Immigration Debate Essay Example

Of all the issues debated in both politics and everyday conversation no topic can cause as strong and fervent an opinion as can the debate concerning Immigration. Immigration has occurred throughout America’s history, and some might argue is one of the primary reasons why America has been and continues to be the most powerful and influential nation in the world. In the past we have celebrated Ellis Island as a symbol of hope and equality which the United States represents for thousands of immigrants. This has all changed recently however, as public sentiment has turned largely against Immigration, and this change in opinion is reflected in the politics of the United States, as Congress almost continually debates legislation regarding Immigration, such as the status of illegal immigrants already in the United States, and whether or not the U.S should construct a fence to secure the U.S-Mexican border from any further illegal immigration. This change in opinion has occurred relatively quickly, and in large part is due to the fact that a large portion of today’s immigration is illegal immigration from Mexico. Regardless of why or how opinions have recently changed, people’s feelings on the subject are strong on either side of the debate. It is very rare to find a person who is moderately for or against immigration. Rather, just about everyone involved in the debate is either staunchly for or against immigration and can give a list of reasons, although potentially faulty or misguided, to support their opinion. As such, I feel it will be advantageous to thoroughly examine both sides of debate before rushing to make any conclusions of my own. Thus, I will first examine the argument against immigration, and then turn my attention to the argument for it. There are a number of reasons why some people are opposed to immigration, especially illegal immigration to the United States. One such argument is based in an economic state of mind. According to this