Immigration in the USA
The United States of America was born from immigrants from countries all over the world. For centuries, the nation has been seen as a safe haven for those in need, persecuted, or exiled.
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However, many Americans are now arguing that the current influx of immigrants is simply too many for the country’s government and economy to handle. And consequently, stronger enforcements via physical barriers and federal regulations need to be implemented to stop the potential immigrants from getting in.
Others Argue Immigration Is a Human Right
On the other hand, there are millions of Americans who couldn’t disagree more with the sentiment that immigration itself is a “problem.” Instead, they believe immigration is a human right that should be available to all people from every country.
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However, even some of those people who feel as though immigration is a human right have admitted the current situation is anything but ideal, as many of the country’s major metropolises are struggling to care for the growing number of immigrants.
The Immigration Situation Has Changed Dramatically in Recent Years
Cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami, are seeing a significant increase in immigrants, and many of these recently migrated peoples have no job and nowhere to live.
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Consequently, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the US has skyrocketed. Some say as many as 650,000 people are currently homeless throughout the country, many of whom have recently arrived from another country.
It’s Not Just the Increasing Homeless Population That Worries Americans
That doesn’t include the tens of thousands of immigrants who are living in government-provided shelters or are renting an apartment.
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Some Americans worry that the ever-increasing number of migrants living in subsidized and affordable housing is directly leading to residents born in the USA struggling to find a home. Many Americans can’t find an apartment they can actually afford, or have been denied government assistance, and some argue that it’s because the affordable apartments are being rented by immigrants and the government budget is being spent helping them.
Understanding the Immigration Debate
It’s important to understand that while some agree that immigration should always be allowed and others think it should be limited or even stopped altogether, almost everyone believes something needs to be done.
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Of course, in order to either ensure the government helps those immigrants in need or stops more from arriving, the American people will need to elect a leader who supports their side of the argument. Luckily, the presidential election is right around the corner.
O’Leary Says the Immigration Debate Will Choose the Next President of the USA
Kevin O’Leary from “Shark Tank” recently explained in an interview with FOX News that he believes the immigration issue will play a huge part in who becomes the next president of the United States.
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The financial guru said that because Americans feel as though they are being directly affected by immigration, he “predict[s] this probably becomes the No. 1 [issue] and maintains that status as both sides turn this into a huge fight.”
What Is Trump’s Plan for Immigration?
Former President and current candidate Donald Trump has always been incredibly vocal regarding his tough stance against immigration.
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The businessman turned politician promised to build a giant wall along the Mexico and US border in 2016. And if elected in 2024, it seems Trump plans to restrict residency for millions of existing immigrants, authorize thousands of deportations, enforce a Naval blockade, and complete the border wall he promised in 2016.
What Is Biden’s Plan for Immigration?
President Biden’s plan really couldn’t be more different than his nemesis’. Over the course of his presidency, Biden passed 535 immigration actions, which, according to the White House, “keep America’s borders secure and enforce our immigration laws while expanding legal pathways for migrants seeking asylum.”
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Biden has also said Trump’s plans for immigration are unconstitutional, “racist,” and “cruel,” and that “Donald Trump has no plan to build a humane and secure immigration system.”
The Bipartisan Senate Border Policy
O’Leary also mentioned the recent bipartisan border deal in his interview, which failed to pass in the Senate just last month.
Source: Britannica
While the legislation was proposed in order to appease both the Republican and Democratic leaders within the Senate, the vast majority argued that the supposed compromise doesn’t fully work for either party.
Americans Are Frustrated With the Lack of Change
As with any political debate, there aren’t just two but multiple sides to the immigration debate. However, there are only two candidates to choose from.
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Americans will have to decide if they believe Donald Trump or Joe Biden will make the decisions they support regarding immigration, as well as the many other polarizing stances the two men take.
Your Vote Will Make a Difference in the Upcoming Immigration Policies
Your vote always matters, but in the 2024 election, it really will determine the future of immigration in America, as well as what happens to migrants already living on US soil.
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As Kevin O’Leary explained, every policy matters, but because this issue is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it’s likely going to be the number one factor for many in November.