ents. America has a large population of baby boomers and will need working-age persons to fill the void left by their retirements, but there must be a limit to the number of immigrants we become dependant upon and a dramatic decrease in illegal immigrants. During the 1980’s when all other industrialized nations were making restrictions on immigration America’s doors were open and now the nation begins the daunting task of closing those doors (Briggs 5). There is some concern that closing the doors could “heighten the feeling that the nation is under siege” (Suro 15). Overpopulation is in itself a world wide issue but is not undisputed as a cause for concern in America. A lack of jobs is a major concern for most. Will there be enough jobs for everyone? Can our economy support it’s own citizens, immigrants, and illegal aliens. America is experiencing a period of economic health, but history shows that this upward economy will not last indefinitely. The working poor are concerned that illegal immigrants may be holding down wages and taking the few unskilled jobs that are available in some areas (Kirschten 16). These are legitimate fears that call into question the governments ability to regulate immigration. Tax paying citizens are also concerned that the tax dollars they pay each year are being used to help educate illegal immigrants and not those who are rightfully in this country (Amselle 60). When there is a large population of immigrants in an area citizens tend to view them in a hostile manner because of the perceived notion that illegal immigrants are using resource meant for legal residents (Bean 204). In reality illegal immigrants have never been eligible for welfare and other public services (Castro 180). Benefits of Immigration Immigrants help to relieve our nation’s labor shortage. The truth is that due to a decline in the fertility rate in the United States some leading demographers predict ...
