Topic:
Choose an issue of importance to you-the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope-and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.
I've been working on this essay for a while, and I'm going to submit it tomorrow. I would really appreciate criticism, and advice!
Here it is.
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Every morning I wake up in a third-world country. The bell rings, and suddenly I find myself in a first-world classroom. I live in an area where two cultures, two countries and two people intertwine: the U.S. - Mexico border. An issue that greatly impacts the community I live in is immigration. Crossing the bridge to and from school every day has given me a unique perspective towards this issue and I can relate to both sides of it.
Illegal immigration is an important issue that has tremendous social, political, and economical impact in our area. From the janitor to the housewife, everyone is directly impacted by migrant workers. Whether it be hiring an employee or lobbying for the proposed "border wall", the issue is real. Not only do they influence the culture and racial makeup of our community, but they also change the business and political scene. Simply put, the impact of these people in our community is monumental.
Migrants coming into Brownsville are inherently poor. They are desperate at their current situation and decide to take a shot at the American Dream. They travel thousands of miles, in some cases even risking their lives in an attempt to enter the United States. From the immigrants perspective, working in America is an opportunity to provide better financial security and improve their families' lifestyle; a chance for a brighter future.
These people travel to our border seeking an answer to their problems. Most lack any sort of formal education, and many are illiterate. They come from underdeveloped, poor countries whose governments are indifferent about their situation. The great majority takes up jobs in manual labor, some work at businesses, while a small number are privately employed. Illegal immigrants are the foundation of Brownsville; they contribute to over 35% of the local economy.
Local businesses obviously hire these people because of the financial edge over American employees. Most migrant workers eagerly work for a fraction of the minimum wage, and employers are not required to pay for benefits such as health care. These businesses are able to cut down on costs and rake in better profits. Both businesses and illegal immigrants benefit and rely on each other.
Unregulated immigration into the United States, however, is illegal for a reason. Overpopulation, unemployment, crime, and waste of public resources stem out of uncontrolled immigration. Anti-Immigration groups view migrants as a drain on society, and want the situation controlled. These groups have proposed several laws to curb the migration rate, including a physical barrier at the border, effectively isolating both populations.
Infamously dubbed "The New Berlin Wall", its local construction is ardently opposed. The barrier is a proposed 1,300 mile fence that stretches from Tijuana to Brownsville. On paper, it sounds fantastic: a fast, easy solution that "only" costs around $40 billion, which will put an end to both illegal drugs and immigrants. Practice, however, is different than theory. People allege that the wall will only isolate communities, waste money, and increase tensions between nations. It is also evident that the barrier will only slow down, not stop, illegal immigration.
This issue is as complex as it is controversial. It touches upon many different facets of society, sparking questions and debate. There is no doubt that illegal immigration is a serious problem that needs to be addressed soon, but building a wall isn't the answer. Instead, we need a level-headed approach that takes into account all of the social and economic complexities that surround it. Opening new frontiers, instead of closing borders is the solution.
Interesting essay! I thought i could spruce it up, but Im no expert. Please see what you think:
From a janitor to a housewife, everyone is directly impacted by migrant workers.
Migrants coming into Brownsville are inherently poor. Desperate at their current situation, these immigrants decide to take a shot at the American Dream. They travel thousands of miles, in some cases even risking their lives in an attempt to enter the United States. From the immigrants perspective, working in America is an opportunity to provide better financial security and improve upon(?) their families' lifestyle; a chance for a brighter future.
