NPR: Differences of Opinion: Overhauling Immigration Policy

Revamping U.S. Immigration Laws

NPR.org, Mar. 27, 2006 · What role do illegal immigrants play in America's economy and culture? What aspects of immigration policy aren't working? These questions are being discussed around the country as Congress prepares to revamp the nation's immigration laws. Below, a sampling of opinions:

Food for Illegals Thought

by Dimitri Vassilaros

The Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh, PA)

How could anyone know if the immigration policies are unenforceable, since the Bush administration refuses to enforce them? Contempt for the law can be corrected by arresting illegals -- who by definition have contempt for immigration laws -- and demanding of Mexico that it finally respect U.S. immigration laws.

Sabotaging an Immigration Deal

San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board

The San Francisco Chronicle

For 4 1/2 years, the debate has drifted and drifted -- increasingly in the direction of tougher border controls and against any form of legalization of illegal immigrants. The House embraced a draconian immigration bill authored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., which included building a 700-mile border fence and making it a criminal offense to be in the United States without a valid visa -- or possibly even for a U.S. citizen to give them assistance.

We Don't Need 'Guest Workers'

by Robert J. Samuelson

The Washington Post

Guest workers would mainly legalize today's vast inflows of illegal immigrants, with the same consequence: We'd be importing poverty. This isn't because these immigrants aren't hardworking; many are. Nor is it because they don't assimilate; many do. But they generally don't go home, assimilation is slow and the ranks of the poor are constantly replenished.

Too Hot to Handle? Maybe Not

by James Z. Smith

The Star-Tribune (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX)

Congress should seek a sensible middle ground that includes an amnesty program for a substantial portion of illegal immigrants. It would be both impossible and cruel -- as well as detrimental to the U.S. economy and our global image -- to round up and deport an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants. Many are good, hard-working people with the potential to become solid U.S. citizens.

A Civil Debate

New York Times Editorial Board

The New York Times

Something powerful pulled more than half a million people onto the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday, turning 26 downtown blocks into a pulsing sea of white T-shirts and American flags. A veteran police commander said that in 38 years he had never seen a march so huge. Its target was a harsh immigration bill passed by the House that would erect a wall on our Southern border and turn 12 million illegal immigrants — and any who give them aid — into a nation of felons.

The Wrong Answer to Illegal Immigration

by Steve Chapman

The Chicago Tribune

When we cracked down on illegal immigrants in cities like El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, the effect was to divert people to dangerous, remote crossing points--and to reduce the chance that they would be caught. In the last decade, says Princeton University sociologist Douglas Massey, the probability of apprehension has dropped to 5 percent from 20 percent.

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About Differences of Opinion

Read a sampling of opinions from U.S. publications about issues of the day.

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Read some of the letters to the editor we've received about the immigration debate.

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