Immigration Reform

Immigration reform in the United States

Lorinda R. Bankhead

ENG/102 Research Writing

September 20, 2014

Luciana Herman

Immigration Reform in the United States

With a growing number of unaddressed concerns, many United States citizens are demanding the federal government rewrite the nation’s immigration laws. Current immigration laws do nothing to promote, attract or retain talented people in the country. People come from all over the world to study in the country’s institutions of higher education. Still other foreigners take internships or job rotations to broaden their skill sets and knowledge base. The immigration laws should be reformed to focus on attracting and retaining these talented people in the United States to strengthen the nation’s economy and global standing.

Why and How People Enter the United States

Early explorers arrived on the shores of North America for various reasons. Many came looking to bring wealth and glory to their native country. Some people arrived hoping to have a new and fresh beginning for themselves and their families. Still others left their native country, fleeing persecution and extreme levels of discrimination. The Americas offered opportunities to many unmatched in Europe, Africa or Asia. As time progressed, this became more and more evident to the world’s population. So many people wanted to move to the United States that it soon became known as The Land of Opportunity.

Anyone wanting to enter the United States can do so one of three ways: illegally, on a visa or for visa-free travel. As the name implies, illegal immigrants enter the country without proper documentation or approved petitions. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency was created to ensure public safety by enforcing the federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration. They ensure public safety by capturing, detaining, and removing illegal immigrants in a fair and just process ("Immigration Customs...