In 2012, President Obama introduced a "deferred action" initiative for immigrant youths illegally brought to the U.S. as children. This initiative would allow approximately 1.8 million immigrants under the age of 31 a two-year, renewable reprieve from deportation provided they meet certain qualifications (e.g., graduation from HS, no felony convictions). In general, what are the advantages and disadvantages to immigration as a component of globalization?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Immigration provides an avenue for people to escape persecution or poor working and living conditions in their own country. It offers them the opportunity to find a better life for themselves. Given this, unskilled immigrant workers are often willing to take jobs that others are not and will work for less pay, thus making them a cheap source of labor for host country companies. Highly skilled immigrant workers can fulfill labor shortages in the host country which allows host country companies to continue operations and keep wage rates down. Immigration brings new cultures, foods, and ideas that can be beneficial to the destination country. These same things, however, can also cause tension in the destination country as citizens may feel their livelihood is threatened by immigrant workers and cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and tension. Low-skilled immigrant workers can depress the labor market for high school students and dropouts. They can also create management challenges for employers and communities (e.g., language barriers, racial conflict).