In this assignment, you are required to choose and write about a divisive issue in contemporary America that resonates with the topics of the course. You will then find a couple of news articles, videos, etc. from multiple sides of topic, attach them to the sheet (or insert the link into the text), and explain how and why the issue divides Americans.
- What divisive issue in American culture do you want to write about?
The immigration policy have been a divisive issue in American politics since the great influx of slaves from the 18th century. The concern for immigration policies emerges after every general election with both the republicans and democrats competing who will introduce best reforms. The sides that want to win the day promises to legislate the available illegal immigration and at the same time promote immigration that is beneficial to the United States economy. Because of the numerous discussions of the issue, more than 11 million immigrants in America remain at suspense not knowing where their fate lies with possible deportation an option if not legal cases for the illegal immigration(Renwick, 2015).
- Why do you want to write about it?
The immigration policy have been a divisive issue in American politics since the great influx of slaves from the 18th century. The concern for immigration policies emerges after every general election with both the republicans and democrats competing who will introduce best reforms. The sides that want to win the day promises to legislate the available illegal immigration and at the same time promote immigration that is beneficial to the United States economy. Because of the numerous discussions of the issue, more than 11 million immigrants in America remain at suspense not knowing where their fate lies with possible deportation an option if not legal cases for the illegal immigration(Renwick, 2015).
- Provide Links to at least TWO news articles, videos, websites, etc from EACH major side in the debate. PLUS: ONE LINK to a more objective (less obviously one-sided) piece on the issue. (So at least 5 links or attached sheets in total)
- How does each side of the debate define and imagine America? In other words, what do they want American to be?
The republicans believe that a system need to be put in place to ensure that immigrants who enter the country illegally are not provided with the same opportunities that legal citizens enjoy. They support that the people who enter America legally should be welcomed while resources should be used to keep out those who try to enter the country via illegal methods(Republican Views, 2014). The democrats on the other hand believe that United States is a country based on immigrants and it should value and support its present and future immigrants. The democrats believes in fixing the broken immigration system to embrace diversity of United States(Views, 2014). This is highlighted in the Clinton’s speech on the immigration issue as shown in this video(Chavez & John, 2015)
- How does each side of the debate define and imagine the ideal (or typical) American? In other words, who do they assume “real” Americans are?
The republican define the legal Americans as the people the country should devote its energy to promote their welfare. On the other hand, the republicans think that the government should spend the same energy to keep the illegal Americans away from enjoying the benefits that the legal citizens enjoy. The government should up their game to crack down on the illegal immigrants and increase surveillance of the boarders and the registration department to ensure that there is no illegal entry (Republican Views, 2014). The democrats view the immigrants as the people the government should respect and give them the opportunity to make legal their stay in United States. The interests of the immigrants should be protected and equal opportunities should be accorded to them.
