The interest group is the Senate, while the interest group is none other than the non-citizens ( illegal- immigrates) of the United States. The illegal immigrants are waiting patiently so that they can have a better life. The role of the entire group’s official, unofficial, and interest is to make the Obama Immigration Plan as fair and accurate as possible:
Like the senators' plan, Obama's proposal calls for a pathway to citizenship for many of the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. The senators' plan would grant "probationary legal status" immediately to eligible undocumented immigrants, but would not allow them to apply for permanent legal status, or a green card, until the border is deemed to be secure. Think of that as a trigger system( abc news, 2013).
On the other hand, administration officials told media outlets that they believe a path to citizenship needs to be more straightforward. They believe a trigger system, like the one in the senate plan, could lead to a state of legal limbo for the undocumented immigrants who receive legal status, The Washington Post reported”( abc news, 2013).
Response against Amnesty
First, Amnesty was created to basically keep track of who was in the United States but it became a time, in which illegal immigrant where getting paid under the table. A lot of employers would hire the illegal immigrates because they will work for a lower pay doing jobs, in which we as Americans would not do for that price. In addition to amnesty being unfair and unconstitutional, the act signals to the illegal immigrants that it is acceptable to break the laws in this country. Many people favor illegal immigration because they believe the immigrants keep the United Stated economy running; as result, all illegal immigrants should be deported because they are breaking the laws.
According to Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), “who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a statement shortly after today's rally. The bill doesn't have a prayer because the American people oppose rewarding lawbreakers, which then encourages illegal immigration. Allowing millions of illegal immigrants to stay and take jobs away from citizens is like giving a burglar a key to the house. Illegal immigrants should play by the rules, return home and wait their turn like millions of legal immigrants” (Number USA, 2009).

In conclusion, The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and the Obama Administration decision are detrimental to the American society. While amnesty could have led to three major problems that occur in the United States; it is unfair unconstitutional, it signifies that it is acceptable to break the law and get away with it and it allows illegal immigrants to legally take jobs away from citizens but due to the Obama Administration it gives the illegal immigrants a new chance. What is the resolution to this problem? America needs to stand together and tell congress that amnesty is killing the United States, so they will do something about it before it is too late. It is very exciting to know that Alabama was able to win the battle against illegal immigration through the following bill:

Reference Page
Amnesty(2012). Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.meriam-webster.com/dictionary/amnesty
Byrd, R. (2001). Illegal Immigrants Should Not Receive Amnesty. Retrieved from http://faculty.njcu.edu/SHaber/Anti Amnesty.mht
Byrd, R. (2001). Illegal Immigrants Should Not Receive Amnesty. Retrieved from fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/amills/documents/Byrd.rtf.doc
Chicago Tribune (2001). Limited amnesty for immigrants. Retrieved from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-08-06/news/0108060024_1_illegal-immigrants-immigration-laws-amnesty
Edwards, J (2011). Obama Makes New Push for Backdoor Unilateral Amnesty. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&sid=41590729-24ab-4b64-81ff-f72b7d8cee2b%40sessionmgr112&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=65359228
Federation for American Immigation Reform(2011).FAIR: Administration's Amnesty for Illegal Aliens Officially Underway. Retrieved from http://www.fairus.org/news/fair-administrations-amnesty-for-illegal-aliens-officially-underway
Federation for American Immigation Reform(2005).Illegal Immigration is a Crime. Retrieved from http://www.fairus.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=16663&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1007
Gutierrez, L (2009). Rep. Gutierrez Outlines Comprehensive Mass Amnesty Bill. Retrieved from http://www.numbersusa.com/content/news/october-13-2009/rep-gutierrez-outlines-amnesty-bill.html
National Association of Former Border Patrol Agents (2006). Position Paper on Illegal Immigrations. Retrieved from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1725058/posts
Perez, M. (2001). Resident Illegal Immigrants Should Be Given Amnesty. Retrieved from http://faculty.njcu.edu/shaber/ProAmnesty.mht
State of Alabama (2012).Information Concerning Alabama’s Immigration Law (Act No. 2011-535). Retrieved from http://www.ago.state.al.us/Page-Immigration