Position Final

Duran 1
Liliana Duran
English 2010
Prof. Beth Bailey
April 22, 2015
Every Action Has an Equal and Opposite Reaction
For years, requests for changes in the Immigration Reform have played an important
and controversial role in the history of the United States. The outcome of such changes
could not only benefit those of Latin heritage, but also many others that are part of the
migrant community of this country. As part of that minority, I have experienced the
advantages and rights a Legal Resident status in the United States offers. This is a country
of opportunities for those who are determined and willing to work to reach their goals. The
fact that not only my family, but also other legal residents, have been able to obtain such
status means that the U.S.A. government is, and has been, working on those approvals for
years, even when it may not be at the pace or in forms most people wish.
Although the needs and reasons that move immigrants to leave their countries and
families to come to the U.S. are to some extent understandable, people need to remember
that laws are to be followed and respected. Often, as immigrants, we like to demand those
rights we believe we deserve. What we dont seem to understand, is that entering the United
States (or any other country) to permanently stay in it without any legal consent is, in fact, a
felony.
Over the last decades, new Immigration Reforms have been created because of the
rapid increase of immigrants in the U.S. Those changes have not been made to favor illegal
Duran 2
immigrants. Instead, some of the States have only looked for ways to reinforce federal law
that prevent immigrants from crossing the border. And in some cases, the outcome have
been drastic and extremist laws, like the immigration law Arizona presented in 2010.
Arizonas Immigration law allows the police to stop and verify the documents of anyone
they suspect to be illegal, making the legal residents carry their documents all the time.
The United States Government has in several times offered assistance to immigrants
that have come escaping from their origin country, and seeking asylum for a valid reason.
This is how my grandparents were able to get their resident status, and later, their
citizenship. During the civil war of El Salvador, numbers of Salvadorians left the country
and moved to Australia and the U.S. Both countries were willing to help those who were
victims of extortion or violence in El Salvador if they were able to prove it. The U.S.A.,
understanding the struggles of living in such conditions, also assisted those who illegally
entered the country within the twelve years the war lasted in El Salvador. They do it to
maintain strong relationships among countries, for political or economic purposes, or
merely altruism. No matter the reason, there are ways to obtain those benefits other than
illegally entering their territory.
Every day, more seem to believe the idea that anyone has the right to go wherever
and do whatever they can to improve their living conditions. It is that idea and the
increasing numbers of illegal immigrants that are pushing the U.S. government to create
laws to reinforce the border. Other laws try to solve the problem internally. The Arizona law
is an example of it, which seems to have as a purpose to deport any illegal resident from the
state.
Duran 3
Each country and government is in its right to create laws or find ways to make
people obey them. After all, laws are meant to keep the order. This, though, does not justify
any kind of discrimination or mistreat to those who are not legally residing in the U.S. As
immigrants numbers augment in the country, there has also been an increase of unjustified
racism and intolerance towards them.
Most of them struggle with the consequences of not knowing the language, being
alone in a place they barely know, or not being able to find a job because of their status.
Peoples actions dont need to be extremists to be considered insulting. A simple look,
comment, laugh, facial expression or a joke, there are many ways in which immigrants are
constantly being discriminated. Those are the reasons that make them want to claim
respect. Although like every human being they do deserve respect, is that same respect
which has, over time, been misconstrued as the right to legal benefits.
The boundaries of respect are being pushed from both parties. But those who aim to
enter the country without any legal consent have to understand that, no matter the reason,
the decision they are taking will bring consequences and resistance from others who believe
are being affected by that particular decision, whether that idea is valid or not.
We must not forget that every crime has a consequence and punishment. People
need to comprehend that the action of illegally entering a country will never be rewarded.
We cannot expect compensation whenever we break the law. Whether illegal immigrants
believe they have a valid reason to enter and reside in the U.S., it is important for them to
understand the limitations of such status. There are rights that are also restricted because of
such status, and that, no matter how much people claim them, the possibilities of it to
Duran 4
change are very little to none. Because, again, whether they want to believe it or not,
improper entry to the United States of America is considered a crime.

Position Final

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Position Final

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Position Final

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Duran 1

You might also like