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Introduction: Immigration Reform
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12329 |
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CURRENT ISSUES
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1 / 1987 |
453 Words |
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Historically, the United States has been the beacon of hope for "the tired, poor, huddled masses" throughout the world who sought a better life. Indeed, the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, with her torch held high, is one of this country's enduring mythic images to a world that yearns for the same "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" promised to all Americans by her forefathers. This country's allure is still an overpowering one. While the fertility rate of native-born Americans has fallen below the natural replenishment level, enough immigrants, both legal and illegal, enter this country each year to make the United States one of the fastest growing nations in the industrialized world. It is estimated that somewhere between one-third and one-half of this country's annual population growth comes from immigrants, legal and illegal.
But world demographics have changed dramatically in recent years and this country finds itself awash in a flood of illegal immigrants who seek the better life promised in "the American Dream." This influx of immigrants has become a source of concern for many Americans, especially those in the southwest states along the border of Mexico. There is near unanimous agreement in this country that something must be done about the problem, but there is little consensus yet about what ought to be done. Many critics, especially Hispanic, black, and other minority leaders, say illegal entrants take jobs from needy Americans; other say taking care of illegal immigrants severely strains already threadbare social services budgets. Advocates of open immigration polices say the new lifeblood of insights and economic vigor immigrants offer this country more than offset any problems they might cause.
The Congress, after five years of debate and soul-searching, finally passed the Simpson-Rodino immigration reform bill in the closing days of the 99th Congress in October 1986. As might be expected, debate on the bill was divisive and heated. The Immigration and Naturalization Service, which must patrol the nation's borders, track down illegal entrants, and enforce sanctions on those employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens, is grossly understaffed and underfinanced for the job it is expected to perform. It is clear that more legislation is needed if Simpson-Rodino is to work. Illegal immigration is still a political hot potato, one that is not likely to go away in the near future.
THE WORLD & I opens this Special Report with an overview of immigration legislation. We will examine the need for an immigration policy and the problems associated with it. The reader will then be presented with
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