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Voices in the Immigration Debate Americans have widely varying opinions on the issue of immigration. All Things Considered has been airing a series of commentaries that expresses the many voices in the debate.
Special Series

Voices in the Immigration Debate

Opinion

Urging Vigilance on the U.S.-Mexico Border

Until a few weeks ago, commentator Jim Gilchrist says he was not in favor of building a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, a distance of almost 2,000 miles. But the political debate in Washington has convinced him that lawmakers will not make new policy to control illegal immigration sufficiently. He says the only way to protect the United States is to build a wall.

Urging Vigilance on the U.S.-Mexico Border

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Opinion

The Guest Worker Idea, a Non-Starter in Debate

Commentator Mark Kirkorian takes note of the assumption that if there is a guest-worker program, most of the guest-workers will be from Mexico -- just as most illegal immigrants are now from Mexico. Kirkorian argues that a formal guest-worker program would draw in many more workers from Asia and the Middle East, doing little to ease the problem of illegal immigration and leading to possible security problems.

The Guest Worker Idea, a Non-Starter in Debate

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Opinion

Thanking Immigrants for the Myriad Jobs They Do

In the noisy argument over what to do with illegal immigrants, says commentator Richard Rodriguez, the common assumption is that America has done a great deal for them already. But Rodriquez argues that no one speaks of the multitude of things these workers have done for Americans. And he think it's time to say two relevant words: thank you.

Thanking Immigrants for the Myriad Jobs They Do

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Why Jose Antonio Vargas Should Leave The U.S.

A "No Trespassing" sign is shown at the international border Aug. 16, 2010, near Naco, Ariz. Matt York/AP hide caption

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Matt York/AP

Opinion

Why Jose Antonio Vargas Should Leave The U.S.

Fresh Air

Mark Krikorian runs the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that advocates for "low immigration" and "high enforcement" of current laws. He explains why the journalist who recently came out as an undocumented immigrant in the New York Times Magazine should return to the Philippines.

Why Jose Antonio Vargas Should Leave The U.S.

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Coming Out As An 'Undocumented' Immigrant

A no trespassing sign is shown at the International border Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 near Naco, Arizona. Matt York/Associated Press hide caption

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Matt York/Associated Press

Coming Out As An 'Undocumented' Immigrant

Fresh Air

Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, recently revealed he has been living in the U.S. illegally since he was 12. "This country is not going to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants," he says. "What are we supposed to do with them?"

Coming Out As An 'Undocumented' Immigrant

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