Reflections on Imigration

 



Did the 30 Days video influence your views regarding undocumented immigrants or immigration policy in any way?  

  • I found that watching this video led me to the realization that I have not previously put much thought into what my stance on immigration policy is. So, I suppose in that sense it sparked thought and reflection in me about people I knew and know are going through similar experiences, and my stance on these situations.

Many people, including Frank in the 30 Days video, make the argument that "We are a nation of laws...and they're breaking the law" (and therefore should be sent back to Mexico).  Do you agree? --If so, why? --If not, how might you respond to this argument?  

  • I fall somewhere in between the enforcement approach and the legalization approach. Therefore, I more so would disagree with the statement above. I believe that the balance of combining stronger border control with a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. It is a stance that both supports immigration reform and addresses systemic issues. Former President George W. Bush highlighted the need for a balanced approach by once stating “America’s immigration system is broken, and we must fix it. We need to secure our borders and enforce our laws, but we also need to make i possible for people to come here legally to work and to be reunited with their families… With a rational middle ground, it should be possible to reform our immigration laws in ways that honor our values and our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.” I believe this still is the case today.

Are there other situations in which you believe it is morally or ethically acceptable to break the law? (be sure to think critically) 

  • I feel that it is morally or ethically acceptable to break the law in situations where breaking the law leads to a greater good or the law itself is unjust. There are many gray areas in saying this. One that is often discussed between my best friend and I is assisted suicide, or cannabis for medical relief. Being in the hospital I definitely believe there are numerous occasions in which an individual would benefit and agree with either of these. Physician and author Dr. Atul Gawande speaks on assisted suicide stating “In a sense, the choice to end one’s life when suffering becomes unbearable is one of the ultimate forms of autonomy. At the very least, the option is a gesture of compassion, allowing people to avoid unnecessary pain  and retain control over their own dignity.”

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