CHAPTER Two
American Citizens and Political Culture

Take a Position

Immigration is an important and controversial issue for Americans. As described in the "U.S. Immigration Policy" section of the text, who we are as Americans changes with immigration as it has throughout our history. Some people hold that America should restrict immigration, especially those immigrants who have entered the United States to work without obtaining the proper documentation. Such critics argue that a nation's primary concern is controlling its borders and that the United States is not doing so. They also point out that serious problems and burdens have come with illegal immigration into the United States. Others argue that the strong reactions to illegal immigration are another example of cultural stereotyping, and that these immigrants often fill gaps in our labor force or perform low-paying jobs Americans are unwilling to fill.

Take a position: Should the United States have stricter immigration laws?

As you develop your argument, answer the following questions:

• What's at stake for Americans and non-Americans with the prospect of stricter immigration laws?
• What would America look like today if immigration laws had been as strict in the 1800s as they are now? What has motivated waves of strict immigration laws throughout American history? What has motivated the latest wave of reforms?
• Why do you think most non-Americans enter and remain in the United States illegally when they have the option of trying to obtain citizenship legally?
• What would be the benefits or drawbacks of more tightly patrolled U.S. borders? What could be the possible effects decades into America's future?
• Is stricter immigration consistent or inconsistent with the history of America? With American ideals?