Introduction
The colours, red, white and blue are representative of the American flag that is hoisted in full admiration and respect signifying patriotism. Diversity is what characterized the American society, one that is tolerant, inclusive and respective of differences in opinions or standings. However, the changing times have brought modern challenges such as immigration to fulfilling this dream. This is further discussed below:
The number of immigrants arriving in America has skyrocketed over the years to reach an all time high. As Martin and Midgley (2003) quantifies it, with almost 90,000 foreigners welcomed in the American border, 1000 of these are illegal immigrants, mostly from Mexico. This apparent high number has been met with mixed opinions that form most of immigration debates. This is because, one side argues that it is the influx of new individuals in the system that renews and revitalizes the current system while the other side argues that the high numbers of immigrants might have negative impacts on its political, economic and social sytems that may see them reach their tipping point.
Both sides are justified in their arguments. This is because it is precisely the differences in cultures that make up the American society. This is also reflected by Takaki, (1999) who indicates that the aspect of multiculturalism is what sets apart America from other countries and its recognition as part of its diversity. In the same light, more people would mean more consumers of products, more taxes for the government and more labor for industries thereby improving the economy (Martin and Midgley, 2003). This opinion is also held by Greenstone and Looney, (2012) who indicate that as opposed to the increased competition for jobs between American citizens and immigrants, economic evidence indicates that immigrants increases the opportunity and incomes of their American counterparts.
On the other hand, more people would mean a breakdown of current systems. This is implying that the available institutions and systems are not capable of coping with the high numbers. This would mean investing heavily in the upgrading of available systems in an attempt to cope with the pressure that would ultimately arise. As a result, massive investment would be required to achieve this feat hence reversing the benefit of having more people in the country. With the current weak economy, more Americans are voting for having the number of immigrants reduced.
Conclusion
On the basis of the facts presented, I am of the opinion that the government should pardon illegal immigrants, those with more than 5 years of work and stay and offer green cards to enable them live and work in the country. This would indeed go a long way in controlling the immigration trend to acceptable levels. In so doing, America would still be able to maintain its stand of being a society of inclusion while offering a stable life for all its citizens, irrespective of their difference in diversity.
References
Greenstone, Michael & Looney, Adam. (2012). Ten economic facts about immigration. Retrieved from:
http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2010/09/immigration-greenstone-looney
Martin, P. & Midgley, E. (2003). Immigration: Shaping and Reshaping America. Retrieved from:
http://www.prb.org/Source/58.2ImmigrShapingAmerica.pdf
Halford, J. (1999). A different mirror: A conversation with Ronald Takaki. Retrieved from: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr99/vol56/num07/
