Many people illegally flock to our nation to achieve the “American Dream”. This dream means a lot of different things to people but all would argue in the most basic sense it means to achieve safety from persecution, achieve greater economic security, and to be able to have equal opportunities and freedoms no matter what your social status and background is. They will cross borders, climb fences, and pursue any means necessary to execute their goal of coming to the States. In response to the great deal of illegal’s coming to America to achieve their “American Dream”, the Arizona legislature has passed Senate Bill 1070 that has proven to be the broadest and strongest immigration law in the country, causing a great deal of upheaval domestically and internationally. Supporters of the bill have argued that the law is necessary in order to protect economic and social interests of Arizona residents. The law has also been under fire for its broad powers that may lead to discriminatory practices such as racial profiling. The vitality of the “American Dream” continues to be as vibrant as ever and although it is important to establish comprehensive immigration reform and to combat illegal immigration, the means as to how we accomplish this goal must be done in a respectful and civilized way.
Under Senate Bill 1070, police officers in Arizona will be able to detain anyone who is suspect of being in the country without authorization. The bill also makes it a crime to not carry immigration papers and allows citizens to sue their government if the law is not implemented. Many have argued that a law to this is extent is necessary in order to ensure the safety of Arizona residents and to protect their economic interests, but in essence its more of a protection of a way of life that people feel has come under threat from a foreign influence. Many Arizona residents feel that their “American” life style, ideals, and values have been challenged by this sudden influx of illegal immigration.
An immigration policy is needed that will limit the number of illegal aliens. A nation must have secure borders that protect its citizens, but we must also secure our borders in a way that does discriminate and treat others harshly. It would be in our best interest to protect the “American Dream” as it allows for mobility on the social and economic ladder for legal and illegal residents alike. The “American Dream” not only draws millions of people to our country, but it also draws foreign capital, trade, and businesses that benefit our country and hard working American citizens. If it were not for the notion of the “American Dream”, I would probably not be here today. It would be incumbent for us to always treat other ethnicities and cultures with the utmost respect, as we do not want to deter the immigration of hard-working, intelligent people that can contribute to our country in meaningful ways. We do not want the United States to be known as the nation that allows forms of racism and racial profiling to exist, we want to be known as the nation that practices forms of equality in the greatest sense and does not place unfair judgments on people.
America has a reputation of being the world’s melting pot. If you go to any city, you will see an eclectic mix of cultures: Chinese, Indians, Arabs, and Hispanics. Even many Americans can trace their lineage to European ancestry so, in a sense, were a country made up of immigrants. Our families before us came here for the same reasons, whether it was escaping a form of religious persecution or going to find economic opportunities, we all came her for that same “American Dream” that has drawn so many illegal immigrants here. Although there must be measures to protect our borders, businesses, and way of life that all people, no matter what background, cherish, we must accomplish these goals in a respectful manner. The Arizona Immigration law is in fact everything that America stands against: discrimination, harsh treatment towards people, and inequality. Contrary to what some people may believe right now in light of the Arizona Immigration law, the “American Dream” does still exist and is as vibrant as ever. We must strive to protect this dream at any cost and realize that we must be known as a nation that does not place unfair prejudices on any different cultures, ethnicities, or nationalities.
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