United States Immigration Policy Essay -- Illegal Immigration, Illegal

Immigration policy is a controversial but rarely debated issue in U.S. politics. Politicians usually do not take strong stances on immigration, and rarely does a candidate make immigration policy a key piece of his platform. However, the issue is very divisive and decisions concerning immigration will have a large impact on this country's future. Immigration discussions often evoke strong feelings due to the racial and ethnic issues involved. Often, those seeking to immigrate to the U.S. are part of racial or ethnic groups that are minorities in this country. Therefore, anti-immigration views are often associated with racism and nativism. It can be dangerous, therefore, for a politician or other leader to speak out too strongly against immigration. Even if his opposition is based on population concerns, and not race or ethnicity, he can fall under heavy criticism by minority groups. This effect is partly due to the fact that past attempts to limit immigration were based on racism and nativism. Past opponents of immigration, particularly in the late 1800's to early 1900's, often argued that immigrants were inferior. Anti-immigration stances often evoke thoughts of past nativist movements, such as the Know-Nothing Party. In this paper, I will take a look at various attitudes towards immigration, beginning with Singer. Then, I will give my thoughts on the matter and the policy I feel the U.S. government should adopt. Singer believes that all developed nations have a moral duty to accept more refugees. He bases this view on his utilitarian theory. Since refugees have a great interest in immigrating to a developed country, sometimes a life or death interest, Singer believes immigration should be allowed until the harm to the host ... ...fornia: Greenhaven Press, 1995. 31-33. Hardin, Garrett. â€Å"Living on a Lifeboat.† 246-57. Kennan, George F. â€Å"Immigration to the United States Should Be Reduced.† Immigration Policy. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 1995. 17-20. Meissner, Doris. â€Å"Government Policies Should Be Reformed to Curb Asylum Abuse.† Immigration Policy. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 1995. 28-30. Stein, Dan. â€Å"The United States Should Enact a Moratorium on Immigration.† Immigration Policy. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 1995. 21-23. Wilson, Pete. â€Å"The Federal Government Should Increase Control of Illegal Immigration.† Immigration Policy. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 1995. 24-27. Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics. 2nd ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999.