Coming To America

Coming to America

Introduction

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she with silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" (Lazarus, 1843)

This poem is engraved on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, a welcome site to all crossing the sea since it was first raised. The United States of America a country of immigrants, a melting pot that is the most diverse in the land, made of so many mixes of race and ethnic groups it is impossible to name them all. However, today the very process that made this country is now felt by many to be the threat our country.

From all borders seeking a better life illegal immigrants from other countries are crossing at enormous rates. An outdated system that is in huge need of restructure is thought by many to be the cause. The process is an expensive timely manner that many immigrants do not have the means necessary to fulfill, and those already here are not paid appropriately for their work and are caught in a never ending circle with a never ending fear of deportation.

There are many parts to this complex issue. This paper will attempt at explaining the make up of this situation, including: statistics, policies, both sides of view, those for reform those apposed, the various players involved and then possible solutions. A solution as a country we now know is necessary due to the events on September 11, 2001, however, a solution that will not punish all for the crimes of a few.

Statistics

Throughout history millions of people have migrated from other countries to America through legal means. Millions more have done so illegally. The most difficult question to answer, “How many illegal immigrants are there” differs depending on who you ask. An estimated of 7 million to over 20 million is the range. It is very hard to determine the exact amount due to the fear of being caught keeping aliens from filling out census surveys the normal method used for tacking population.

“Based on the national census in 2000, the US Census Bureau puts the estimate of illegal immigrants at 8.7 million. As of 2003, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services put the number at 7 million. Since then, United States immigration officials have said the number has grown by as much as 500,000 a year “(Knickerbocker, 2006). This is one example of the possible number of aliens while another far larger estimate is provided. The U.S. Border patrol, the ones actually closed to the issue, predicts the number is actually closer to 12 to 15 million. Stating that in the year 2002 alone over 4 million people crossed. There were some that were caught however most those are caught will only attempt to cross again later. (Knickerbocker, 2006).

Policies

There are numerous policies involved with immigration control. In 1952 the Immigration and Nationality Act or INA was adopted. Before this act there were laws and code regarding immigration however they were broken up and sporadic. The INA is lengthy broken up into chapters and titles. It is difficult to read and has been amended many times throughout the years. Included in the ACT are nine chapters ranging from definitions of terms used to procedure on gaining citizenship along with all added amendments. For an example on how it is difficult to read a portion is included here, “Except as provided in clause (viii), any citizen of the United States claiming that an alien is entitled to classification by reason of a relationship described in paragraph (1), (3), or (4) of section 203(a) or to an immediate relative status under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) may file a petition with the Attorney General for such classification” (UCIS, 2007). This is explaining how a spouse or family member can be a sponsor for an Alien, but imagine how easy it is to understand if you are limited on legal or the English language education.

Along with the INA there are many other policies and laws both on a state and federal level. After September 11, officials began to crack down on aliens due to the fear of terrorism. Recent changes to the law include the regulation that any illegal alien who is charged with an aggravated felony will not be eligible for citizenship and will be deported. The law lists any crime that is sentenced with a 356 day sentence qualifies under this rule. Another way that states are specifically trying to impose regulation is by disallowing drivers licenses to non- citizens.

Why people immigrate to the U.S

In efforts to understand why immigration issues have become so abundant it is important to understand why and when many people of foreign countries have the wants or needs to immigrate to our great nation. The following time-line outlines the most common reasons why immigrants have immigrated to the United States within certain time frames. It is quoted from Bergen.org/AAST in an article titled “Reasons for Immigration.” (2005)

1607-1830

• Political Freedom

• Religious Tolerance

• Economic Opportunity - People want a better life - better job - more money

• Political Refugees fear for their lives

• Some want free atmosphere

• Forced Immigration (Slavery)

• Family Reunification

o There are two types of motivation for immigration

 Push(need to leave in order to survive)

 Pull (attracted to new way of life)

1830-1890

The reason for immigration in the period from 1830-1890 is quite clear. Land remained plentiful, and fairly cheap. Jobs were abundant, and labor was scarce and