Should our immigration laws be changed?
Throughout history, there has been a constant increase in non-US citizens moving into the United States. This long process of becoming a citizen of the United States is called immigration. However, the US tends to accept more immigrants than other countries. There are different pros and cons to having an increase in immigration, which tend to be based on how these immigrants are affecting the US economy.
Before one becomes a citizen, one must get a visa, which allows him/her to enter a country with the possibility of changing their status to permanent residents or temporary workers. Then, one can get a Green Card, which is proof that you have permanent residential status. One now has the right to live and work in the US.
The immigration laws that our country has developed have evolved over time. The purpose of these laws is for the government to control the number of non-citizens who can be in the country. These laws can also deny one’s access to become a citizen, and they can also deport someone back to their home country.
The Immigration and Nationality Act contains the current immigration laws. This act covers the definition of who is a citizen and who isn’t; who, (from outside this country) can come in, how visas are administered, how immigrants are processed, and who can be deported. This act also covers what immigrants must do to maintain their legality, and how immigrants can become permanent residents in this country. The Department of Homeland Security is in charge of immigration responsibilities.
Some might argue that the US immigration laws should not be changed because these harsh immigration laws are only for the benefit of our country and the safety of the United States. For example, the US Customs and Border Protection watches the country’s entrances; including borders, airports, and seaports, to make sure that everything and everyone coming into this country is legal. They also