Blake DeVlieger, Abhishek Poddar, Jeff Tucker Immigration Reform Blake DeVlieger, Abhishek Poddar, Jeff Tucker

The Issue: Immigration = moving permanent residence, usually from one country to another 1,000,000 legal plus 500,000 illegal immigrants annually Impacts issues and developments like social services, population, schools, and the economy The government has been working on ways to deal with this, but most have not passed

The History of American Immigration July 4th, 1776- Descendents of and first- generation European immigrants occupying the British colonies declared independence from England. July 14th 1798- Alien and Sedition Acts require a 14 year residency for citizenship, and deportation of “dangerous aliens”. 1864- Contract Labor Law 1875- Henderson v. Mayor of New York

The History of American Immigration 1882- Chinese Exclusion Act (1st Federal Immigration Law) halts immigration from China bars Chinese from gaining citizenship restricts entry of lunatics, convicts, and others into the country Head tax on immigrants Renewed indefinitely in 1902, but repealed in 1943 1891- Bureau of Immigration established more specifications added to the list of who to restrict entry to immigrants not admitted required to be transported back to country of origin by steamboat companies.

1892- Ellis Island opened to screen immigrants entering from the east. 1905- Angel Island opened on west coast with the same purpose.

The History of American Immigration 1904-The first border patrol is established to keep out Asian workers attempting to enter the country through Mexico ‘By 1917, immigration requirements included literacy tests, knowing English, no physical deformities or illnesses, & no unaccompanied children in addition to those less recently established. 1921- Quota Act limited immigrants to 3% of each nationality present in America. 1952-Immigration and Nationality Act- eliminates race as a bar from entry and citizenship 1965- Hart-Celler Act changes quota categories from nationality to hemisphere

The History of American Immigration 1986- Immigration Reform and Control Act- amnesty for illegal aliens and sanctions for those employing them 1990- Immigration Act limited unskilled workers to 10,000/year 2001- USA Patriot Act broadens the reach of the Immigration and Nationality Act’s categorization of aliens who are ineligible to come into the country

A recurring issue is the conflict of interests between companies and individuals who want cheap labor and those who don’t need it and just experience the negative aspects of immigration.

Immigration Statistics by State

Statistics By Place of Origin

Pros and Cons Birthright Citizenship All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Birthright Citizenship Pros It is part of our constitution. Giving birth in US is not a major incentive for immigrants. Unnecessary distraction Revoking birthright citizenship will only worsen illegal immigration Cons The 14th amendment must be reinterpreted. Revoking birthright citizenship will reduce illegal immigration. Devalues US citizenship Burden on American Welfare Illegal immigrants are not "subject to the jurisdiction" of U.S. laws because they cannot be drafted into the military or tried for treason.

Public Opinion Polls

Republican Stance Border Security is really important Give border forces proper equipment and resources Against Amnesty Against giving refugees statues

Green Party Stance No quotas More attention to Refugees Make passage into the US easier Seasonal work passes for foreign workers Against English only legislation

Democratic Party Stance Feels that National Government should secure the border Hold employers accountable for hiring undocumented workers Undocumented workers should right themselves with the law before they become citizens

American Immigration Control Foundation For Immigration Reform Informs people about Illegal immigration

Farm Labor Organizing Committee Wants Justice Farm workers need a voice Farm workers can forms unions with the help of the FLOC Helps international groups that have interest in the States.

AFL-CIO American Farm Labors Union They want to make immigration easier More workers + Less pay for worker=more money for farmer

DREAM Act Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act Wants to give equal opportunity to underprivileged kids

Arizona Immigration Law Highly debated Wants to protect its citizens Toughest Immigration law It is currently going through the federal court system to see if it is unconstitutional

Growth of Immigration Immigration has Grown a lot since The turn of the Century (http://www.cairco.org/data/data_us.html)

Bibliography 1849, By. "The Border | Interactive Timeline." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 03 Dec. 2010. <http://www.pbs.org/kpbs/theborder/history/interactive-timeline.html>. "Birthright Citizenship." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 1 Nov. 2010. Web. 3 Dec. 2010. <http://www.2facts.com/article/i1500590>. Cozic, Charles P. Illegal Immigration: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego:      Greenhaven Press, 1996. Print. "Immigration in America: Facts & Figures." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 3 Dec. 2010. Immigration Policy Center. Web. 03 Dec. 2010. <http://www.immigrationpolicy.org>. Pinto, Katy M. "Immigration in America: Outlook." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 3 Dec. 2010. ProQuest Staff. "Topic Overview: Immigration." ProQuest LLC. 2010: n.pag. SIRS Researcher. Web. 03 Dec 2010.http://www.flowofhistory.org/themes/movement_settlement/uspolicytimeline.php Simon, Rita J. "Immigration in America: Overview." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 3 Dec. 2010.