Immigration Reform: Compromise From Both Sides

The issue of immigration has frequently caught my interest, and I strongly favor granting full citizenship to illegal immigrants in our country, but this particular editorial written in Dallas News brings up a different side of the issue I had not considered: granting legalization, which is only permanent residency status, without the benefits of citizenship. I agree with the author of this article, who states that compromise is needed, although very tough to reach. With more than an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in our country -- contributing to our work force, relying on the prosperity and economic opportunity the U.S. offers to raise their families, but not being effectively monitored, protected, or taxed -- this issue is becoming increasingly crucial to resolve. Passing of the legislation will take both sides of the issue to be willing to cooperate, however. As Republicans demand a revamped border security and Democrats desire a better immigration program, an agreement on both sides does not seem near.

The author’s idea of legalization is one I do not believe will be any easier to agree on, though. I imagine many families being unsatisfied with only being granted residency; in fact, legalization seems to disparage the immigrants’ purpose and capacity to contribute to their country, as if to assume that they only are needed for workforce and miniscule activities. To truly be named a U.S. citizen is a proud label I would expect many immigrants to want to claim, and certain benefits, such as working for the federal government and voting, are not granted without citizenship. Also, a strong group of people who disagree with legalization argue that it would take away too many jobs and deplete the government services.

I noticed that the author also left out evidence and facts concerning what legalization could do for our country and why it is necessary. Legalizing 11 million people could mean adding to our GDP an estimated $2 billion each year. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) states that undocumented immigrants have already contributed $10.6 billion through sales, property, and income taxes, which could rise to $12.6 billion after legalization if immigrants paid more in federal, state, and local taxes. The Center for American Progress reports that 200,000 new jobs could be added through immigration reform. Non-economic benefits include an increased reporting of crimes and reuniting of families.

The author seems to be voicing his opinion for the general public to be aware of how essential this legislation is, but I expected more detail concerning the extent of its necessity – from bettering our economy to creating a viable society for hard-working people to improve their lives.