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The Pros And Cons Of Immigration To The United States

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Discussions of immigration to the United States and how best it can be controlled are fraught with controversy. One of the many facets of the dialogue is jobs: people often vocalize the fear that continuing to allow steady immigration will rob current citizens of the ability to find adequate work. This fear leads to the provocative question: is allowing steady immigration to the United States going to bring tragedy to the “commons” of the labor market? While many would be quick to answer with a resounding “yes,” it seems that current immigration patterns are not following a trajectory of tragedy, instead even improving the job market commons in some cases. From the beginning, migrant workers do not greatly impact job availability for native-born workers, and often unwittingly encourage advancements in the career path of current citizens. Further, immigration to the US improves job opportunities by expanding the economy through more spending and supplying skilled and non-skilled workers. Historically, periods of high immigration to the United States have been partnered with periods of substantial growth …show more content…

During the Progressive Era, large volumes of people migrated to the US from all over to work, leading to a huge period of development for the nation. Based on historical evidence from the US as well as other nations, one might expect a similar growth to our job market now. For example, STEM fields have been steadily growing and creating more jobs, a portion of which are filled by immigrants (Fayer et al. 7, Lowell 1035). Growth in overall job categories is experienced by all who wish to work in the field, not just immigrants. Having more immigrants working in STEM jobs simply adds to the number of minds working to develop the industry further and create more jobs – having immigrants working in the field does not take opportunities away from native-born citizens as opportunities

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