Are Immigrants the New Criminals ?
President Donald Trump made immigration one of the main focuses of his campaign. He signed special executive orders to suspend immigration from seven different Muslim countries prohibiting them from arriving in the United States. Not only that but has strictly updated border patrol and deportation for illegals. For example, the building of a wall and having Mexico primarily pay for it was not Mexicos idea so why should they pay? Having immigration reforms, building walls, and limiting who can enter the United States is a waste of time and money. Immigrants escape their country in search of a better life elsewhere and if America can't provide one then it might as well close its golden doors forever.
According to Alex Nowrasteh from Cato Institue, a public policy research organization, a majority of research finds that Immigrants do not increase local crime rates and are less likely to cause any type of crime when compared to native people. "Consistent with those findings, immigration enforcement programs targeting illegal immigrant criminals have no effect on local crime rates, which indicates that they are about as crime prone as other residents"(Nowrasteh). Assuming that all immigrants are criminals not only is a stereotype but numerous times looks down on immigrants that come here to earn less than minimum wage and, work long unusual hours just to provide for their family and make sure they're okay.
As stated by Philip Bump from The Washington Post, "As it turns out, there is plenty of research into the question of whether immigrants are more likely to commit crime: They are not. First generation immigrants (those who were born in other countries) are much less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. That is all immigrants, but there is also no indication those here illegally are more likely to commit crimes than those born in America." Why would an individual escape from his country to come to The United States to involve themselves in crimes? If that were the case, there are plenty of crimes they could have committed in their home country.
Although sometimes it can pose to be a serious threat to America's system, many times that is not the case. These people are your everyday taxi drivers, restaurant servers, and cashiers. Labeling these people as "criminals" will take away the true meaning of the word itself which does not seem to fit with individuals who are always looking for better opportunities to make your day better.
I've found, since the election, that Trump's comments on how "Mexico will pay for the wall" to have always been both insincere and ignorant of what the executive can actually make another country do. So what has happened since? Look at the budget negotiations and Trump's comments--now the expectation is that the U.S. taxpayer will pay for it, with payback at some future time (how?).
ReplyDeleteSo since all the data shows that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes once here, why the vitriol? What is the overall purpose to that angle? Answering that question will turn this into an argumentative text with some bite.
Really interesting and informing post. I agree with your thesis statement that having immigration reforms, building walls, and limiting who can enter the United States is a waste of time and money. It has not proven effective yet so a new strategy is needed. Good job on citing Nowrasteh and providing which institution he is from. My question on this post would be what negotiations should be made with other countries or congress to provide better border patrol. Very enjoyable post, and easy to read and analyze for readers. Check out this link to get more information on this topic https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2017-trump-mexico-wall/how-many-people-currently-cross/
ReplyDeleteYour post is both interesting and informative because every since Trump was in the running to become president, he always mentioned things about immigration. He always talked about how he wanted to build a wall to keep Mexicans from getting into the United States. Trump also then mentioned things about Muslims and banning them as well. I thought it was very well how you cited where you got the information from. Good job on analyzing.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the information and thesis on your post. Mostly the part about America "closing its golden doors". I truly believe that limiting who can legally enter, immigration reforms and trumps wall are all a waste of time. There's a lot of great information on the Washington post and it is a pretty reliable source. I also found a lot of great info on the Trump Immigration topic on https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/02/politics/donald-trump-daca-stolen/index.html
ReplyDeleteTrump speaks on how "they" (Immigrants) were invading America, and how he believes "our" country is being stolen. Do you think Donald can eventually do anything monumental/life changing to the country? He certainly has the intent to.