Historically, the United States has been the beacon of hope for "the tired, poor, huddled masses" throughout the world who sought a better life. Indeed, the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, with her torch held high, is one of this country's enduring mythic images to a world that yearns for the same "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" promised to all Americans by her forefathers. This country's allure is still an overpowering one. While the fertility rate of native-born Americans has fallen below the natural replenishment level, enough immigrants, both legal and illegal, enter this country each year to make the United States one of the fastest growing nations in the industrialized world. It is estimated that somewhere between one-third and one-half of this country's annual population growth comes from immigrants, legal and illegal.
But world demographics have changed dramatically in recent years and this country finds itself awash in a flood of illegal immigrants who seek the better life promised in "the American Dream." This influx of immigrants has become a source of concern for many Americans, especially those in the southwest states along the border of Mexico. There is near unanimous agreement in this country that something must be done about the problem, but there is little consensus yet about what ought to be done. Many critics, especially Hispanic, black, and other minority leaders, say illegal entrants take jobs from needy Americans; other say taking care of illegal immigrants severely strains already threadbare social services budgets. Advocates of open immigration polices say the new lifeblood of insights and economic vigor immigrants offer this country more than offset any problems they might cause.
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