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Crossing the Border – Illegal Immigration |
by Sierra A. Martin Historically illegal immigration has long been a heartfelt issue within the United States and its various foreign constituents. The question today is who among us is not an immigrant? Our founding fathers of this great nation came from afar to establish new lives and homes for their families.
In the 1790’s our congressional leaders began to establish the process for becoming a registered citizen. Throughout the history of America we have welcomed the Irish during the years of 1840 – 1870, the Germans from 1850 – 1890, the Italians from 1890 – 1920, again the Germans in 1945 – 1960, and the Latinos 1961 and still continue today.
Today approximately 12 million illegal immigrants are residing in the United States. Out of the 12 million illegal immigrants, roughly half are of the Latino decent.
Sadly, many illegal immigrants have lived in the shadows for years. They desire to become part of the All-American dream, the ability to work hard to provide for their families, and the freedom to enjoy the benefits of American living.
On May 3, 2006 across the country rallies were held in support of Immigration Reform. The banners flew, picketers marched and demonstrators pledged their Allegiance to the United Sates of America. When asked about the message the Latino community both legal and the illegal immigrants were trying to send, Adriana Vallejo spoke of two main motivations for coming to America, some come work to make enough money to buy businesses back in Mexico where they plan to return and reunited with family members they left behind. Then there are those who came to work and loved the lives they created and wanted to stay and become American citizens.
The melting pot of the world is right here in our own back yard. The nature of being a citizen comes with not only prestige but also responsibility. Like any government there are rules, some simple like obeying speed limit signs, and others more complex like paying taxes.
As citizens of the United States, we are also members of a united global community – with that entitlement our standards must be credible and we must remain responsible when it comes to the illegal immigration laws. Members of our Congressional team go into chambers in an effort to resolve the continued dispute over illegal immigrants.
Current statistics show that 2 ˝ % of all jobs are held by unauthorized workers. The majority are performing manual labor, or in service industries. The employment held by the immigrants range from 25% are farm laborers, 17% cleaning services, 14% construction industry, and 12% in the food service industry. However those who have already made the transition of become citizens have the advantage of higher wages and health benefits.
The counterpoint to this benefit stated by the Council of Economic Advisers, in its 2005 annual report, conceded illegal immigration negatively impacts wages of the less skilled workers, high school drop-outs, and those without college degrees. The typical candidate for many of these jobs would be an American citizen. However, with the growing population for illegal immigrants and their need to support not only themselves but their families the job is most likely to be offered to the individual willing to complete it most cost effectively. After the green card or work permit has expired, many are forced to accept paltry wages in order to survive.
Our country has the opportunity to further break down the ever so slowly declining numbers of the national budget should we register those who qualify for citizenship and require them to pay taxes like every other American. As Americans we strive year after to year to decrease our national deficit. When we continue to entertain the illegal immigrants, the very people who are working hard to build lives and contribute to society, would it not be fair to American citizens who rightfully pay taxes that the illegal immigrants to also contribute as members of this nation?
The mixture of emotions runs as wide as the depth of the Grand Canyon, yet our struggle to ascertain future impacts of the growing illegal population continues. Boycotters should heed a cautionary warning when demonstrating support. Events should not be monetarily hurtful to their employers. Remember the saying, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”. There is always someone else who is ready, willing, and able to perform their job as they too have families at home to feed. The companies that would normally rely on the Latino culture will be forced to diversify in the future as a precautionary measure to prevent loss of future revenue.
There is much controversy over the effects of the boycott. The effects are as diverse as the communities and people throughout our great nation. For those that came before and those who have yet to cross that border, we are all part of history of this great nation.
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