Immigration has become one of the most discussed issues in the contemporary American society. A variety of polls show that Americans have a negative attitude toward immigrants. There is also a lot of tension between immigrants and Americans, especially in states where the number of immigrants is significant (Arizona, California, etc.). Existing policies on immigration has proved to be ineffective as the tension grows as well as the number of illegal immigrants does. It is important to address three major issues: economic, legal and cultural.
As for the economic issue, it is possible to note that this is the major problem to be addressed. It is important to legalize immigrants who make up considerable labor force. There are many possible ways to do this.
In the first place, it is important to raise awareness on the importance of immigrant’s work as there is significant lack of labor force in the USA. Thus, immigrants can (and do) fill in this gap. However, illegal status of such significant labor force leads to losses (e.g. the economy does not get taxation). Illegal immigrants should apply to obtain legal status.
The legal status will be the win-win situation as people get social security and perks. At the same time, the US economy will not have any gaps in labor market. It is important to add that employers should also be involved in the process. Thus, those who employ illegal immigrants should be fined whereas those who assist immigrants to obtain a legal status (provide documents verifying their readiness to employ this or that individual, i.e. to verify that there is need in such a worker) can be rewarded.
As for the legal part of the issue, it is necessary to strengthen immigration control. It is important to focus on addressing labor market’s needs. Of course, it is hardly possible to prevent people from coming to the USA. However, it is possible to better distribute the labor force coming.
Thus, some regions are ‘crowded’ with illegal immigrants who cannot find job. It is possible to offer these people legal status which can be given in the other state where there is need in particular workers. This will help to distribute labor force properly and diminish tension between immigrants and authorities (and American citizens).
As for cultural aspect of the problem, it is necessary to make people understand that immigration is not the evil which should be opposed. It is necessary to launch a variety of projects to raise awareness among people. First, Americans should always remember that they are all descendants of immigrants who came to start a new better life.
Therefore, people coming from different parts of the world who seek for a better life should also be understood and respected. Immigrants should also see that there are rules which regulate the relationships between locals and immigrants. These rules will ensure a variety of rights (job opportunities, social security, etc.) as well as some duties for immigrants.
Americans as well as immigrants should understand that adherence to these rules leads to the win-win situation. Of course, it is important to continue raising awareness on cultural diversity among people. When people understand each other, there can be no tension. Understanding cultural peculiarities of different people will help Americans as well as immigrants to understand each other and avoid any misunderstanding.
Thus, the major ways to improve the situation are as follows: to legalize immigrants who have already come to the USA, to develop specific programs on proper distribution of labor force, to raise awareness on cultural diversity and shape public opinion on the matter.