Alina Hackney

Dear President,

Immigration has been the foundation of America from the beginning. Immigrants form America and symbolize our freedom. America should be diverse and full of different cultures and religions. Having immigrants come to America makes it a better place. But, problems have occurred with our system. First, illegal immigration has increased. Over 700,000 illegal immigrants flock to America each year. Second, there is also a challenge with terrorism in the world today. Terrorism is an ongoing threat for all Americans because of the terrorist groups active today have a strong hatred towards the United States and will do anything to disrupt, kill and destroy the American dream.

Immigration is vital to our nation. Immigration improves economic growth in the United States. In an article by John Engler, the Bipartisan Policy Center stated that “an increase in immigration would boost gross domestic product by 4.8 percent and productivity by 1.0 percent over 20 years.” “It would also increase U.S. employment and raise wages.” The Congressional Budget Office states, “it would add 9 million workers to the labor force and slightly increase wages in about 20 years.” Immigration also creates businesses. The Partnership for a New American Economy states that “immigrants are almost 50 percent more likely to start a business than native born workers.” Immigration makes who we are and helps us grow and dominate together as one nation.

Also in an article by Engler, the United States Department of Homeland Security stated that “most unauthorized immigrants either entered the United States without inspection or were admitted temporarily and stayed past the date they were required to leave.” These immigrants end up in our court systems for crimes such as drugs, murder, avoiding deportation and not paying taxes.

Terrorism is a growing worldwide issue. According to John Cassity “terrorism has caused around 130,000 fatalities worldwide between 2006 and 2013. Last year, the number of people killed by terrorist attacks rose by about 80%, reaching an all-time high of close to thirty-three thousand. Since 2000, the annual death toll from terrorism has increased.” Terrorism is a growing issue that needs to be wiped away.

These issues need to be addressed or America will be corrupt with crime and drugs; our economy and nation will suffer; and, we will be killed off by terrorists. Stronger vetting of people who come to America could stop illegal immigrants and terrorists by undercovering the backgrounds of these immigrants wanting to kill and increase the safety and lawful state of the American people. Paul Lombardo, an expert on immigration law and history at Georgia State University, said “In the Cold War we had an ideological screening test and the time is overdue to develop a new screening test for the threats we face today.” We also need to keep track of the immigrants who arrive legally and make sure they leave when their visas are expired.

My father was an immigrant from Poland and he helped America by doing good things like obeying the laws and working legally. I want to see all immigrants be like my father and become legal citizens by monitoring immigration with stronger examination of who comes through our borders. We could stop these issues and make America a better place. Please work with Congress to keep the idea of freedom alive so my generation and future generations can experience the American dream.

Sincerely,

Alina Hackney

Works Cited

Cassidy, John. The Facts About Terrorism. The New Yorker. November 24, 2016 http://www.newyorker.com/news/john-cassidy/the-facts-about-terrorism

Engler, John. Why Immigration Is Good For U.S Growth. Washington Times. November 18, 2014 http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/nov/18/why-immigration-is-good-for-us

Tanfani, Joseph. Extreme Veting. Los Angeles Times. August 16, 2016 http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-extreme-vetting-20160816-snap-htmlstory.html