The Role of Government

The Role of Government: Immigration Policy Student’s Name Institution of Affiliation Course Name & Code Instructor’s Name Date The Role of Government: Immigration Policy For decades, immigration has been a burning topic in the United States political debates, where immigration policy at state levels often changes drastically between presidential governments. Political debates involving immigration can lead to additional fear and confusion among immigrants. This paper reflects on immigration policy goals and their impacts on the economy, its historical development, legal and social frameworks, and the pros and cons of the associated entitlements. The essay also provides a critical analysis of previous performance and commendations for improvements in the future. The immigration policy has various notable goals it has set while also being tied to the economy. For example, the policy aims to unify citizens and legal settlers with their families. The objective of reunifying families detached when one or more members relocate to the U.S. and divide a previously unified family is an aim usually extolled in policy discussions (American Immigration Council, 2024). Besides, the immigration policy aims to improve individuals' living standards and surge productivity. The immigration policy is also dedicated to fostering diversity, growing pluralism, and cultivating different skills. The policy aims to foster and safeguard human rights, especially by protecting individuals who feel persecution. Finally, the immigration policy goal is to ensure it controls undocumented immigration and safeguards national security. Regarding economic ties, immigration policy can help address labor shortages, boost cultural diversity, and foster innovation. Nevertheless, immigration can pose problems such as strain on public services and wage suppression. The history of the United States immigration policy has achieved critical legislative milestones and changes in public sentiment, including early restriction and quota system. Early restrictions comprised the Naturalization Act 1790, which set new countries' naturalization measures. The Act restricted admission to United States nationality to white settlers who had settled there for over two years and their kids under twenty-one (Legal Information Institute, n.d). Besides, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was the first substantial policy limiting immigrants from entering the U.S. The Act granted a ten-year ban on Chinese workers immigrating to the U.S. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the quota system took place. For example, the 1924 Immigration Act constrained immigrants permitted entry into the United States via a country origins quota. The quota offered immigration visas to two percent of the immigrants of each nationality in the United States, as recorded in the 1890 countrywide survey (U.S. Department of State, n.d). This quota system aimed at preserving the prevailing ethnic composition of the United States population. From 1965, various reforms and expansions happened. For instance, the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act abolished quotas, forming opportunities for individuals who could contribute massively to the U.S. regarding growth, strength, and spirit. This new policy established a preference...