U.S. Immigration Policy

Introduction

The United States was built by immigrants, many seeking a new life in a new land. Before 1882, anyone could move to the United States. But as the population grew, the federal government decided to control immigration. Throughout most of the twentieth century, the federal government has fine-tuned its immigration policies to answer specific concerns of its citizens. In recent years, an increasing number of Americans have come to believe that the country is being overwhelmed by immigrants, and they have asked policymakers to create laws that discourage both legal and illegal immigration. Responding to this demand, in 1996 President Bill Clinton signed into law three bills that may have broad impact on immigration control and immigrants' rights in the United States. The controversy surrounding this and other policies has made immigration one of the most divisive public policy issues of the decade.

The debate over immigration offers a modern-day reading of the principles that many people think America was founded on—providing newcomers with freedom from oppression and the opportunity for prosperity. This debate centers around two major issues: the economy and the national identity of the United States. Some Americans think that immigrants are a burden on the U.S. economy, while others think that they benefit it. In addition, critics of immigration are concerned that the country is splintering along racial and cultural lines because immigrants are not being assimilated properly into U.S. society. Should the government place further restrictions on legal immigration? Should the government deny social services to illegal immigrants? Should English be the official language of the United States? These are just some of the questions being debated by lawmakers and citizens across the country.

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
Religion in gr br	\|	Controlling Immigration

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