Immigration

IMMIGRATION IS ONE of the most complex, controversial, and visible issues in contemporary American politics. Political candidates campaign on immigration using explosive rhetoric. In addition, diverse groups of political activists participate in large demonstrations and rallies to express passionate opinions regarding existing immigration trends and policies. Among the most debated topics that fall under the issue of immigration are what to do about undocumented workers, the state of border security, and the effect of immigrant inflows on the state of the economy.

The intense and mixed emotions associated with immigration policy are a reflection of two competing values closely associated with the spirit of the American dream: egalitarianism and individualism. On the one hand, the spirit of egalitarianism drives Americans to feel empathy for those striving to enter the United States in order to seek their own pursuit of happiness and realize their own American dream.

On the other hand, the spirit of individualism drives others to view immigrants, particularly those who enter illegally, as a threat to the welfare, prosperity, and even [Page 314]the cultural identity of the United States. To better understand the issue of immigration, how people view the issue, and how it affects the dynamics of contemporary American political campaigning, the various facets of the issue that guide the debate over immigration policy development and reform must be considered. These include the general conceptualization of what an American immigrant is, the differing views among the public on immigrants and immigration policy, the role that immigrants play in shaping the social environment, how politicians campaign on the issue, and how political proposals for reform fare with respect to the realities and complexities of the political environment.