There have been debates on an array of solutions to the problem of illegal immigration in the US, one of which is amnesty. While there has been no legislations passed by Congress that permits illegal immigrants to stay in the country without punishment, President Barack Obama has made directives for immigration laws not to be enforced, which created more fuss on the subject. To decide whether this is a beneficial act or not, it is essential to assess its pros and cons.
List of Pros of Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants
1. Its welfare dollars would go towards legal residents.
It has been reported by ABC News that billions of taxpayers’ dollars are going towards illegal aliens each year. However, by making these immigrants legal residents, this money would then contribute to the welfare of Americans, who are no longer foreigners.
2. It allows the government to earn more on taxes.
A substantial number of illegal aliens are being paid under the table to quickly resolve the troubles they committed against the law. Now, by providing amnesty to undocumented workers, they could be legally paid and then pay taxes, that contribute to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
3. It makes illegal immigrants to become part of society.
There has been a lot of stereotypes about undocumented aliens, including them to be criminals who need to be isolated. However, these people can be given permission to stay, so they will be able to join the community and contribute to protecting it and its neighbors.
4. It boosts diversity.
As amnesty promotes immigration, it brings people from different backgrounds and beliefs, with nurtured experiences that can contribute to other people’s thoughts and ideas that ultimately innovate and strengthen debate.
List of Cons of Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants
1. It is unfair for many people.
Providing amnesty to illegal immigrants would entail that the government is pardoning an act against the law. This would be unfair to those who went through the tedious process of immigrating to the country, causing them to think that the government is punishing them and favoring criminals.
2. It would accept many illegal immigrants who may not keep their funds in the country.
Generally, those who enter the country without paperwork send their income to their country of origin, which means that funds are not staying within the US economy, but are instead going overseas and being added to other countries’ markets.
3. It drains funds.
Even if amnesty were to be implemented, immigrants still require assistance from the government’s welfare programs, adding up to trillions of dollars over the course of their life.
4. It can lead to a worse problem.
One big argument regarding the provision of such an amnesty would serve as an incentive to other undocumented travelers to enter the country, believing that they can get away with breaking the law.
Clearly, something has to be done to solve illegal immigration problem in the US, but there has been no clear-cut answer to what should be the best course of action. It seems that the debates will still go on, as details are being figured out and each side is voicing out their concerns. But by evaluating the pros and cons listed above, we will be able to develop a practical opinion ourselves whether such an amnesty is good for the country or not.