President Obama took executive action on immigration, effectively allowing around 4 million illegal immigrants to "come out of the shadows" and obtain temporary legal status. Now, 17 states are suing Obama over this action. The implications of his actions have yet to be fully determined and there are people on both sides of this argument. Clearly both sides want something done to reform immigration, but there is major disagreement on Obama's approach. Read the linked articles for background, and answer the following questions about the debate:
1. Do you think what Obama did was unconstitutional? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning, citing text from the Constitution in your answer.
2. Aside from the constitutionality of his actions, do you agree with what he did? Should illegal immigrants be given legal status, even temporarily? Why or why not?
3. What are three main reasons why there is a push to reform America's immigration policies? Be specific in your answer.
4. Should Congress shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills to prevent Obama's actions from having an immediate effect? Why or why not?
26 comments:
1. I do not think that Obama's actions were unconstitutional. According to the Constitution, the President has the power to grant reprieves and pardons to anyone who has committed an illegality. That's simply all he's doing is pardoning those who've been staying here illegally.
2. I feel that these immigrants should definitely be given legal status. Why not? They've already been here for many years. According to NPR, "The vast majority are likely to be parents with children who are U.S. citizens or hold a green card, according to the White House. They will be shielded temporarily from deportation. Another big group falls under the expansion of a 2012 executive action called DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which defers deportation for people brought into the country illegally as children." They've established lives here. Some of them have been here since they were children, they know no other home. Who are they harming? I don't believe they should be sent back to their native lands. America is the "melting pot". A mix of various cultures. This is their home just as much as it is ours.
3. One reason I believe that there is a stress on immigration reformation is because we need immigrants! For example, and immigrant who is here on a visa may come to study in engineering. When he/she has graduated and is ready to begin his/her business, their visa has expired and now, the business has been taken to another country who we now have to compete with. This brings me to my next reason. A lot of immigrants work very hard and tend to start their own businesses. With an increase in private businesses and employment, this benefits us in revenues. Additionally, it costs more to keep immigrants out. With an increase in border control and changing of policies, we will have to pay out more than we can make with immigrants here to increase employment rates and commerce circulation. In my personal opinion, I believe that Congress is solely set on opposing to the immigration reform because of the decrease in the white population. Congress predominantly consists of white males. According to RT American, "The US Census Bureau has predicted previously that whites will lose their minority status by as soon as 2043, and RT reported previously that the agency’s data from 2011 indicated that minorities — Hispanics, blacks, Asians and those of mixed race — made up 50.4 percent of US births that year, up from 37 percent 21 years earlier." I feel that, because of the increase in diversity and the lessening of the "majority", Congress is trying to prevent this. http://rt.com/usa/193036-ucla-white-minority-study/
4. Congress should not shut down the government and block appropriations bills just because Obama has allowed immigrants to stay in America legally, considering the fact that they've already been staying here. Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Luis Gutierrez and Zoe Lofgren stated that "The fact is, just as presidents before him, President Obama has broad authority to make our immigration system better meet the needs of our country and reflect our shared values. And every Administration since President Dwight D. Eisenhower has used executive authority to do just that." http://www.factcheck.org/2014/11/obamas-actions-same-as-past-presidents/ The government was not shut down then and shouldn't be now. That would be an unnecessary holt on productivity.
1. Yes, it was unconstitutional because "The lawsuit raises three objections: that Obama violated the 'Take Care Clause' of the U.S. Constitution that limits the scope of presidential power; that the federal government violated rule-making procedures; and that the order will 'exacerbate the humanitarian crisis along the southern border, which will affect increased state investment in law enforcement, health care and education.' "
2. I don’t agree with what he did. Illegal immigrants are just that, illegal and not be given the legal status temporarily. If I’ve been stealing from a company for years, should I be allowed to continue to steal just because I hadn’t gotten caught all of those years? The illegal immigrants know that they are and are choosing to continue to remain illegal.
3. Many believe something need to be done to stop criminals from continually coming into our country. “It would help revitalize our economy by raising the gross domestic product, boosting productivity and attracting investment from around the world. It would spur innovation and entrepreneurship. It would create jobs for immigrant and native-born workers alike. And it would help us address our challenging demographic realities.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/18/the-reason-to-not-give-up-on-immigration-reform/#!
4. No, they do not need to shut down the government because they should work it out among them. They should comprise their ideas to get a solution that will benefit the general public.
1. I think what the president did was constitutional because according to the Constitution; the President has the power to grant reprieves and pardons to anyone who has committed an illegality. He is only doing his job based on the constitution.
2. I agree with what Obama is doing for the immigrants. If they are already here legally, why not allow them to become citizens. However if they are here illegally, they should not be allowed citizenship because if they can’t take the time to come over legally, then they should not be allowed. According to NPR, "The vast majority are likely to be parents with children who are U.S. citizens or hold a green card”. The children need to have their families with them in order to be successful with their lives in America.
3. One reason for the push of immigration policies is to help prevent criminal attacks and possible terrorists attacks on America, we need to keep our country safe. The second reason would be for tax purposes. Many illegal immigrants get jobs that are paid under the table to they don’t have to pay taxes and they can keep all the money they make. The final reason would be to keep the jobs for Americans who need the jobs instead of illegal immigrants coming and taking all the easy jobs from Americans who are barely getting by every day.
4. They should not shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills because that shows America how incompetent the government really is. They need to work on a compromise and show that they can work together to get bills passed that makes the majority happy.
1. I think what Obama did is constitutional because a president has "Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons" (Art.2, Sec. 2) Quasi- legal status for certain categories of immigrants was also given by presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, so I feel like this is another specialty the president has the constitutional right to issue to people.
2. I think illegal immigrants should be given legal status because it gives more people opportunities for a better life. America historically has been a nation of immigrants who want to work for benefits. I think it's great that Obama wants to extend Social Security benefits, work permits, and tax subsidies if it gives immigrants greater opportunities for a better life.
3. First, some American people don't want to be paying expenses like Health Care and Social Security for unauthorized immigrants. People in states bordering Mexico like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona have been concerned for their safety in the past as gangs and drugs can enter the nation and immigration regulation and border patrol could prevent this. And if more unauthorized immigrants are accounted for and pay taxes, the government would have more money.
4. Congress shouldn't shut down the government because it already has a low approval rating and shutting the government down would would only create more of a divide in the federal government, prevent work from being done, and further decrease the approval from the American public.
1. I do not think it was unconstitutional, because the President has the power to grant reprieves and pardons to anyone who did something illegal, which is what Obama did. It is not against the constitution.
2. I agree with what Obama did, as they immigrants that come to America come for a chance for a better life. In the NPR article, it states that "The vast majority are likely to be parents with children who are U.S. citizens or hold a green card” Separating the children from their parents just because they are illegal immigrants is cruel and harms the chances for the children to grow up and be successful people in America.
3. One reason is that illegal immigrants do not pay taxes, which is a loss for the government. The system for becoming a citizen is also very complicated and makes it difficult for immigrants to become citizens. Another reason is due to immigrants taking over low paying laborious jobs that citizens could have.
4. I do not think Congress should shut down the government. Instead, they should compromise on a solution, as shutting down the government will create an even bigger divide and more conflict between the parties, and lower approval ratings.
1. I don’t think what he did was constitutional because the “Take Care Clause” (Article 2, section 3) states that the president will use his executive powers to make sure that “Laws (will) be faithfully executed”. Since he is allowing illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S knowingly, he isn’t upholding our laws.
2. I don’t think Obama should have gone and used executive power behind Congress’ back, I think that they should have been given another shot after they reopened in December. The comments that Congress and Obama are making about each other are a little ridiculous; in the end they both want the same thing. I think the immigrants who were brought over when they were children have a right to stay, because they didn’t really have a choice whether to come or not. I don’t agree with the part that says that, “Immigration and Customs Enforcement will only ask local authorities to hold immigrants who have been convicted of a serious crime.” If you are an immigrant, then you have committed a crime, because you are here illegally. If the person falls under Obama’s plans, then they shouldn’t be deported, but if they don’t, then they should be, it only seems right. If you don’t deport them, then the immigration problem will just continue to get worse.
3. One reason why there is such a push could be because illegal immigrants pay doesn’t get taxed, so the U.S. is losing money from that. Another reason for the push would be due to the fact that the jobs the illegal immigrants are getting are jobs that could go towards citizens that don’t have jobs. We have plenty of people who are homeless that need the job, or even those who have recently lost a job. A third push factor would be the smuggling of drugs in from Mexico through the border-states. The drugs are usually associated with gangs and violence, which is a fear for those living in the border-states. The sooner the Immigration laws are set-up, the sooner those people can be safer, and drugs will be less likely to come in form there.
4. No they shouldn't shut down the government. If Congress shuts Obama down, things will only get worse. They need to hash it out and see what compromises can be made. If they keep going back and forth firing unnecessary comments and useless acts, then they will just reach a stalemate and nothing will be accomplished. People want action, and shutting down the government will not provide results.
1.) I think what Obama did was constitutional.as the president he has executive order, and if he feels necessary to carry out an order that would benefit the country then he should be able to do so. Yes, in the constitution it states that the legislature is supposed to make the laws, and the president should execute them, but more time than not legislature takes too long to come to a conclusion on laws. Americans shouldn't have to be deprived of needed adjustments, just because unproductive and catty legislature can't make up their minds. Like stated, the president has the right to give pardons and reprieves. Thus, what he is doing is not unconstitutional.
2.) I agree with Obama's decision about allowing temporary legal status to immigrants. America is a fast paced country overall, industry is growing and the need for skilled workers and new innovation, may be more prevalent than ever. Thus we need more people. Most immigrants come to America in search of higher education and work. Why not allow them these privileges in which America is famous for? We are supposed to be a land of equal opportunity, therefore we should live up to that motto.
3.) There is a push for Americans to reform immigration policies because of the economy, the need for skilled workers, and terrorism. Often time illegal immigrants are exempt from taxes due to the fact they are typically fighting the fear of deportation everyday, and get paid in mysterious ways. Therefor the monetary system is lacking when it comes to the taxes that could be paid by illegal immigrants. The need for skilled workers due to a growing country is being emphasized. The more legalized immigrants we have, they can get needed education and proper jobs, to be better equipped for assimilation. Terrorism has become a top list issue since the 9/11 attacks. There is always a fear of attacks on America and it would be even more detrimental for illegal immigrants to attack America from within.
4.) They should not shut down government because of Obama's decision, nor should they do away with appropriation bills. More than likely, government would just to do it to get back at Obama, rather than do it for the possible betterment of America.
1. I don't believe that President Obama's actions were unconstitutional because with his title comes certain powers, but even these powers may have a grey area. The Constitution states that the President has the "power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States." I'm not quite sure if entering the country illegally is considered a criminal offense against the U.S., but if it is, then he should be ability to have the power to pardon these undocumented immigrants; however, if entering the country illegally is not considered a criminal offense, but more of a civil offense, then that's where the grey area is because then the Presidential power cannot be executed in the case of illegal immigrants.
2. I agree with Obama's actions. According to the article, the majority of the people being affected by his actions are parents who have a green card or are citizens and people who were brought in illegally as children. Those people with families who are here legally should be granted citizenship and those who were brought illegally to the country at a young age should not be held accountable for the actions that their parents have committed. These people should be given the opportunity to create better lives for themselves and for their families. I think that those who are here for the right reasons, such as creating better lives for themselves, should be given the chance to live in a country where they can have that opportunity because they might not have had the opportunity in their homeland. However, I believe that those who come illegally with bad intentions should not be given the opportunity because they will ruin their chances and the chances of others to even be granted the opportunity to come to this country. I do believe that it will be hard to find those who are actually attempting to create better lives and are willing to give their fair share to the country because it's impossible to single people out out of millions.
3. America's immigration policies should be reformed because the U.S. is a country built on immigrants. The point is is that the country needs immigrants because immigrants are the backbone of the American industry. The majority of them come to the country to seek opportunities to make better lives for themselves and one of the ways that they do that is that they improve the economy. These immigrants are more inclined to start businesses which means an increase in job opportunities for both American and immigrants workers. They also improve the work force because they are willing to do the jobs that some American workers won't even waste time on. They take every single job opportunity and work harder than those who take these opportunities for granted. Also, immigration reform is well-needed because it is an extremely difficult and long process to gain U.S. citizenship so people are more inclined to attempt to enter the country illegally.
4. Congress should not shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills to prevent Obama's actions because it does not resolve any issues, it only causes more problems within the government itself. They need to work it out within the system and find a compromise because if they constantly disagree with each other, they won't get anything done and their actions won't get the approval of the people.
(1B)
1. I would have to say that what Obama did was unconstitutional. It is the legislature's responsible to make not laws. Obama has executive order but for problems that are extremely pressing. The immigration disagreement was not so bad that he needed to use his power to create a law that lots of congress men and political figures disagree with.
2. I completely disagree with what President Obama did. I do not feel like we should reward illegal immigrants with citizenship or even temporary citizenship because they came to our country illegally; which means they broke the law. Since when is it okay to reward somebody who broke the law?
3. Taxes has to be one of the biggest reasons for the push for Americans to reform immigration because illegal immigrants are bringing down the economy since they still use the health care as well as social security system. Another reason is that illegal immigrants do the labor intensive jobs that nobody else wants to do for low wages. Safety is another big reason for the push for immigration reform because Americans are scared of gangs and terrorism to take place within the United States.
4. As much as I disagree with what Obama did, I do not think shutting down the government is the solution because that will just cause even more problems between the Democrats and Republicans.
(1B)
1)What President Obama did was constitutional. Some may think what he did is unconstitutional however in Article two, section two, clause one of the constitution it specifically says “The President...shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” He has the power to grant reprieves and pardons. So what Obama did in my opinion is legal and fair.
2)Apart from the constitutionality of his actions, I agree with what Obama did. What he did was save families and create new lives and opportunities for these immigrant families. In the article it spoke about children being allowed in the country, however the parents were being sent away and families were being torn and broken. Obama just saved families from being broken and apart. I feel that illegal immigrants can be given citizenship but hopefully there will be a system to draw out the criminal immigrants that do un-justice to America allowing only citizenship to those who’ll live right, work and succeed.
3)Increased taxes, the American people have and will have increased expenses due to the fact that things like healthcare for this new citizens. Second, job loss because the immigrants are applying and filling positions that many American citizens want or need. And lastly criminal behavior, some immigrants have been apart of drug selling, robberies, and helping more illegal immigrant jump the border, so crime, taxes, and jobs have pushed for this policy reform.
4)Congress should not try to stop Obama in this immigration reform because it will hopefully organize the system and get America on the right track with illegal citizens. Congress stopping this right now would mean more trouble on the horizon.
1. I do not think what he did was unconstitutional because the constitution says that the president has the power to grant reprieves and pardons to anyone who has committed an illegality. Therefore, he is only doing what he is supposed to do and has not done anything wrong.
2. Aside from the constitutionality I personally agree that they should be given legal status because if they are already here legally then why make them go back. I think it is great that he is trying to give them more opportunities with giving them legal status.
3. One reason would be money, like taxes, we need more supplies for them. The second reason would fear of them being a threat to the people and the third is there not being enough opportunities as there should be for them.
4. They should not shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills because he already let them be here legally. For one they already have low approval ratings so they should all just come up and agree on one thing to find a solution that will benefit the public.
1. Article 2, Section 2, Clause 1 is commonly referred to as the pardon power. Due to the fact that Obama has the power to grant pardons to whoever he please, you can not say his actions here were technically unconstitutional.
2. After reading all the articles, I think that Obama should have tried to find a better way to handle the issue of immigration, however, with the house refusing to even vote on the concept of immigration reform , something had to be done. Obama created temporary solution until a permanent one can be established.
3. Many people feel that illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from legal citizens. It takes a ridiculously long time for people who are trying to come here legally to gain citizenship. Finally, reforming the immigration system can lead to increased tax revenues.
4. Yes, because shutting down is definitely a good way to get problems solved. Obviously the government should not shut down because that will solve nothing. It's just like when a toddler throws a massive fit in the middle of Walmart to try to get what he wants. This just makes things harder.
1. Obama was unconstitutional with allowing illegal immigrants obtain temporary legal status because he didn't follow the proper proceeders of changing a law. He abused his power and took things into his own hands. A couple years ago during interviews he said he couldn't do this because it's not in the constitution, now he's changed his tune. He went against the "Take Care Clause". Yes he can pardon people, but that's for individual cases, he's taken the pardon beyond the scope of what it was meant for.
2. I do not agree with Obama, illegal immigrants should not be given legal status, even temporarily. By doing this it will encourage more and more people to come across the boarders because they will think this is "their chance" to become an American. It will create havoc; there is a legal process for becoming an American citizen for a reason.
3.There is a push to reform America's immigration policies because one, the current policies are costly. We spend over 18 billion for law enforcement, and appropriate reform would reduce this cost. Another reason is that many times immigrants are doing work that Americans don't want to do. They're filling in a labor need that is out there that Americans don't want. A third reason for reform is precedent. Our country is founded on immigration into this country and we now should not all of sudden stop that.
4.Congress shouldn't shut down the government. You should shut it down it you can't meet a budget, but you shouldn't shut it down because of one disagreement on a policy. Congress should not use shutting down the government as a tool to get their way because they're upset with things. Theres negative consequences for shutting down the government that would be taken out on families economically, which is unnecessary. It would be an extreme that does not make sense.
1. I don't believe that President Obama's actions were unconstitutional because with being president, he has many jobs to do and has powers to grant reprieves and pardon anyone who has done something wrong or illegally. He knows the limits people must get to before he has to step in and make something happen.
2. I agree with Obama's actions. I think people should be able to come into America so they cant have more options. Most immigrants come here with their parents to get better opportunities for their families. Immigrants already fight hard enough to earn their spot in America and once they finally get it, they have to keep fighting to get the same rights everyone else gets. Some immigrants come here for the wrong reasons but that's when the right forces come into play and make sure they tighten their security.
3. There is a push on immigration because most people who come to America nowadays are immigrants. Most people are scared that immigrants are a threat due to the fear of them harming America and people that live here. Another reason why their is a big push is because more people means more money and expenses we are forced to pay. There are also less jobs that will be provided because their are so many people.
4. Congress should not shut down the government to block Obama. If they don't want this to go through, they have to sit down and find a mature way to handle the situation. Shutting down the government would only make things worse and cause more problems for people and the president.
1. I believe that what the president did was constitutional because according to the constitution, the president has the right to grant pardons and reprieves to anyone who crossed the line and did something illegal.
2. I am all for what President Obama did for the immigrants. Whether they are illegal or legal, it is more important for them to be together with their families and live better lives than the ones in the country they originally lived in. According to the NPR article, a vast majority of immigrant families are split up and separated. It is important for children to be with their families so that they may become more successful later in their lives.
3. Most importantly, the first reason is that most immigrants do not pay taxes which hurts the economy, the second reason is that many immigrants come to America for the sole purpose of jobs and the more immigrants that take up the jobs, the greater the job loss for the Americans in America. The third reason is the increase in tax revenues due to the immigrants’ use of social security and healthcare.
4. I believe that shutting the government down will only make problems worse and will most definitely lower approval ratings. Congress should just allow for President Obama to follow through with his immigration reform that way problems will hopefully be solved in dealing appropriately with illegal immigrants.
1. I do not believe that Obama’s actions were unconstitutional. I say this because in the constitution (article 2, section 2, clause 1) it says the president has the power to grant pardons to anyone he pleases. Therefore, Obama has only done what he is granted the right to do and has seemly done nothing unconstitutional.
2. I agree with the fact that they should be given legal status. I think Obama should have went about his ways a little differently though. I also think it is wrong of the House to refuse to vote on the concept of an immigration reform. I believe Obama is doing the best he can to create a solution without disheartening anyone.
3. An example of one reason is that immigrants do not pay taxes which hurts the economy. The second reason is the increase in tax revenue. This is from immigrants using healthcare plans and social security. Lastly, immigrants come to America for job opportunities yet they end up taking away the jobs from Americans leaving an increase in unemployed Americans.
4. I believe they should not shut down the government. This will only make problems worse. Congress and President Obama should just come up with a solution that they all agree on and will be a benefit to everyone.
1. I think President Obama's actions are Constitutional. President Obama's actions could be justified by the fact that the president has the constitutional power to "grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States" (II, 2, 1) and by this measure the President has not overstepped any boundaries.
2. I fully agree with President Obama's actions, and I believe more immigrants should be given legal status. NPR says that the primary group affected by the executive action is "the parents of children who are either U.S. citizens or hold a green card." If these children have legal status, they are Americans, and in order for them to grow up and be successful it is imperative that they live in a legal family. Furthermore, a significant portion of undocumented immigrants come from the countries such as Mexico and Guatemala (http://immigration.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000845) where the presence of violence and drug cartels (http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-trafficking-latin-america) make bringing up children difficult. In the spirit of cooperation with our neighbors and promoting goodwill, reducing deportation is a good move.
3. One reason for pursuing immigration reform is that it can be very difficult to gain U.S. citizenship, for legal immigrants but especially for illegal immigrants. My family legally immigrated in August of 1999 and I will not be eligible to apply for citizenship until September of 2016, over 17 years. For illegal immigrants who may be living in the United States for a long period of time and want to become citizens, it can be difficult because they may fear discovery and deportation. Another reason for immigration reform is to gain more tax revenue; if a path to becoming a legal immigrant and citizen is provided it will increase the number of taxpayers because many illegal immigrants work without paying taxes. Finally, on the other side of the issue, those who support increased restrictions in immigration reform do so because they want to protect the jobs of "unskilled" workers in the United States, since many illegal immigrants are unskilled workers as well (an important issue because of the United States' high unemployment levels).
4. Congress should definitely not shut down the government, for two reasons. First of all, shutting down the entire government because of a disagreement on a single issue is irresponsible. It hurts the nation as a whole, hurts the other facets of government unrelated to immigration, and those who's jobs are affected by the government shutdown would lose pay. Second of all, if the Republican-dominated Congress does shut down the government, it would reflect badly on their party and hurt them in the 2016 election. Therefore, in order to preserve their own interests and the interests of others, Congress should not block appropriations bills and shut down the government.
1. No, I don't belive that what Obama did was unconstitutional. Referring back to Article 2, section 2, Clause 1 it states that the president has the power to "grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offices for Offences against the United States..." Meaning that the President had the power to pardon individuals convicted of crimes.
2. Being an immigrant myself, I agree with what Obama did to an extent of actually taking action since the house is refusing to even vote on any type of immigration reform. However, not all immigrants come to America illiegaly and most come to America legally and are permanent residents or U.S citizens. Granting all illegal immigrants temporary residency may have not bet the best diplomatic approach that Obama should have token since now 17 states are sueing him. The presidents intentions were to actually get something done about the immigration issue.
3. The three main reasons why there is a push to reform Americas im migrations policies is because of three main things. 1) jobs, 2) money & 3) time on granting U.S Citizenship. Regarding jobs, the average American will not consider doing the jobs that most immigrants do & sometimes for a low a,punt if money, for example picking the crops to eat etc. secondly is money, there would be an increase in tax revenue and thirdly would be on how much time it actually takes to grant U.S citizenship, for example I am a U.S resident, meaningI have my green card & too become a U.S Cirtizrn I have to wait until I'm 18 years old & pay a lot of money to take a test/ pass it and then get my U.S Citizenship. Most immigrants don't have the type of money however, or even a green card so the chance of getting Citizenship becomes 10 times harder.
4. Congress should NOT shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills to prevent the presidents actions from having immediate effect. The reason why is because personally I believe that nothing will get solved, instead they should work it out instead of affection the people.
1. Obama is not being unconstitutional in this matter, he has the power to pardon any illegal activity, and that's what he is doing.
2. I do not agree with the way Obama is handling things. The immigrants may have been here for a while, but being illegal pardons them from a lot of things that should be required of everyone, and if they are allowed to stay and become legalized, everyone is going to say "Hey! In America you can break the law and it's okay!" And then come over and the cycle will never end.
3. This is a main issue because a lot of people think that being an illegal immigrant means you are a criminal, and they don't want the crime rate to be so high. Illegal immigrants also take up a lot of jobs that legal Americans could be doing, which also causes an increase in unemployment. And it is also very hard for an immigrant to be given US citizenship, and regardless of it being illegal, these people come here to have a better life.
4. They should not shut down the government because doing nothing would just prevent any progress, and nothing else. This would cause a backwards step because of all progress being done elsewhere, and this would affect anyone with a government job, causing people to lose money, and it would just reflect badly on them.
1. The president's actions were not unconstitutional due to the constitution allowing him to make pardons, although this pardon is a bit major he still has the constitutional right to do it.
2. I do agree that immigrant illegal or legal should be able to get legal status even if temporally. The only problem with letting illegal immigrants have legal status is everything going on with ISIS and over in Turkey if they do not want to take the time to legally come over to America than that is already suspicious in itself. On the other hand having immigrants with legal status become legal citizens is not a problem at all, especially with all the advanced workers from other countries who came bring new ideas and breakthrough technologies to our industrial economy will be exceptional to the U.S.
3. The most important reason I believe is because we need immigrants for as I said earlier our economy. Another reason is for the criminal attacks and terrorist attacks America may encounter the can harm the country. the other reason is the tax and money we have to pay for immigrants to be kept out, so if they are legal citizens it will be easier without increasing border control polices and commerce.
4. I believe congress should not shut down the government just to prevent Obama from having immediate effect because it will not benefit the government or the nation in the long run. I believe there is no need for congress to shut down the government because like Obama said in his address executive actions cannot provide a path to a green card or U.S. citizenship only the congress can(according to NPR), therefore trying to prove to the president that congress has the power is useless because he already knows his status.
1. I think President Obama's actions are Constitutional, because his actions are justified by the fact that he has the constitutional power to "grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States" and according to that he hasn't gone beyond the power he has as President.
2. I feel that immigrants should definitely be given legal status. As an immigrant myself, I've witnessed firsthand the struggle other immigrants have faced in order to achieve a better life. I feel like if immigrants have good intentions and want to better their life, they should receive the opportunity to fulfill those aspirations.
3. There is a push to reform America's immigration policies because of the increase in taxes. American will have heighten expenses do the influx of new people. Secondly the loss of jobs is causing a push to reform the immigration policies because the immigrants entering the workforce are filling the spot of other Americans that also need the job, leading to increased competition. Lastly, criminal activity plays a role in attempting to reform American immigration policies because there are some immigrants who have indulged in illicit activities such as drug dealing.
4. Congress should not shut the government down and block appropriation bills because President Obama wants to allow immigrants to legally stay in America. Doing this would only decrease America's approval rating and would also put all productivity to a halt.
What Obama did was not unconstitutional because as president he is entitled to give an executive order if he wants to.
I am on the fence with what Obama did, I do agree that everyone should have an opportunity to become a citizen of the United States, but what about the next wave of illegal immigrants? It wouldn't be fair if the people now got legal status but the next wave doesn't.
One reason would be, it would boost the nation's economy. More jobs would lead to an increase in jobs which would create a bigger supply of items and that would cause an increase in buying and spending. Another reason would be it would increase tax revenue. If the workers become legalized it would require them to pay taxes every one or year which would increase the tax revenue. Last there would be a surge in a demand for skilled workers. Some people are more willing to work a job than others so legalizing these illegals would create an expanding work force.
Congress should not shut down the government by blocking appropriations bills to prevent Obama's actions from having an immediate effect, because congress should work on a compromise to get over their stalemate. Also shutting down the government will cause many more problems than solutions.
1. I do not believe that what Obama did was unconstitutional because he is allowed to make executive action and he is allowed to give pardons, which is essentially what he is doing.
2. I do agree with what he did because it is a moral issue to separate families where the child is legal and the parent is not. I am on the side that they should be granted temporary legal status. I also agree with it because it is a primary issue and with the legislation not taking any action something had to be done and the president stepped up to make something happen.
3. One main reason that immigration is a main issue is because Hispanics is a growing demographic in the United States and one of their main concerns is an answer to the immigration problem. Another reason is the concern for national security and people do not want people who are not citizens to be able to sneak into the country because then you have no idea of the type of people who are getting into the country. Another reason is with jobs, because people are concerned that the illegal immigrants take jobs from people who are actual citizens of the United States, and also when they are not a citizen they also can avoid being taxed.
4. I do not believe that congress should shut down the government. I agree with the presidents recommendation that if they disagree with his action they should just pass a bill
1. I do think what Obama did was unconstitutional because, according to the article, he violated the 'Take Care Clause' which limits presidential power.
2. I do not agree with Obama actions because he is encouraging immigration into the country. The first article cited in the question pointed out that many of the immigrants that were given temporary legal status were parents of kids who were citizens. With this knowledge, I can some what see how this can be a positive thing but this still not acceptable.
3. There is a push to reform America's immigration policies because of the increase fear of terrorism. American's do not want to let large numbers of people come in from foreign countries because they think that they may threaten the country's safety. These factor can relate to society's stereotypical views on foreign nations, particularly the middle east. People also want to push immigration policies due to money. Illegal immigrants do not pay taxes but they use tax dollars. They put their kids in our schools, use our hospitals, and check out books from the library. This is not fair on our part and something needs to be done. People believe that illegal immigrants take our jobs as well. This type of belief causes many people to want them to be deported, especially since there is a high number of unemployed American citizens.
4. Congress should not shut down the government because it makes the government look weaker. There is already a high number of people who do not approve of the government and this action would just make things worse.
1- I do not think Obama's action's were unconstitutional because he has the right to grant pardons for criminals, or in this case, illegal immigrants. This right clearly states his right to "grant reprieves and pardons."
2- Yes, I believe that these illegal immigrants should be given legal status because their presence has improved the nation as a whole. They contribute to the size of the middle and low classes which are vital in fueling the cycle of our economy system. I do believe that this should be limited to discourage additional uncontrollable immigration. This should be more strictly enforced because the economy is delicate and an influx of citizens could damage the system and threaten the success of our nation.
3- People bring more with them than just their bodies. Issues including criminal activity are one reason for immigration reform. Debates over who must pay taxes or other governmental fees is another issue. More positive reasons, however, are the demand for employees as the economy is rebuilding and getting back on its feet.
4- No the government should not shut down because this is unproductive. They work together to come to a consensus much like our forefathers did in the past. If many of these immigrants have been here for so long, the government might as well focus on solving the problem.
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