THE IMMIGRATION DEBATE

THE FACTS America allows legal immigrants a year in. Most come from Mexico though large numbers also arrive from China, India and the Philippines.A ‘Green Card’ is issued which confirms their legal status. Over immigrants arrive illegally every year. Well over half are from Mexico as result of extreme poverty and a 3,000 mile long border. Illegal immigration has become more difficult and dangerous in recent years but is still regarded by many as worth the effort. Over 2,000 migrants have died since 1995 from heat and dehydration making the trip. America turned a blind eye to much of the immigration but that changed in the 1990s and even more so since 9/11 Immigration has become one of the most hotly discussed topics in America, both by the people and politicians. ‘Minutemen’ have set themselves up along the Mexican border to watch for illegal immigrants. They believe they are responsible citizens but have been accused of racism and acting like vigilantes.

Arguments FOR immigration America is a nation of immigrants The American economy relies on immigration as a source of cheap labour Immigrants often do the jobs that Americans don’t want Immigrants pay billions in taxes just like Americans Immigrants add to the cultural diversity of America

Arguments AGAINST immigration They take jobs and college places away from Americans They are ‘different’ They will eventually ‘take over’ from the white ruling class. They drain money from the welfare system They are criminally minded They don’t pay taxes They bring wages down Terrorist threat

Satire yes, but what is the suggestion?

Anti-Immigration propaganda

Who is most worried about this ‘outrage’?

Political responses Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) Proposition 187 (1994) This attempted to discourage illegal immigration to California by denying immigrants and their children access to education, health and welfare benefits. It also required teachers, social workers and healthcare workers to report anyone ‘suspicious’. Californians voted for the law but it was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Immigration Reform Law (1996) – doubled the border patrol to 10,000 agents. Welfare Reform Law (1996) stopped access to welfare for legal immigrants for 5 years after entry. Partly ignored as the mood softened.

Political Responses post 9/11 US Patriot Act (2001) intended to restrict and control entry to the USA. Massive increase in Presidential power over individuals. Allowed the Attorney General to detain indefinitely anyone identified as a terrorist. Also trebled the Border Patrol and gave the FBI new powers of covert surveillance. Immigration and Asylum seekers dropped dramatically in Immigration is a very delicate subject. At present most Hispanics don’t vote at all and if so mainly Democrat. Politicians are aware that the Hispanic vote is largely untapped and potentially could affect all future elections. ‘El Voto Castigo’ was the Hispanic ‘punishment vote’ which badly affected politicians who supported 187. There are signs that the Hispanic vote is becoming more influential, certainly in border states. George W. Bush failed to get a ‘Guestworker’ amnesty programme through Congress due to opposition from his own party. The Republican party are split over how to deal with the situation. Ideologically they are opposed to illegal immigration. Economically they applaud the American Dream and many major industrialist Republicans rely on cheap immigrant labour to staff their companies.

The Republican dilemma