Immigration: Undocumented Immigrants In The United States

“The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known… We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal. And we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words, within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture. Drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept, E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one.” (Barack Obama- Stephen Spignesi). The founding fathers of The United States of America wanted to create a country where people from all over the world could share dreams, and be free to express themselves. Immigration reform is a very controversial topic. A path to citizenship would allow undocumented immigrants to have an opportunity
Undocumented immigrants are helping the economy by occupying jobs that most Americans do not want. Also, they are hard workers and do not demand a lot from their jobs. Therefore, they are sought after by big companies and businesses. 17 percent of America’s labor force is made up of immigrants. (“Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration…”). According to Pew Research Polls, the attitude towards immigrants in the workforce has changed substantially. In 2006 only 28 percent of adults believed that having immigrants -legal or undocumented- in the workforce helped the economy. On the contrary, in 2016, that number went up 14 points to 42 percent of adults approving it. (Rainie, Lee, and Anna Brown). In the novel The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, a family comes to America hoping for a new start. “He would work, for his part. Jurgis, too, had heard of America… and decided forthwith that he would go to America and marry… In that country, rich or poor, a man was free…” (Sinclair 15). Jurgis’s family moves to America with the American Dream as a goal. The dream became a nightmare due to the selfishness of America’s early government. This allowed businesses to exploit the vulnerable immigrants. In the turn of the last century, America welcomed immigrants from all countries. With the passing of child labor laws and the rising of labor unions, the government is finally protecting the workforce.
Not only do undocumented immigrants deserve to have an opportunity to experience the American Dream, but they would also be helping America’s economy by participating in the workforce. Creating a path to citizenship is the most logical, effective way of creating a safe, united country. The United States of America is a nation where hope never dies, and neither do dreams. It is a place of diversity, expression, equality, and freedom. If Americans can’t share these ideas with people that are in need then one should begin to wonder whether or not they are really standing for what it means to be an