Introduction
The criminalization of immigration in the United States of America (USA) is not a new topic of discussion. It has been in the picture since the establishment of the country. However, during the 20th century, the USA put forward a series of laws that have increased the criminalization of immigration in the country (Ewing et al. 2). Many immigrants believe that going to the USA will allow them to get a better life. However, this is not the case, as the rules and regulations put in place limit the rates of immigration. The criminalization of immigration is a topic that has undergone a revolutionary transformation over time, with laws and regulations being made to prosecute illegal immigrants. The criminalization of immigration might lower the cases of illegal immigration, but it cannot eliminate the issue. The issue of illegal immigration could be solved by adopting rational and open-minded policies such as the issuance of work permits and naturalization as a way for the acquisition of citizenship by family members.
Background of the Study
Various laws passed from 1996 to the present day have seen the criminalization of immigration. Through the Immigration and Nationality Act, millions of immigrants were considered undocumented. They were taken as deportable and not acceptable to stay in the country according to the criminal law of the act (Abrego et al. 696). The “Immigration Reform and Control Act” outlawed the signing of covert employees and amplified its funds to guard the border to ensure no immigrants enter the country. “The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986” enclosed a stipulation requiring the U.S chief legal advisor to extradite foreigners sentenced to detachable offences (Abrego et al. 697). This rule targeted immigrants who had committed crimes and were convicted, expanding policing for immigrants. The recent laws to be passed are the executive orders signed by President Trump in January 2017.
The immigration-related executive orders intended to heighten and strengthen the illegalization of immigration at the border of the U.S. and Mexico and within the United States. The signed executive orders allow local administrators in respective federations to impose the immigration laws defined and named in the Immigration and Nationality Act (Abrego et al. 698). In addition, they allow county administrators and law enforcement agencies to investigate various entry instances, make apprehensions related to immigration, and arrest settlers based on illegal and domestic immigration violations. The executive orders allow for the detention of individuals entering the country illegally and make it a priority to proceed with criminal prosecutions.
Purpose of the Study
The criminalization of immigration affects many people trying to cross the United States borders. This paper aims to understand the reasons behind imposing policies and laws that criminalize immigration. In addition, it looks into the various factors that can be considered to ensure that immigrants receive fair treatment as they undergo the set rules and regulations (Bosworth et al. 102). The identification of the impacts of criminalization on American citizens and immigrants is addressed, and how immigrants are viewed once they enter the United States, both negatively and positively.
Research Methodology
The information used was collected from selected peer-reviewed journals and articles, books, and online print media. Various methods were used to collect the data used in the study. These included the use of case studies and quantitative methods of data collection. Data was collected on issues relating to the criminalization of immigration, the current policies, and a review of past and current trends relevant to the study.
Limitations
Although most of the information was available, it was not enough to give conclusions on the criminalization of immigration. It was hard to control the errors present in the data as different people collected it at different times. The use of various data collection and analysis methods by different researchers posed a problem during evaluation, and the disparities present did not give room for making an elaborate conclusion.
Importance of the Study
The study of criminalization of immigration is essential for understanding the laws that govern this topic. The research elaborated on the linkage of crimes with immigration, how immigration policies affect immigrants and their overall interaction with American citizens (Vega 1180). Through studying this area, the other factors leading to the commitment to crime, such as poverty and the levels of education, are acknowledged. This research study is essential and benefits foreign citizens planning and migrating to the United States of America. This study highlights how the criminalization of immigrants occurs, which can be through detention and even through interior enforcement. Immigrants face consequences of inequalities for the related children who have more than one status and those born in the U.S but with diverse statuses. In addition, the immigrant’s inability to unite with their families due to detention and deportation affects their relationships, hindering the formation of strong bonds between families.
Conclusion
The criminalization of immigration is a topic that results in various debates. The impacts of using the set laws and regulations are felt by the immigrants and the people close to them. Studying this topic provided insight into the processes and what takes place in the criminalization of the immigrants. Understanding each phenomenon in this study is essential in concluding and providing alternative thoughts on other ways to help immigrants without depriving them of their fundamental civil rights.
Works Cited
Abrego, Leisy et al. “Making Immigrants into Criminals: Legal Processes of Criminalization in The Post-IIRIRA Era”. Journal On Migration and Human Security, vol 5, no. 3, 2017, pp. 694-715. SAGE Publications.
American Immigration Council. The Criminalization of Immigration in The United States. American Immigration Council, 2015.
Bosworth, Mary, and Sarah Turnbull. “Immigration Detention, Punishment, And the Criminalization of Migration”. The Routledge Handbook on Crime and International Migration, 2017, pp. 91-106.,
Vega, Irene I. “Toward A Cultural Sociology of Immigration Control: A Call for Research”. American Behavioral Scientist, vol 63, no. 9, 2019, pp. 1172-1184. SAGE Publications.