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The Role of Legal Immigration in the American Dream
There is no denying that America was built by immigrants. This is a fundamental element of our history, the foundation upon which our nation was constructed. And yes, it remains a key part of our continued growth and prosperity. But it’s the nature of this growth, and the methods by which we allow it, that raises eyebrows and sparks debate.
Our forefathers arrived on these shores with little more than their hopes and dreams, looking for a new life, freedom, opportunities, and what we now know as the American Dream. They went through the appropriate channels, endured what must have seemed like an eternity of processing and waiting, and ultimately became a part of the fabric of the nation.
Legal Immigration and the American Dream
These concepts of hard work, tenacity, perseverance and fairness are embedded in the very core of the American Dream. It contends that through dedication and honest labor, individuals can build a life of prosperity for themselves and their families. Legal immigration, I argue, is a critical part of this dream.
Legal immigrants have always played a significant role in our economy. They own businesses, they work in various sectors, and they contribute to our communities. They drive innovation, spur job growth and strengthen our national security. Through their taxes, they fund public goods and services. And, just as importantly, legal immigrants embrace our values and integrate themselves into the American culture.
The Problem with Illegal Immigration
On the flip side, illegal immigration is an affront to this American dream. It promotes an unfair system where the lawless prosper while the law-abiding wait. It allows individuals to circumvent the appropriate channels, thereby undermining the efforts of those who have chosen to respect and follow our laws.
What Needs to Change?
We need to implement a system that rewards good behavior and punishes lawlessness. The focus must be on providing avenues for legal immigration, bringing in immigrants who will contribute positively to our country’s growth. At the same time, we need to discourage illegal immigration and enforce our laws more effectively.
Strict immigration policies do not equate to being anti-immigrant. Rather, they represent a desire to maintain order, fairness, and the integrity of the American Dream. We owe it to our forebears who played by the rules, and to future generations who will seek the same Dream, to maintain a system that continues to put America first.
