Immigration Aim: Identify the main arguments for and against immigration. Success Criteria By the end of the period you should be able to explain two arguments for and against immigration.

The Problem of Immigration Each year around 700,000 immigrants enter the USA. But there are 4-8 million illegal immigrants in the USA. 2,000 illegals attempt to cross the US-Mexican border each night. Many come through organised gangs who transport people over to work in the USA. States near that border e.g. California, Texas have high numbers of illegal immigrants and some US farmers pay to have illegal workers brought over as cheap labour.

California Texas US-Mexican Border is nearly 2,000 miles long. It is very difficult for government officials to patrol this border effectively.

California Texas US-Mexican Border is nearly 2,000 miles long. It is very difficult for government officials to patrol this border effectively.

Attitudes To Immigration After the 9/11 terrorist attacks the government has tightened up the rules which allow people into the USA and this is reduced the number of legal immigrants entering the USA. Currently a huge majority of legal immigrants are Hispanic but a huge number of illegal immigrants are also Hispanic. Since this is the fastest growing group, politicians know that if they are too tough on immigration they might lose their votes at elections.

Secure Fence Act 2006 Passed by President Bush – aimed to build 700 miles of security fencing in areas along the border with Mexico prone to drug trafficking and illegal immigration. More vehicles barriers, checkpoints and lighting was also built. Critics argue it was ineffective because it is not a continuous barrier and be climbed over or dug under in some areas. Video Clip

Arguments For Immigration Intelligent and ambitious people bring their skills to the USA. Immigration has made the USA a successful multi-cultural society – it’s good to have people from different backgrounds and cultures. The USA has an important image as an open, welcoming country. Immigrants will often do low-paid jobs which Americans don’t want to do. Immigration gives people the opportunity to have a better life.

Arguments Against Immigration Immigrants take jobs from Americans. Immigration provides opportunities for terrorists, drug dealers and other criminals to enter the country. Immigrants receive government benefits and cost the country money e.g. education, emergency healthcare. National identity and language is disappearing. Emigration hurts the other country – causing them to lose their best workers..

Key Issues Should we cut down on the number of people who are legally coming into the USA? Immigration has made American the country that it is today. How do we stop illegal immigrants coming into the USA?

Task Make a note of the main arguments for and against immigration. What do you think is the strongest argument in favour of immigration? What do you think is the strongest argument against immigration? Explain the purpose of the 2006 Secure Fence Act.