This blog guide focuses on the argument of illegal immigration, the problems it has caused, and also the benefits of having illegal immigrants in the country. That last point may confuse you:  pros of illegal immigration? There are some clear reasons illegal immigrants can help our country. Though this issue is very divisive, it’s too important to ignore. Let’s start with why immigrants are coming to the United States illegally.

Why are they immigrating illegally?
America was once considered the place where dreams happened. It quite often still is. Even with our recent economic downturn, even with job loss in recent years, it’s still the place with the most opportunities for most in the Western Hemisphere. You can quite often live a safer live, work a job which pays more, and give more opportunities to your children. You have far more rights than most countries – you can sue, get proper medical care, and vote in elections. These may seem simple, but to many they are big benefits. People immigrate to the U.S. for better lives.

The Pros of Illegal Immigration
While you may think immigrants take jobs, some say they keep the economy going by fulfilling low-paying jobs. This may not seem fair, but quite often its much more than they would make in their native country. You then get a better state of life; where some families are forced to live on several dollars a day in other countries, in the U.S. jobs allow you to live much better.

Also, illegal immigrants pay taxes in the billions. They pay sales taxes, but also in some cases real estate taxes. If they are made permanent residents, they also pay income tax. And in either case, they buy things far beyond food. In terms of the economy, they are not a drain, but a boost.

Cons of Illegal Immigration
Beyond the simple fact illegal immigrants break the laws by staying here, some also commit other crimes. Drug trafficking, for example, is a problem on the Mexican border. Drugs bring new criminals to the country, while also damaging the lives of those who use them. Because of the increased crime rate, local, state, and federal governments have to hire more personnel and spend more funds. One controversial point is that illegal immigrants also come here solely because of government support systems such as welfare and disability.

The Winner?
Both sides have clear cases. The pros are mainly economic, while the cons are mostly criminal law points. There is no winner. Illegal immigration is a problem with no easy solution. It is important to remember both sides have points. Some of the above may be disagreeable to you, and in a free country, you’re allowed to say so. Some immigrants simply want a better life where they can support their families with honest work and have the rights to freedom and liberty.

The big news on immigration is that President Obama is ordering National Guard Troops to the Border with Mexico. Up to 1,200 troops will be involved. Why did he do this? And how will it effect immigrant rights and views on immigration in the U.S.?

What really happened?
The main reason for doing this is drug trafficking and security problems along the Mexican border. Border states are facing problems stopping illegals from crossing the border. So Obama, under pressure from border state politicians, decided  to send troops more a gesture and promise of more to come than anything. The point is the U.S. will start looking at longer term solutions to the border. So we can expect even more troops and agents to be protecting the border in time.

Why is this happening?
The main reason you’ll hear from news sites is that border state politicians such as John McCain were going to act themselves if Obama did not act. Obama was put under pressure when politicians said they would send troops to the border, bypassing the president and perhaps starting a rapid debate. While it’s still a debate, Obama sent the troops more as a point that he does consider this a problem.

One big problem occurring on the Mexican border is  human and drug trafficking. While it’s very unlikely this number of troops will make an impact, the point has been made.

What will the effects be?
The effects of 1,200 troops will be more for show. Can we really impact human and drug trafficking? To say no or yes would be wrong on this blog, but it should be pointed out there is debate on whether we will ever be able to slow the amounts of drugs, illegal immigrants, and human traffickers from crossing the border.

What does Obama want?
On The Week, a news magazine, it’s pointed out Obama is trying to open up the idea that comprehensive immigration reform is needed,and  he can be the one who finally gets it done. Former President Bush tried a similar strategy of sending thousands of troops to the border in order to initiate talk on immigration reform; it failed for Bush, but we’ll have to see if Obama can pull it off.

What are other politicians doing?
John McCain, senator for Arizona, is the main player who forced Obama’s hand.. Of course, immigration is a heated debate currently in  the country, with some controversial state laws in play. McCain and Arizona forced Obama’s hand. Other  politicians have followed McCain into the battle.

What will the effects be for immigrants?
Legal immigrants  will have no problems. It’s clear illegal immigration, especially involving human and drug trafficking, is a national problem. States are going to start acting more. Immigration reform is on the horizon. We’ll just have to wait and see how this effects immigrant rights, but we likely won’t have to wait long.

What is immigration reform and why is such a BUZZ word online?

Well, if that got your attention, let’s go beyond buzz and call it a full fledged debate. Instead of giving you a history lesson on immigration reform, let’s just get right to the point. What is immigration reform? How does it effect you? And how will they effect immigrants?

The Basics
“Immigration Reform” is a new campaign getting a lot of press. Type the word into Google, you’ve got a variety of opinions from the right and left (let’s include the middle too). There are some  defining immigration reform plan currently proposed by senators and President Obama. The problem is the so many different opinions floating on the web. There is bias all over the place.

So what is exactly do these new laws mean? The main problem addressed are the millions of undocumented workers across the U.S. (estimates say as many as 20 million). These are the driving forces; some are calling for them to be forced to leave, others calling for them to be allowed to stay. Immigration reform is the divide the sides are fighting on.

President Obama called 2010 the year for immigration reform. Some are concerned not enough action is occurring. Still more highlight how the reforms are changing to pander to the right in order to successfully pass.

The main goals involve border security, work site enforcements, guest worker programs, improving the current immigration system, and adapting the naturalization process.  Obama has clearly stated he is not for forcing millions of undocumented workers to leave the country, but he’s also making a point that immigrants undocumented are going to have to work within the laws. This includes learning English and paying a fine for staying in the U.S. illegally. But again, not to force them out.

This is good news for immigrants, because in most cases if you’re here undocumented, you can stay. And for  currently legal immigrants, only changes to becoming citizens will have an effect.

Border Security
The main goals of border security may be a means to play both sides, but it’s a problem with few options other than to tighten the security. This mans increasing the number of border patrol agents, adding hundreds of miles of fencing and vehicle barriers, ending the “Catch and Release” policy, and a list of other changes. To put it simply, the goal is to stop illegal immigrants from entering via the Mexico border.
Worksite Enforcement

All workers must hold legal status in the U.S. That means punishing companies who allow illegal immigrants to work there, and more.

Guest Worker Programs
This will reform seasonal worker programs to be more efficient in keeping undocumented immigrants from entering and staying.

Immigration System
Since the U.S. is still under threat from potential terrorists, the FBI will be working to reform the immigration system to better protect the borders. If illegal immigrants have easy access to entering the country, even if they intend no harm, it might open the door for enemies of the U.S. to do the same.

Naturalization
Lastly, the naturalization process will be reformed. This may come with some fighting, especially from senators in high immigrant states. The tests are designed to improve understanding of U.S. democracy, laws, and values. If you lack knowledge on becoming a U.S. citizen, you may want to read this POST.

This is by far not the whole story, but it’s a good start.