COLUMN: How immigrants shape the U.S.

    Two centuries ago immigrants flocked to the U.S. There was plenty of work, and getting in the country was as easy as buying a boat ticket. Today, U.S. immigration has more obstacles than a Japanese game show. What happened?

    The reason behind restricting immigration flow is primarily economic. Cities, states and nations need a population that is sustainable. Several problems, including a decrease in living standards and an increase in crime, will arise if a sizable group suddenly immigrates. The U.S. was once able to sustain a large flow of immigrants, but now, due to labor regulations, expensive social programs and an evolving workforce, it would be insane to completely open the borders and expect the economy to stay afloat. Immigration needs regulation.

    Many controversial laws have been passed to achieve this goal and the Secure Communities Act is on its way to nationwide implementation. The most disputed parts of these laws allow police officers to request immigration papers and check the fingerprints of those in custody against immigration records. Critics argue that these provisions will foster racial profiling and make immigrants think twice before calling the police in dangerous situations.

    I sincerely understand the fear of racial profiling, however, I believe that fear is illogical. Most police officers, believe it or not, aren’t racist. Most officers also understand that being involved in anything that even looks like racial profiling will attract negative press and possibly cost them their jobs. Of course, it goes without saying that abuse of this power would inevitably lead to retaliation from immigrant communities and make the city a more dangerous place for everyone, particularly for police. Law enforcement has every incentive to use this power as sparingly as possible with very few who abuse it. This is not to say racial profiling will never occur. I’m sure it will somewhere along the line. However, I choose not recognize the exception first.

           The second argument is that immigrants will be less likely to contact the police, which is one argument that I truly don’t understand. We realize that illegal immigrants aren’t entitled to the same protections as U.S. citizens, right? This is not to say that they do not deserve protection; I believe that everyone does by virtue of being human. Coincidentally, however, law enforcement officers are also human beings with lives and families. Should they be forced to put their lives on the line for people outside their jurisdiction? I’m not in favor of ignoring illegal immigrants’ phone calls to the police; general law enforcement is designed to make communities safe for everyone. However, I’m not terribly sympathetic to individuals afraid to call the police because they have broken the law. I have never heard of someone complaining that a prison escapee was afraid to phone the police. The circumstances are not very different.

           It is fairly clear the U.S. has the right and need to regulate immigration. This, however, does not mean we are going about it in the right way. We need to make immigration easier and more accessible. Immigration policy, and not the way we enforce it, should be the issue we grapple with. Those wishing to establish lives in the U.S. will be less prone to immigrate illegally if they felt there was a legitimate opportunity to do it legally. I support legislation such as the DREAM Act and other measures that integrate individuals who want to make a home in the U.S. I do not, however, feel we should handicap our law enforcement and obstruct basic implementation of immigration laws.

­­— Mike Burnham is a junior majoring in international relations and economics. Comments can be sent to him at mike.burnham@gmail.com.