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Should illegal immigrants receive amnesty? Yes
By:
Posted: 9/5/08
Robin Phelps

I will begin with a disclaimer because I know many will refute me in this matter and regard me as un-American.
Hear me out as I confront this issue and hereby squelch opposing claims by addressing this topic as it relates to our nation fiscally and economically, socially, globally and to me personally.
The issue of illegal immigrant status has been one debated time and time again. Like many issues, there is no cure-all or black or white. There are only gray areas and exceptions to the numerous rules, laws and policies we put in place to fill our nation's insecurities when it comes to outsiders.
The U.S. should grant amnesty to illegal immigrants for too many reasons to describe in this short commentary, but I will bring a sound argument and hopefully enrich, or at least evoke thought, in the minds of those who feel our country should not allow illegal immigrants amnesty.
The current status quo of our nation is the barrier on the border, which attempts to prohibit illegal immigrants from entering the U. S.. According to the United States Management and Budget, the 2008 budget set aside $13 million to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement. In addition, more than 11 million illegal immigrants reside in the U.S., according the July 2008 CIA Factbook.
Even with border patrol, illegal immigrants still find a way into the country. It is clear that regardless of any physical barrier the U.S. constructs, people will find their way in. Why not focus on the problem of those already in the country?
Though I hate to quote him on this topic and be misconstrued as a follower, our very own president said it well in this quote: "We need a new way for foreign workers to come here lawfully on a temporary basis and support our economy."
While many will argue granting amnesty to illegal immigrants or allowing them a chance for citizenship will create competition in the job market and increase unemployment, they are definitely not being real; they just don't want the jobs available; enough said.
Legalizing the existing illegal Americans who are here is the next step to solving the issue of illegal immigration.
Though the process in place has positioned many obstacles for illegal immigrants, the guest worker program is a temporary remedy until a solution is found. In the long-run, granting amnesty and allowing citizenship will produce tax payers who will ultimately supplement the U.S. economy.
When people think of illegal immigration, their quick response is to make them go back home, but what they don't realize is that, for some illegal immigrants, America is a chance to a better lifestyle.
Our country was based on immigration from the early 1900s when Ellis Island was established and encouraged a diverse society, a "melting pot" of sorts that would be the epicenter for diversity.
How dare Americans restrict, put out and put obstacles in the way of people who want a better life, especially since this land was never ours to begin with. The only natives in this country are Native Americans, and the U.S. government chased them off to reservations and terrible conditions. The name Trail of Tears says it all.
So for those who are not of American Indian ancestry, you are in fact an immigrant. America gave you or your ancestors a fair chance to be here, to live, share goals, values and cultures. Technically we are all immigrants.
Granting amnesty to immigrants should not be a strenuous ordeal requiring "Z" visas that take 18 months to acquire, $5,000 in fees and fines and degrading tests and processing.
I'm not saying we should open the doors to any and everybody who wishes to live in the U.S., but we should at least offer a fair chance, a pathway to legalization and if nothing else, make them taxpaying citizens.
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