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Immigration Jorie
Immigration Jorie
Jorie Langston
Dr. Boyd
Humanities III
28 February 2023
Immigration has become a hot topic in the United States. Many people have different
opinions on whether or not the border should remain open; thus, this debate has become more of
a political dispute than a human rights issue. Immigration is a process for people in need, not a
political discussion for citizens. The harsh reality of being a person immigrating is not as easy as
many people think. According to the National Immigration Forum, “[s]ince 1998, the U.S.
Border Patrol has recorded an average of 364 deaths per year and more than 8,000 total migrant
deaths along the Southwest border.” Furthermore, this information shows how much of a risk
people who emigrate willingly face to escape their home country. Furthermore, immigration
should remain legal, and the border should be easier to access because the government profits off
immigration; immigrants are not raising crime rates or creating a job shortage, and the
According to Freedom for Immigrants, as of September 2021, over 20,000 immigrants were
being held in nationwide detention centers. These detention centers are private corporations with
government contracts to house and care for immigrants. The longer these immigrants are
detained, the more money the government pays to the corporations, resulting in profits for these
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companies. Additionally, the government charges fees for various aspects of the immigration
process, such as visa applications and naturalization fees. Overall, while the government may
claim to have the best interests of immigrants at heart, the government receives a financial
incentive. In turn, immigration results in profits for both government agencies and private
corporations.
Many believe immigration is causing a job shortage in the United States. Some argue that
immigrants are taking jobs away from native-born Americans. They claim these immigrants are
willing to work for lower wages, increasing American workers’ competition. Additionally, some
think that immigrants increase the overall supply of workers, which can drive down wages and
decrease the likelihood of Americans finding employment (Beck). However, the reality is more
complex than this theory. In recent years, the United States has experienced a labor shortage in
many industries, including hospitality, retail, and healthcare. According to a recent article in
Fortune, the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates to combat this labor shortage,
indicating that this problem is severe. Rather than causing a job shortage, immigrants often fill
positions that American workers are not interested in or lack the necessary skills. Immigrants
also contribute to the economy by creating new businesses and increasing consumer demand,
which can ultimately lead to job growth. Therefore, while immigration may impact the labor
market, people who immigrate to this country are not the primary cause of the current job
shortage.
Immigration has become a dehumanizing issue in the United States. Many individuals
and families seeking refuge in the country are frequently portrayed as criminals, terrorists, or
invaders, and their humanity is overlooked. The media often perpetuates this narrative by
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publishing images that dehumanize immigrants, such as showing them in handcuffs or cages.
However, some photographers are using their work to humanize the immigration debate. For
example, a New York Times article showcases photographs of immigrants in everyday settings,
such as at home or work, and highlights their stories and aspirations (Estrin). Immigration is not
only a political debate but also a human rights issue. Under the Trump administration, a
zero-tolerance immigration policy was put in place, which resulted in the separation of families
at the border. This policy had disastrous consequences, including the death of a seven-year-old
Guatemalan girl named Jakelin Caal Maquin in Border Patrol custody. In addition, Edgar López,
a Honduran asylum seeker, was murdered after being deported back to Honduras under this
policy (Mora). These examples demonstrate the impact that immigration policies can have on the
lives and well-being of immigrants. Therefore, this country needs to recognize that immigration
In conclusion, the immigration border should remain open because everyone deserves a
chance to live in a free country. Everyone deserves the fundamental human right to seek a better
life and pursue opportunities for oneself and one's family. Shutting the borders and denying
individuals the opportunity to immigrate to a free country violates fundamental human rights.
The United States has a duty as a free country to welcome and embrace those seeking refuge and
a better life; by allowing immigration, the U.S. provides individuals with an opportunity for a
better life and enriches society with diverse cultures and ideas. Therefore, the country must
ensure that immigration policies remain fair and inclusive so everyone can live in a free and
prosperous country.
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Works Cited
Beck, Roy. “The Case Against Immigration.” The Washington Post, WP Company,
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/books/chap1/againsti.htm.
2023.
Estrin, James. “Photographs That Humanize the Immigration Debate.” The New York
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/03/lens/photographs-that-humanize-the-immigra
“Explainer: Migrant Deaths at the Border.” National Immigration Forum, 12 Sept. 2022,
https://immigrationforum.org/article/explainer-migrant-deaths-at-the-border/#:~:tex
t=Since%201998%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Border,deaths%20along%20the%20Sou
Mora, David, and Emily Green. “An Immigration Raid Sent Him to Guatemala. He Was
https://www.vice.com/en/article/epd9qk/edgar-lopez-murder-trump-zero-tolerance-i
Rugaber, Christopher, and The Associated Press. “The Labor Force Is Smaller than You
Think and That Could Be Making the Fed Very Nervous.” Fortune, 12 Dec. 2022,
https://fortune.com/2022/12/12/is-there-a-labor-shortage-federal-reserve-raising-int