Amnesty Bill Political Divisions
Republicans- are blanching at the thought of an amnesty bill granting citizenship to people who meet certain minimal requirements, which have been suggested to include residency of greater than 5 years, obtaining a high school diploma or GED, and having no more than two misdemeanor convictions (which is supposedly considered to be adequate moral character). Once these illegal immigrants become full citizens, they will then be able to sponsor their parents and family members, further exploding the immigration numbers. One argument that is frequently cited is that, in short, this means that most of the children of illegal immigrants would instantly become citizens despite being brought into the country illegally. So, while the children may not have committed a crime of illegal entry themselves, the parents would clearly benefit because once their children become citizens, they can then be sponsored by their children and be able to become citizens themselves.
Democrats- and supporters of an amnesty bill claim that border enforcement is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous. Keeping those who are intent on entry out of the country is becoming nearly an insurmountable task for the border patrol and customs agents. Immigrants enter this country, in a virtual flood, and then must seek shelter, food, and other general means of survival. The result of this desperation is that this has resulted in extremely substandard living conditions for tens of thousands of people, increased the spread of disease, and increased crime in most border states. By passing the amnesty bill, those previously forced to hide, and perhaps fight and steal to survive, would have full access to all freedoms and benefits that citizens of the United States enjoy. While it should not be suggested that all illegal immigrants are hiding, fighting and stealing, they are in general a group trying to survive by any means possible and trying to protect themselves and their families.