Candace Vargas

Eco 357L

It wasn't until as recently as late 1974 that the U.S. really started addressing the illegal immigration problem that has been plaguing the nation for quite some time.

Originally the immigration policy has been set in direct accordance with its effect on the American labor force. Immigration acts gave the Secretary of Labor the authority and responsibility to stifle immigration by requiring labor certificates. As of December 1975, the immigration policy has three main goals, "to unify families, to admit workers with skills that are in short supply, and to permit entry of political refugees under special circumstances." All of these legal immigrants however are not dispersing in a manner that is evenly balanced among the nation. They are concentrating in specific cities', which is having an adverse reaction on those cities labor forces.

One of the main issues is not having any substantial means of preventing or hindering illegal access to the U.S. There are just not enough funds or manpower to "roundup" aliens or prosecute them in any way. They are just simply allowed to return to their countries. Basically there is no punishment either way, they either go home or take a job from an American worker.

As stated the main issue with illegal immigration is its negative effect on the labor market. Despite the obvious rewards for the aliens, they must go through "often dangerous and frequently inhuman methods" in order to get into the states, including high fees, low wages, hazardous journeys, the constant fear of being caught, and abuse by employers.

Those Americans, mostly minorities, who are competing with the immigrants often find themselves at a disadvantage. They regularly find themselves without jobs, on welfare, or turning to criminal activities in order to live. Another major problem for American workers brought on by illegal aliens is the difficulty in establishing unions.

Basically, the nation must contend with the problem of illegal aliens by passing more immigration laws in order to protect both its citizens and the aliens.

In order to build a world community, boundaries must be made in each nation in order to succeed. Although if might be impossible to reduce the number of illegal aliens in the U.S., a genuine attempt must be made in order to protect our labor force and the aliens. To facilitate change, legislation acts to prevent hiring of illegal immigrants must be made. The Immigration and Naturalization Service must be given more resources, both monetary and physical. Arrests and court proceedings are also necessary for deterrence. Efforts must be made in conjunction with Mexico to have maximum effect. Without their support and effort, attempts will be futile.

"Nonetheless, when all things are considered, it is apparent that this issue does not lend itself to any nice solution. Illegal immigration is more of a policy dilemma that it is a problem that has a "correct" answer. It is impossible to make everyone better off regardless of what is done or not done."