From the beginning of the Republic, the issue of immigration and all of its many related topics have always generated great passion and emotion - on both sides.  Many who believe that they are not "directly involved" in immigration, still often hold very strong opinions when asked about what should / should not be done on any immigration related issue.  This is not new.  Benjamin Franklin wrote with great concern and great passion about his fears that if something were not done about German immigrants, they would soon take over and we would all be speaking German instead of English.  His fears - like the fears of so many more contemporary speakers - were unfounded.  Although throughout history America seems to have had a "Love / Hate" relationship with immigrants, it is hard to see much "love" in today's immigration debate.

Immigration has always been used to incite emotion in politics, but the intense passions of today seem destined to move the country - that has always been "moderate" on immigration issues and enforcement - far to the right with the consequence being greater isolation and a greater overall economic loss to the country.  (The benefits of immigration to the US economy are quite clear, but understanding them is counter-intuitive.  It is too easy to focus on "costs" to the system and overlook the long term benefits.  This is another reason why the immigration debate is so difficult.  In a world where news has become a compilation of sound bytes, really understanding immigration and the positive impact that it has requires one to think beyond the sound byte.) Read more...

• The DREAM Act
   
• Comprehensive Immigration Reform
   
• Amnesty
   
• Border Control
   
• Workplace Enforcement
   
• Birthright Citizenship Reform