Jonathan Stefanowicz Prof. McGriff Comp. 1 26.March.

2014 Protecting Our Nations Boarder To The South

The debate of illegal immigration into the United States from Central America has been an ongoing struggle since the Spanish-American war that started in 1846. To this day citizens from Mexico and other Central American countries continue to cross over the border everyday, trying to pursue better lives for them and their families. There are many reasons why these folks feel they can ensure their well being here in America, but more importantly what is it doing to the United States economy? The United States, the land of the free and home of the brave, who wouldnt want to live in a nation with that kind of mantra? With many opportunities for employment, America is a perfect place to sneak into. In Roberto Rodriguez article The Border On Our Backs, he talks about how if you were to look up Mexican or Central American in the U.S. politician dictionary you will find the definition people who do the jobs no Americans want and who threaten the American way. With an unemployment rate reaching 7.8 percent last month, there may be some truth to that. Many people in America are having trouble finding jobs, but why is that? Do they truly not want to do them or are they just not available? Becoming employed is difficult enough with having to meet the qualifications of the employer, but its twice

as hard if there is already someone in the mix that is willing to do the job for significantly less money. If the U.S. government patrolled the borders even more then they already do, the U.S. citizens may have more jobs to choose from. The border between the United States and Mexico stretches 1,954 miles, from Imperial Beach, California to Brownsville, Texas. There are countless accounts of individuals coming across the borders on a daily basis. Once they are here and have made it safely, they tend to demand the rights of a U.S. citizen. In Star Parkers article Se Habla Entitlement, she says Just considering Mexicans, how can we understand their taking to the streets of our country to demand right and freedom when they seem to have little interest in doing this where they do have rights, which is Mexico. They escape their own country, which is a democracy, to the United States and it is only then that they can begin practicing free society.(459) Parker also discusses that the Pew Hispanic center surveyed adults in Mexico and asked them if they would come to the United States if they had the means and opportunity to do so and forty six percent said that they would. Followed by asking if they would do it illegally and an astounding twenty percent said yes.(459) The demand to come to the United States is unbelievably high weather its legal or illegal. If they come here illegally they should be deported and not have opportunities here in America. Illegal entry into the United States brings on some troubling issues. Crime rates in Los Angeles are at an all time high, with much of it being Latino related. Also, the Los Angeles school district is nearly three-quarters Latino and have a drop out rate of 50 percent, which is the same as out-of-wedlock births for Hispanic

women.(459) Another issue that many law makers are becoming aware of is the abuse of Child Tax Credits. In David Vitters article The Government Must End Child Tax Credit For Illegal Immigrants he discusses that the country is losing and paying upwards of 4 billion dollars a year to illegal immigrants through this loophole. Vitter says This tax credit was designed to help working families offset the costs of raising children. But the practical reality is that illegal immigrantswho don't possess valid Social Security numbers because they are not authorized to legally work in this country are currently able to receive these tax credits by simply providing an ITIN and claiming children who might not even live in the United States. So, American taxpayers are writing checks to illegal immigrants$1,000 per child, $4.2 billion per year total.(Vitter) Nobody that does not possess a social security number and doesnt pay income tax should not be allowed to receive any government help. In conclusion, there are many reasons why our neighbors to the south feel they should test the waters and venture into a land that they are illegally trying to inhabit. There are also many reason why the American people should be aware of what is happening to the economy and how just one slight change could prevent more destruction to our nations well being.

Parker, Star. "Se Habla Entitlement." The Longman Reader. New York: Pearson Longman, 2005. 458-60. Print. Rodriguez, Roberto. The Boarder On Our Backs. The Longman Reader. New York: Pearson Longman, 2005. 454-46. Print.

Vitter, David. "The Government Must End the Child Tax Credit for Illegal Immigrants." The Children of Undocumented Immigrants. Ed. David Haugen and

Susan Musser. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. At Issue. Rpt. from "End the Child Tax Credit Checks for Illegal Immigrants." Hill 19 June 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 25 Mar. 2014. Wc.867