Assignment

The emphasis on controlling illegal immigration for reasons of economic vitality, national security, and crime control continues to grow even after the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was subsumed within the Department of Homeland Security. Immigration is closely tied to border security because the function of immigration is to manage the access of foreign citizens into the United States. The granting of residency and citizenship to foreign nationals is guided by the nation's immigration laws. There exists enormous global demand for U.S. residency and citizenship, given the international perception of the strength of the U.S. economy, the high standard of living, employment opportunities, and the prospect of a better life. However, some argue that, despite the progress outlined in the 9/11 Commission's Progress Report for 2011, we have lost control of the borders and are not sufficiently able to prevent terrorists from entering or remaining in the United States.

Before you begin this discussion, be sure to review the following readings and videos listed on the Learning and Assessment Activities page: