School Debate? (illegal immigration)?

Question

We are doing a debate in civics tomorrow. It is about Illegal immigration. I have already chose to be against the side that wants them gone.
The problem is, the other side has so much facts, and I have only opinion. What are YOUR views on illegal immigration? Where can I research for back-up on MY opinion.

Thanks to everyone who answers!

Answer 1

There are actually quite a few facts on your side.

First, consider the many studies that show immigrants pay more than they cost. There was a recent one in Texas (a week ago, maybe).
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA120806.01A.texas.immigrants.305bcef.html

Here's another:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/04/AR2006060400965.html?referrer=emailarticle

Here's one about how they are helping pay for Social Security:
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/4/11/152522.shtml?s=lh

The key here is that despite what people above have said, there IS a good argument to be made for the economics of illegal immigration. The other side will certainly have numbers, but the sites above give you numbers that will directly refute theirs.

Also, think about what happens with the children of immigrants. People will argue that it costs a lot to send them to school, but that's true for ALL children. But a person with a high school diploma will create a net benefit in taxes for the nation of about $200,000. So by educating the children of immigrants, we are actually making a PROFIT over the life of that child.

If you have access to an academic database like EbscoHost, check out "Immigration Nation" by Tamar Jacoby.

Answer 2

I am personally against illegal immigration. I might have a strategy for you though.
Some illegal immigrants might be able to demonstrate a needed skill or talent allowing them to stay. If the locals are too lazy or too self-important to do a job, such as a dirty job no one wants, then why not let illegals do it. Not a good argument, but an argument anyway. Why not use them as forced labor in prison before sending them back? Make them pay their way back. What about political asylum? Some of those people face death if they go back.
Sorry, but illegal is just wrong. You can feel for them. You can want good things for them. But in the end, illegal is wrong.

Answer 3

One stance is from a "human rights" issue. That presence in our borders is entitlement to our resources, regardless of participation or payment (via taxes) for them.

Another is the legallity of a border. Pro-illegals claim the very law is inhumane, even though every other country including Mexico has immigration laws equal to or harsher than the US.

During the latest gatherings, leading political officials that favor illegal immigrants claimed they should stay because "they clean your toilets" (Mayor Villaragosa of LA said that). I don't know if you want to use that one, but it has been repeated over and over by the pro-illegal speakers. Personally, I think that would work against you.

For research, check out La Raza, a group dedicated to immigrant rights. They have statistics for you, in both English and Spanish. You can also check out the Center for Immigration Studies, which have lots of statistics. Both links are included.

Sorry. There's no serious economic argument that you can make that won't be shot down immediately. They are a drain on entitlement economies, they supplant ethical immigrants who attempt to enter legally, they reduce the effective wage for those in the low-income economic levels, they increase crowding in schools and hospitals (to the point of closure), they are guilty of identity theft and social security fraud, they are driving without licenses or auto-insurance, they comprise of 10%-30% of the prison population, and in most cases, don't want to become American citizens anyway. One in seven of all Mexican citizens illegally immigrate to the US, an act of a scale that would generally be defined as an invasion. Money sent out of the US back to Mexico is the second biggest legal economy for Mexico behind Oil. So aside from minimal tax collection, a significant portion of the money earned by illegal immigrants doesn't even go back into the American economy.

Not telling you this to discourage you. You should understand the talking points of your opposition so you can prepare.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Resources are irrelevant because logical arguments won't help you. You have to focus on lack of enforcement over decades and the fickle and arguably disproportionate impact of deportation of those who set their entire lives up here over the decades when the laws weren't enforced. You have to focus on the good ones, and if you want to carry any logic, be willing to sacrifice the bad ones. Those arrested? You're with your opponents - THEY should go. But not the rest who have been here a long time. I'd still argue it, but if you gave a plan to stop the problem going forward with enforcement going forward, and said look at those differently who have been here a long time and otherwise played by the rules, you could win the day. But don't ignore the very real issues, say 'yes, and those hurt us too, and we want to stop that, going forward, but what about those already here for years, to whom this is their home'? Be ready with an answer when they ask about chain migration from such a larger immigrant base if those are legalized, too, because that is a huge part of the problem.

Answer 5

Wow, u are brave. Or maybe just a liberal.

In any case, you should turn the question around and ask yourself "How would another country handle ME being in their country illegally?"

Illegal is illegal - there is no defense. There are more stupid laws out there, but this is not one of them. If you want to come here, the more the marrier - BUT DO IT LEGALLY. Period.

I gots nothin 4 ur stupidity to assume you could debate on the other side w/out doing research or actually knowing something about the topic as a whole first.

Answer 6

HI, I am a model un (united nation) representative for my skool.
U should want illegal immigration gone. U could say that having illegal immigration could put a country at risk and cause many problems. How could u put ur country at risk? wel theseillegal immigrants (say it with pride and arrogance) can bring in weapons and drugs and get away with it. umm..if i think of anything else ill email u ...and good luck

Answer 7

Ask the same question in the immigration category of Y*A.
And sorry, I am against illegal immigration too so I can't think of a reason for breaking the law.

Answer 8

okay!! lets see

*one of your stongest points on immigration is that that is how the world was populated like take america in search for a passage way to india and instead found a vast land which manay western countries immigrated too. talk about where major civiliseations would be

*maybe talk about the ecoomy that has been pro vided by immigrants like italian mafia or chinese resturants! nah lol! but yeah somthing like that

sori im kinda tired i could probaly think up more later

oh ans soz bout mah spelling

Answer 9

First of all, there are ways to be here legally. If what they are doing is Illegal, then there is no issue, arrest them and send them back where they came from.

If it is illegal to drink and drive, or rob someone, or, shot someone, do we do like they are doing for immigration and look the other way??/

America is the land of plenty and people from all over want to come to America so they can realize their dreams of success. I say, let them come to this country, but do it legally.

Answer 10

I'd say you are at a distinct disadvantage, and you never stated exactly what your opinion is. It's hard to defend your side when the first part of ILLEGAL immigrant is illegal. My opinion, catch them, deport them, and their kids, fine the employers who hire them, end of story. Hire American.