 Immigration theories are contingent upon the idea of individual economic improvement. As the world becomes more globalized and interconnected, the competition for scarce resources between actors becomes fiercer. Concurrently, the concern of national security is more prevalent in the public’s mind. New public policy solutions must be devised to balance the positive economic effects of immigration with concerns over national security.

Path to citizenship 10-year probationary period Merit-based visa program Border Security first

 3/03/01/world/americas/border- graphic.html?ref=americaswww.nytimes.com/interactive/201 3/03/01/world/americas/border- graphic.html?ref=americas

Neoclassical Economics: Macro Theory Micro Theory New Economics of Migration World Systems Theory

 Other theories that postulate the existence of international migration in order to expand upon the understanding of its continuance are: Network Theory, Institutional Theory, Cumulative Causation, and Migration Systems Theory

 The influx of immigrant workers is a valuable aspect of the supply side of economics  Immigrant workers are willing to work jobs with negative stigmas for lower wages  The international competition for jobs (in theory) drives up the quality of work  The labor of immigrant workers is a valuable aspect of our economy, especially in agrarian markets

 It strains governmental resources that are already stretched thin  Immigrants take jobs away from Americans  Borders that are relatively more open give easier access to terrorists  Advancement of the drug trade and drug wars on American soil  “Even though they pose no direct security threat, the presence of millions of undocumented migrants distorts the law, distracts resources, and effectively creates a cover for terrorists and criminals”.

 Do the national security concerns outweigh the benefits immigrants bring to our economy, or vice versa?  If national security is the driving force behind immigration reform, should our efforts be focused on Mexico, or elsewhere?

 In 2005 there was a sweeping national cry for Immigration Reform, which the Senate was unable to pass  This has resulted in a bifurcated blowback  “Sanctuary Cities” v. Minutemen  President Obama’s executive order

 Ad hoc admission of refugees fleeing communism after WWII  Executive branch was given considerable latitude in aligning refugee admissions to foreign policy interests  1952 McCarren-Walter Act  1965 Immigration and Nationality Act  Restrictions on Mexico -Interagency Task Force in Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy in Universal per country limits were imposed -Immigration Reform and Control Act enacted in 1986  Border Patrol programs -Operation Hold-the-Line -Operation Gatekeeper -Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act

 Creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a cabinet-level secretary -U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) -Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  USA Patriot Act and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act (EBSVERA) -Facilitate screening of those seeking entry into the country -Track their status once admitted -Verify their departure

 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Procedures allow the Attorney General to approve emergency FISA surveillance and search warrants at his discretion “Terrorist activity” is now used as grounds for inadmissibility for entry into the country Consular Lookout Support System (CLASS)

 Redirect undocumented flows through proper channels  Increase screening and tracking capabilities to reduce the risk of terrorist infiltration  Congress appears to be projecting a “get tough” stance on illegal immigration  Attempt to bridge the gap by increasing screening and tracking abilities while maintaining a generally liberal posture vis-à-vis migration

 2.1 is considered the replacement rate for a population eastern Europe had a rate of below 1.3. The population would be cut in half within 45 years  Globally birth rates have fallen from 6.0 in 1972 to 2.7  Issues with an aging population - Strains on the welfare state -Older work force -Fewer taxes -Immigration is a temporary solution -Third world immigration invasion -The death of western influence

 Fundamental shift in women’s “natural role”  Families are waiting longer to have children  Inflexible labor market  Increased financial burden  Little government help

 Appeals to patriotism  Financial incentives  Flexible labor force  Immigration  Planning for a gradual population decline  Convince people to work longer and prolong retirement

 “Cloud, or Silver Linings?”  How can an increasingly smaller youth population support an increasingly larger elderly population?

 What can be done about the problem of immigration?  If the forces of migration are contingent upon a global capitalist economy, can there be a solution without a total overhaul of the system?