Introduction
The issue of granting rights to illegal immigrants in the United States has been a contentious one for many years. While some argue that these individuals should be granted basic rights and protections, others believe that they should not be granted any benefits due to their illegal status. This article will explore both sides of the debate and provide insights on why the United States should or should not grant rights to illegal immigrants.
Arguments against granting rights to illegal immigrants
Those opposing granting rights to illegal immigrants do so for various reasons. Firstly, they believe that these individuals are breaking the law by entering and residing in the country without proper documentation. As such, they should not be rewarded with rights or privileges that are reserved for citizens or legal residents.
Secondly, opponents of granting rights to illegal immigrants argue that doing so will encourage more people to enter the country illegally. This could potentially lead to an increase in crime, terrorism, and an influx of individuals who may not contribute positively to the society.
Another argument against granting rights to illegal immigrants is that it would be unfair to those who have gone through the proper channels to become citizens or legal residents. Such individuals may have gone through a rigorous process and spent considerable amounts of money to obtain legal status. Therefore, giving rights or benefits to illegal immigrants would undermine the efforts of such individuals and disincentivize people from following the legal pathway to citizenship.
Arguments for granting rights to illegal immigrants
On the other hand, proponents of granting rights to illegal immigrants believe that it is a matter of basic human rights. They argue that denying basic rights to individuals simply because of their status is unethical and unjust.
Additionally, proponents of granting rights to illegal immigrants argue that doing so would benefit the economy of the United States. Many illegal immigrants work in low-paying jobs and contribute significantly to the workforce. Granting them basic rights would ensure that they are not exploited, leading to better working conditions and a more robust economy.
Furthermore, proponents of granting rights to illegal immigrants argue that it would be more humane to provide protection and benefits to these individuals. Access to education, healthcare, and other services would improve the quality of life for illegal immigrants and their families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both sides have valid arguments, the decision to grant rights to illegal immigrants ultimately depends on the priorities of the country. If the United States values human rights, the economy, and the welfare of all individuals within its borders, then providing basic rights and protections to illegal immigrants may be necessary. However, if the country prioritizes law and order and discouraging illegal immigration, then granting rights and privileges to these individuals may be deemed inappropriate. Whatever decision is made, it should be made with careful consideration and remain faithful to the values of the United States as a whole.
Some confusion as to what rights should be afforded to illegal immigrants in the United States may actually stem from the confusion of the general public about what rights are afforded to its citizens, in contrast with the rights that are afforded to residents devoid of legal citizenship. As the label suggests, illegal aliens are not legal citizens of the United States. Nonetheless, the idea that an illegal alien is not meant to have any civil liberties whatsoever is a contradiction of the terms under which the United States was founded.
While citizens are entitled to privileges that no other class of resident can touch, there are basic rights that apply even to illegal immigrants. However, throughout American history, courts and other official bodies have sought to prevent illegal alien groups from realizing their legal potential, so to speak. The following are considerations on what rights illegal immigrants should be afforded, and in turn, what rights should not be afforded, but are yet taken advantage of by undocumented foreigners and their employers:
The Constitution effect on legal residents
The issuance of public benefits have prompted frequent criticism of immigration reform and immigration law, revolving around the idea that deportation policies do not go far enough in protecting American interests. The people who draw these criticisms point to poor, unemployed illegal aliens and accuse them for hogging welfare monies, or for those who do work, Social Security benefits.
However, barring instances of fraud, an illegal alien will not be legally able to collect welfare assistance, and furthermore, while he or she may contribute to the Social Security program, without a Social Security card or lawful permanent residence, the odds of him/her collecting on that “investment” are slim.
The involvement of illegal migrant workers in the American workforce
The allowance of legal rights to illegal immigrant comprises one of the biggest arenas of discussion in the United States judicial system. In fact, several cases involving what liberties illegal aliens are afforded under the United States Constitution have gone to the Supreme Court, and the majority decisions overturned discriminatory statutes that sought to deny them these liberties.
It must be noted that the Constitution applies for all residents of the United States of America, not just citizens. Specific court cases have illuminated this principle, ruling, among other things, that an illegal alien is protected by the Bill of Rightshabeas corpus, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, especially as it applies to the free public education of illegal immigrant children.
