Thread: Ethics' role in issue of illegal immigration

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Carroll: Ethics' role in issue of illegal immigration
Story updated at 9:12 PM on Saturday, February 3, 2007

The issue of illegal immigration is one of the greatest social problems of our times. There are an estimated 12 million to 20 million illegal immigrants already in the United States. One thing is clear: The majority of American citizens think the problem is critical. A Time magazine poll found that 63 percent of those surveyed think the problem is "extremely" or "very" serious.

When the issue of ethics is brought up in discussions about illegal immigrants, usually the topic turns to business ethics because employers who hire illegal aliens are the driving force behind the problem.

The quick answer to the ethics question is that the illegal aliens entering the country are committing an unethical act and that the employers who are hiring them are unethical or amoral. After all, how hard is it to ask for a proof of citizenship? Around the world, governments have historically expected that people can show proof of citizenship or a work permit.

Three of the great ethics principles include those of rights, justice and utilitarianism. Let's explore each of these in terms of the immigration problem. First is the principle of rights. By definition, the illegals do not have a legal right to be working in the United States. Since both Mexico and the United States are sovereign countries that provide regulations regarding who can hold citizenship and work in their countries, it is hard to argue that the illegals have a right to be here and take jobs.

Surely, the legal rights of existing citizens surpass the rights of those who are here illegally. Lawmakers across the United States are taking actions to bring illegal immigration under control. Many lawmakers have pondered whether to punish the employers of the illegal workers.

This suggests that existing citizens' rights are being encroached upon, whether it is in the form of higher taxes, crowding in education and social services or in the right to safety.

The principle of justice is all about fairness. A few people might argue that illegals have a right to be here because they are just seeking social justice. But, most likely would argue that social justice has its limitations and that the illegal crossing of the border of a sovereign country would not be justified by the pursuit of higher paying jobs. Mexico is not repressive toward its citizens, so it is not as though the illegal aliens are seeking political sanctuary.

A related ethical question is whether illegal entry is fair to existing citizens and also to those trying to enter the country through appropriate channels. Current citizens are having to foot the bill for many increased costs associated with the illegal entries. Likewise, those foreign nationals who are attempting to follow the legal process for entering the United States don't think the illegal border crossings are fair to them. They are trying to play by the rules, but are losing out to those who are breaking the law.

The final ethical principle is that of utilitarianism. One version of utilitarianism tends to support what is justified as being practical or useful. Of course, the primary group to see illegal immigrants as convenient is the business community. For business, it is primarily about economics. Business owners claim illegals take jobs no one else will take and that their employment will result in lower prices for consumers. Interestingly, the Time poll cited earlier found that 71 percent of respondents felt they were not paying less for goods or services because of low-wage illegal immigrant labor.

In the final analysis, as long as business is not held accountable for aiding and abetting illegal acts, the ethical problem will continue and U.S. society will pay the costs and continue the downward spiral of moral relativism. If illegal immigration continues unchecked, lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law might spread to other sectors as well.

• Archie Carroll is professor emeritus in the Terry College of Business, University of Georgia, where he has taught business ethics for many years. He may be reached at acarroll@terry.uga.edu.

If illegal immigration continues unchecked, lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law might spread to other sectors as well.

And it is spreading to other sectors already.
It's causing a downward spiral of moral relativism right in our own government. The White House. Congress.

We can't even get them to stand on the side of the law!!

This professor from the University of Georgia is right. And so are we.

Originally Posted by LegalUSCitizen

If illegal immigration continues unchecked, lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law might spread to other sectors as well.

And it is spreading to other sectors already.
It's causing a downward spiral of moral relativism right in our own government. The White House. Congress.

We can't even get them to stand on the side of the law!!

This professor from the University of Georgia is right. And so are we.

AND THAT IS THE TRUTH!!!