Immigration and Obama

[Barack Obama-sac]

When given the opportunity to choose a candidate and an issue, I decided to choose an issue that was near and dear to my heart, so I decided to select immigration. I chose this issue because, living in the southwest my entire life, immigration is a constant concern for me and my family and all citizens in the southwest United States. Since I have lived in the southwest for almost my entire life I am pretty well versed in John McCain’s policy’s and how he wants to handle the issue. So I thought it might be interesting to explore Barrack Obama’s view on the subject and what types of solutions he may have. But while starting to research for this paper trying to find Obama’s solutions is much like trying to find a needle in a haystack. While looking at his website it doesn’t offer any solutions instead it just states the problems and when it does give a solution it gives a vague answer that really doesn’t offer any real answers.

I would like to point out that between the two candidates there is a very different point of view. Mainly because, Senator McCain has been dealing with the problem for many years while Senator Obama, whom lives and serves in Illinois and has yet to deal with such problems, so there is a certain difference of view and opinion between the two candidates.

But to first understand the immigration we have to look at some figures. It is estimated that from the years 2000 to 2007 there is an estimated 11.8 million illegal immigrants in the United States. 59% of the illegal immigrants being from Mexico, the next highest illegal immigrants origin of country is from El Salvador with a meager 5% of the illegal immigrant population. The states where most illegal immigrants migrate to are California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and Arizona (office of immigration statistics).

Obama’s solutions to the problems include creating a tougher border patrol that will be able to control more of the borders than right now. He also suggests that the illegal immigrants that are currently in the United States pay a fine for citizenship and most be required to learn English and then go back to the line to earn there citizenship. Also he suggests that students should learn a second language to help with the transition of the immigrants. Also he suggests that we work more with Mexico and try and help them in any way to promote economic development in Mexico to decrease illegal immigration.

Works Cited:

Hoefer, Michael. "Estimates of the Unauthorized." DHS Office. Office of Immigration Statistics. .

"Election 2008." On the Issues. .


"Where, Clinton, Obama, and McCain stand on Immigration." U.S. News. .

"Obama and McCain on Immigration." Oneworld.net. .


Dobbs, Michael. "The Fact Checker." Washingtonpost.com. .

Written by Justin La Cour

[Gopi Mehat]

I agree with you Justin. I also feel that his strategies are a little weak. Also there should be more punishment than just a fine. The fine wouldnt do much and i think most people wont even pay it. I think the idea of shipping them back where they came from is a complete waste of time and money. It would be near impossible for this to happen. In my opinion i think they need to make a neutral treaty with Mexico and figure it out that way. I also think that if immigrants want to come here they can but they dont get the benefits others do. They shouldnt get social security and other things that citizens get.

[Justin La Cour]

Analysis:
I believe that Obama has some strong ideas in his immigration reform, but I believe that his strategies to deal with illegals in this country is a little to weak. I think that he should impose more punishments than just a fine, I believe that even with this fine it will not provide much change at all, the fine will most likely be very small and something that will not provide any incentive for a stop to illegal immigration. I think Obama provides a valid point that shipping them back to there country of origin is near impossible and a complete waste of time. Also I am skeptical about his ideas about giving illegal immigrants licenses and I do not support that portion of his immigration policies.