Immigration

There are many generalizations put forth in my opponent's round. Immigration cannot be an all or none concept, but rather a case by case situational. I will first analyze my opponent's case. OC-1: Everytime the economy tanks, most American's blame it on immigrants. Economic woes are largely due to government interference with the free market, prolonged conflicts, risky loans,etc. . http://blogs.bnet.com... OC-2: Immigrants are contributing members of our society. Very true in many cases. Many immigrants both legal and illegal contribute to the GDP. Many, but not all. It is not possible to place an accurate numerical value due to illegals. Note that illegals use resources but do not pay taxes, which also harms our economy. OC-3: Racial/ethnic profiling are unfair. I agree that it must be frustrating to endure proof of citizenship. When inspectors request to see proof of citizenship, they are doing a thankless job that they are hired to do. While I have seen some Mexican ladies with blonde and auburn hair, but the majority of Mexican men and women tend to have a darker complexion and dark hair. Those physical characteristics are probably what inspectors go by. While the inspection is annoying, they are working to help keep America safe, and enforce existing laws. Is it fair to break the law? Should there be a consequence for breaking the law? If a person is legal, then inspect them and tell them that they have done a good job. My case: As the CON/NEG, I have to prove that immigration is not always positive. I will open by saying that I certainly agree that not all immigration is bad. As one of the youngest countries, America established it's roots from immigrants. My own lineage is traced back to the Netherlands on my paternal side and Ireland on my maternal side. Many immigrants have indeed contributed positive things to the United States. C-1: Why do they come to America? People come to America for opportunity. People come to America to escape famine, economic depression, unemployment, political unrest, disease, religious persecution, invasion, overpopulation, and the like. America is approximately 235 years old. We are one of the youngest countries in the world. Why haven't older, more experienced countries done more to make their country more appealing? Further, when immigrants come to America, they simultaneously take away their contributions to their former country. A Pakistani doctor practicing medicine in New Jersey is one less Pakistani doctor practicing medicine in Islamabad. C-2: Economics The more immigrants we have, the larger the logistical problem becomes. There are many homeless Americans. There are many unemployed Americans. There are many Americans living in substandard conditions, yet we should exacerbate the problem by allowing even more people to come? That doesn't pass the common sense test. Further, there is always the language barrier. This alone accounts for many inconveniences for both the host nation as well as the immigrant. Immigrants, whether legal or illegal, use resources that Americans could use. C-3: Security Granted that most immigrants are not hardened criminals. However, it is a fact that some immigrants infiltrate the United States with the intent of causing harm. Some immigrants may even enter the United States with communicable diseases. Organizations with radical or extremist ideaologies may establish any form of a base in America using the cover of a student Visa, and hide under the blanket of stereotypical discrimination. Organized crime such as Russian, Mafia, and others can likewise use immigration to further thier agenda, even against the United States. CONCLUSION: Many immigrants have and will continue to make positive contributions to the United States. Unfortunately as I have demonstrated, unlimited, illegal, and in some cases legal immigration can also be detrimental to the United States. Thanks