U.S. benefits from being a nation of immigrants

The problems of immigration have been prevalent in the United States since its very creation. Now in the 21st century, there is still the debate about what to do with all those who really "don't belong." American history can, in fact, label its past into segments of class and race struggles that date back further then the Declaration of Independence. Blacks, Irish, Italians, Eastern Europeans, Asians, and now Latinos, have been immigrating to the great United States in hopes of better futures for both themselves and their children, only to be looked down upon, and criticized for their illegality. If anything, the United States is an anomaly, a result of a complex series of events that has led to its rise as a world power, but what is often misunderstood is the fact that this land is not designated to any one demographic.

The creation of a state where its territories are alienated by miles of open ocean and its original people were driven to near extinction just to be replaced by the exiles of other nations is just the basic beginning of the United States. An example of a state where people are introduced and eventually grow to become the majority is difficult to postulate. In fact, only a few countries can be seen as the culmination of different races and denominations that have formulated into a unified entity. This is what the United States of America represents - a diverse group of individuals from every corner of the world looking to better themselves, not to destroy their only chance at progress. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to distinguish between what it means to be a citizen and a simple foreigner. This includes differences in characteristics like language, culture, or religion, but it is this fact that makes the United States so unique.

Logistical problems are sometimes the most difficult to objectively solve, since you are dealing with individuals whose lives and families are in the balance. These immigration issues, though, must not be seen in such a negative light.

There are no benefits to rejecting those who attempt to enter. Globalization has overtaken most areas of the world, but our reluctance to modify our rigid policies toward "invaders" will eventually take a turn for the worst.

The idea of forming a unified, economically sound relationship with our neighboring countries, similar to that of the European Union, will undoubtedly help to resolve many of our national issues. The most formidable one, as of now, is the crashing economy. The stability that an open border policy would provide is unparalleled, since the restrictions of land space are inescapable and the ever-growing population does not seem to want to stop growing. With an addition of space and resources provided from Mexico and Canada, the United States can continue its growth and remain a world power.

The policies of our government not only affect the actions of individuals within the state but also speak loudly to those outside. There is a constant magnifying glass that has been placed on the United States. The world is readily pouncing on our mistakes and is dejected by our statements. Our domestic policies on immigration need to slowly begin to embrace the issue by implementing more efficient means of filtering who is deserving of citizenship and who is not. The responsibility of admitting or deporting individuals is left up to the state, and the methods chosen to make these decisions are wrapped in a cloud of mystery. There needs to be a method of simple checks and restrictions in order to attain access in the country. Without these systematic checks, the United States is seen as unorganized and sporadic when it comes to dealing with non-citizens. Regardless, achieving the status of citizenship is not about general demographics or statistics, it is about the individuals and their abilities to reach their potential within a state that will allow them to do so.