Christine McGovern
English 093
October 3, 2011
Homework Page 523
1. What are Scott (“America Must Take Stronger Measures to Halt Illegal
Immigration”) and Raynor (“Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America”)
each saying about illegal immigration in these two essays?
In the essay, “America Must Take Stronger Measures to Halt Illegal Immigration” by
Michael Scott, Scott states that illegal immigration is costing the taxpayers’ money,
jeopardizing their employment, and affecting their security. In the essay, “Illegal
Immigration Does Not Threaten America” by Richard Raynor, Raynor states that illegal
immigration is allowing people a chance for the American dream, while also allowing our
country to benefit from what they have to offer back to our country, and that not allowing
it would be considered racism to many people.
5. Which stand on this particular argument is most convincing to you? Which
examples or statistics seem most persuasive? Explain your reactions to each of these
two positions.
The most convincing argument for me was Michael Scott’s, “America Must Take
Stronger Measures to Halt Illegal Immigration”. I really liked how he brought up the fact
that most Americans don’t necessarily have a problem with immigration, but the fact that
its illegal immigration is where the issue lies. It’s illegal for a reason and we don’t have
laws that are meant to be broken. I also liked his point about the lower waged jobs. I do
believe that illegal immigration has affected our job market and made our wages for the
minimum wage jobs decrease. My reaction to Scott’s essay was that it made sense to me
and spoke of the facts and logic around this issue. I didn’t like the way Richard Raynor
presented his essay, “Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America”. I didn’t like how
he shared the stories of these people and their lives, because in the back of my mind all I
kept thinking was why they didn’t just follow the process like you’re suppose to so you
don’t have to live in fear of being caught. I found myself not having any sympathy for
them because I kept asking myself that question.
6. Would you agree to pay higher prices “to rid our land of illegal immigrants” (Scott,
paragraph 12)?
Yes, I would agree to pay higher prices “to rid out land of illegal immigrants” (Scott,
paragraph 12). I would because it would create jobs for the American taxpayers and the
money would be worked back into our country. I also think it sets the bar again to tell
people that it’s important to follow the process. I would also feel safer knowing that
everyone has gone through the process and been checked before they come to live here. I
really believe, like Scott, in the fact that the real issue here is the word illegal. I have
never opposed immigration, however I do believe we must protect every American
citizen that lives here by at least making sure we are patrolling our boarders the in the
best possible way.