Immigration: Rich Diversity or Social Burden? (USA TODAY's Debate: Voices and Perspectives)

Americans are sharply divided on the issue of immigration. Some people believe that the nation doesn’t need and can’t afford any more immigrants. They say that immigrants - especially illegal immigrants - strain the U.S. economy, destroy the culture, and raise the crime rate. Other people strongly disagree. They see immigration as the very foundation of the United States. They say that immigrants enrich U.S. society and give the economy far more than they take from it. Making sense of the immigration debate involves looking at the facts, studying the statistics, examining the laws, and listening to views on both sides. It also means asking tough questions: • Why do so many immigrants come to the United States? • Do Americans, as descendants of immigrants, have a duty to welcome immigrants? If so, how can this be done in a safe, orderly, and productive way? • What are the costs and benefits of immigration? • What will happen if the United States keeps the door open? Or slams the door shut? To answer these questions, this book examines the history of U.S. immigration as well as current federal, state, and local laws. It provides the opinions and perspectives of government and religious leaders, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue. It also presents the perspectives of people closely involved in immigration, such as legal and illegal immigrants, employers, residents of border communities, and immigration agents. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY, The Nation’s No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against immigration.