Immigration in the United States is a vital issue that must be handled properly. Hardworking immigrants who came to this country for a better life helped to build this great nation. America was and still is appropriately referred to as a melting pot because of its diversity. Millions of immigrants throughout history have turned the American dream into a reality; however, some are trying to crush this dream. Some American citizens and politicians believe that these foreigners are entering our country and stealing jobs away hardworking Americans. These citizens don’t realize that their family had most likely immigrated to this nation early in the 20th or late in 19th Century. Many are also unaware of the economic benefits that result from immigrant labor.
As a brilliant economist, Dr. Michael Babula sees the monetary advantages of an increased labor force through immigration. With an influx of immigrant workers, employee demands for higher wages will likely decrease, thus aiding the economy. Incumbent Albert Wynn argues that illegal immigrants are “fearful” and will work for less than the minimum wage, which will depress wages for U.S. citizens. Wynn may be unaware of the possibly damaging secondary effects that will be caused by a demand for higher wages. Dr. Babula recognizes these long-term effects and how they will help the economy. Opponent Donna Edwards fails to elaborate on issues of immigration on her campaign website but does support a rise in the minimum wage. Since immigrant workers will help subside the demand for higher wages, the minimum wage will remain stable, thus reducing the risk of high unemployment rates. A key issue, such as immigration, has significant economic correlations, which must be recognized by a knowledgeable candidate, like Dr. Babula. Immigrant labor has propelled our economy throughout our nation’s history, so it is extremely important to allow them to keep striving for their dream. Illegal immigration is a controversial issue that is nearly impossible to control. Millions of illegal immigrants from Mexico and Latin America work low-paying jobs that keep the economy running. According to Dr. Babula’s campaign website, he “supports legalizing the status of immigrants from Latin America and Mexico who have entered the country illegally, but have made efforts to become productive employees in American society.” Many economists, like Alan Greenspan, share similar views on immigration. The CNN article, “Illegal workers: Good for the U.S. economy” by Chris Isidore quotes Bernard Baumohl, executive director of the Economic Outlook Group, a research group in Princeton Junction, N.J. ‘"Immigration is actually critical," said Baumohl, "It allows the U.S. economy to grow more rapidly without higher inflation pressures."’ The American Immigration Law Foundation stresses the importance of immigration on their website by stating, “The nation must act to reform immigration laws so that they give the immigration system the integrity to keep Americans safe, while at the same time giving businesses the essential workers they need to succeed.” The ethnocentric views of today’s politicians must be forgotten for it is the power of the immigrant labor force, recognized by candidate Dr. Michael Babula, which will allow our economy to build and prosper.
