Introduction
In any country, it is the Government which makes policies and regulates the law and order. “Public policy can be generally defined as a system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a governmental entity or its representatives.” (Kilpatrick, n.d, para.1). A variety of factors influence the public policies and hence the decision of the government. Public policies can be seen as a reflection of the public opinions on several issues that concerns the well being of the society or the country.
The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of Special Interest Groups and Political parties on public policies regarding the issue of gun rights and immigration laws in the United States. The paper examines the priorities and decisions of these groups and parties on gun rights and immigration policies and their mode of working in influencing the public policy decisions.
Gun rights
For several decades, the right to guns and firearms by the US citizens is a controversial issue in American politics. There have been several debates on the individual right to guns and the prevention of crimes and gun violence over the past years. The number of Americans who support the individual’s right to firearms is almost equal to the number who stands for stronger law enforcement rules on the ownership and use of firearms. The Second Amendments of the Constitution supports and protects the individual ownership of firearms. The public policy on gun ownership limits the use of firearms and weapons for violent activities.
The Democratic Party of the United States stands for control of gun possessions and uses by individuals with a goal to reduce crimes. The Gun Control Act of 1968, The Brady Bill, the Crime Control act of 1994 and Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 were introduced by the Democratic Party in favor of gun control. However, the Republican Party point of view opposes gun controls and favor gun ownership rights in the US.
The National Rifles Association was found to “promote and encourage rifle shooting.” The NRA supports the ownership of firearms and offers world class training in the use of guns and rifles to American citizens. It also provides classes for self defense among students and women and also holds programs to cause awareness about safe gun practices among the citizens. The NRA advocates that with proper firearms education, gun ownership can be granted to the US citizens.
The Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence is the most prominent Self Interest activists that work for the reformation of gun ownership laws. The campaign works by exposing the gun industry, representing the victims of gun violence and defending gun laws. The Brady Campaign was a strong influence which led to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 signed by the then American President Bill Clinton.
Immigrant policies
The American history and culture was highly influenced by immigration. Although lawful immigration is welcomed by the Americans, illegal immigration is considered as a serious threat to the nation. The high rate of immigration to the US have posed some threats regarding the economic aspects, work habits, political loyalties and rate of violence in the country.
The liberal culture of the Democratic Party favors immigration in the US and supports cultural diversity and cultural pluralism. However, the Republican views on immigration policies are divided. Although the government under President George Bush had deemed immigrations as positive, not many Republicans favor immigration.
The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps are a self interest group who has the mission to guard their nation against illegal immigration. They hold campaigns and works for reforms in the Constitutional law to stop illegal immigration and to take strict measures against illegal immigrants. The Minuteman defines illegal immigrants as ‘aliens’ and demands the government to make stricter immigration laws.
The America’s Union Movement, AFL – CIO, works for the policies and rights of immigrant workers in the country. The self interest group advocates for public policies which supports immigrant workers and works for a balanced immigration enforcement. The group works on educating the immigrant workers on their rights and holds campaigns for government resolutions which support reformation of immigration laws.
There are many organizations which work in US and abroad for reformation of public policies regarding gun policies and immigration laws. Public policies have a great influence by these organizations.
Reference
Kilpatrick, Dean G. (n.d). Definitions of public policy and the law: Definitions. 2009. Web.