Immigration throughout has been one of the most significant international phenomena. People have migrated across boundaries owing to economic, political, or social reasons. Of the various popular destinations of immigrants around the world, the USA stands out a premier one thanks to its absorbing and affluent state of economy and socio-political being.
Immigration to the US: A Booming Rise:
Although history of immigration shows US to be a popular destination for immigrants, initially the geographical difficulty in reaching the American continent barred easy migration. However that also created myths about excess prosperity and opportunity as well as the much-cherished liberty and freedom (symbolized by the Great Statue of Liberty) that existed in America and not in the Old World. Later with the advent of the jet age, traveling was made a lot easier and hence the frequency of immigration to the US went up.
Immigration to the United States was further encouraged with the advent of globalization. Immigration boomed to a 57.4% increase in 1990-2000. Currently Indians and Chinese, pursuing higher studies and chasing professional dreams, form the biggest communities of immigrants to the US.
The Flip Side of Immigration to the US:
Immigration however has also brought in the US illegal elements. Illegal immigrants enter the USA by illegally crossing national borders or by overstaying even after expiry of visas hence violating US nationality law and indulge in various criminal and unlawful activities. The authorities as well as the public in the US are quite concerned about such illegal immigration flow. The House has passed proposals to criminalize illegal immigrants and build a wall along the 2,000 mile border between the US and Mexico in early 2006 to prevent endless infiltration. In fact the country is immersed in a debate about the immigration laws and the role of immigration in the post-9/11 era.
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