Should we enforce our immigration laws?

Illegal immigration is the migration of people across national borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination country.

One side says:
(Flip all cards) (Flip all cards)

  • A country has the right to protect itself from illegal immigration.

    What more basic laws can a nation have than the ones that give it control over its own borders?

  • We don't actually need more immigrants in the workforce.

    We don't need to populate empty lands or factories.

  • Ignoring immigration laws is not civil disobedience.

    Civil rights workers were making a statement of conscience, and willing to go to jail for their beliefs. People who violate our immigration laws are acting out of self-interest.

  • Uncontrolled immigration is a clear and present danger to our country.

    Overpopulation threatens our environment. Unassimilated populations threaten our institutions, including our schools and language. Poor immigrants lower wages, drain social services, and increase crime.

  • Illegal immigration leads to exploitation of a vulnerable group.

    US employers take advantage of illegal immigrants. The best way to stop this exploitation is to enforce our immigration laws in the first place.

  • Facts SD 04, by theaicontrol
  • Off The Charts with Roy Beck (abridged version – 2010), by NumbersUSA
  • Who should get the next U.S. jobs? More new immigrants or America's jobless? by NumbersUSA

The other side says:
(Flip all cards) (Flip all cards)

  • Most undocumented workers are Americans in all but name.

    These are folks who've been here most of their lives, are law-abiding, speak English, go to school, and pay taxes.

  • Immigrants contribute a lot to our society.

    They're incredibly motivated, hard-working, and resourceful individuals. It's what made us great and what will continue to make us great.

  • We invited them here.

    We give jobs to undocumented workers – in our fields, restaurants, and homes. It seems hypocritical to invite them in and then try to kick them out.

  • We're all immigrants.

    The vast majority of Americans are immigrants or descended from immigrants. It seems hypocritical to pull up the ladder now that we're safely aboard.

  • It's inhumane to deport undocumented workers.

    They don't have a home anywhere else, it breaks up families, and many of these immigrants would be put into very dangerous situations by being deported to their home countries.

  • "I Didn't Say Goodbye" – Immigration PSA by Claudia Victoria Lemus
  • illegal immigration PSA by Danna Forero
  • "Do I look Illegal?" A question for Arizona (PSA) by EKG Films