Immigration: Lesser and Greater

Immigration is such a large and complex issue. It affects not only the immigrants directly involved, but it impacts every single person in the United States. The scope of immigration cannot be contained in a single article, and the solution for the immigration quandry cannot be solved with a single fell swoop, either. So let's begin the conversation to see how immigration works out with the Lesser and the Greater.

The Lesser: Some people would argue that sending all of the illegal immigrants back would be a terrible mistake. They would say that it is wrong for them to be here illegally, but it would just irrepairably injure our economy if they were deported. It is essentially the lesser of two evils if we just allow them to stay.

Also, people would debate that illegal immigrants here are a strain on the economy and government services. They would say that they use up medical services, social services, and other things that they are not paying taxes to support. Yet, again, if they were gone, that would leave a giant hole in our economy.

So it is the lesser of two evils (poor economy vs. illegal immigrant problems) for illegal immigrants to stay here in the States.

The Greater: Some people would argue that illegal immigrants are dangerous to this nation. They come in and cause trouble for which they are never fully held responsible. They are breaking the law by coming into the country, and then they make our streets and cities dangerous once they are here. They might work a little, but a lot of them simply come over here to our country and cause dangerous troubles.

Also, people would argue that having illegal immigrants in our country sets a terrible precedent to the world. Any country can see all of the people that get into our country, and they can have the confidence that they can get in, as well. It is like showing the world that we are terrible at protecting our own borders.

So it is a greater of two priorities (economy/opportunity vs. national safety) that illegal immigrants should be forced to leave the States.


This is just one example of a couple of the sides of the debate. But rest assured, when a solution is finally gathered and a plan is set into place - leaders will have chosed based on what is either the lesser of two evils or the greater of two priorities.