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TOPIC: The United States has long been known as a "melting pot" of cultures, as immigrants from around the world have settled here and built new lives. Interest in immigration policy has increased in recent years as larger numbers of foreign-born workers have entered the nation. What benefits and costs does our nation realize from the entry of foreign-born workers? What prescription would you advise for U.S. immigration policy? How would the U.S. economy - including labor markets, production, and prices - be affected if your prescription were to shape future U.S. immigration policy? There is no right or wrong answer. We encourage students to choose a position and present their arguments in support of that decision. |
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The United States is a nation with a long history of immigration. Individuals and families from all over the world have journeyed here seeking the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Immigrants have contributed much to the economic growth and prosperity of the country. Chinese immigrants were instrumental in building the western half of the transcontinental railroad. Irish immigrants provided labor to help build key infrastructure such as canals, railroads, and streets throughout New England and New York. German immigrants brought their culture (Steinway & Sons pianos) and their technology (the modern beer brewing industry). The development of many agricultural products can be traced to African-Americans - such as peanut butter (George Washington Carver) and potato chips (George Crum). Immigrants from many different countries worked in the factories and mills that fueled the industrial revolution - resulting in the United States being one the wealthiest nations in the world. The mixing of indigenous and nonindigenous people and cultures has created the diverse society we now enjoy; however, the periodic influx of immigrants has often been accompanied by controversy. The Chinese, Irish, German, and African immigrants in the past have all faced opposition and discrimination from people already living and working in the United States. Today, a similar controversy regarding foreign-born workers and our nation's current immigration policy has sparked a national debate that has spanned from the corner café to the halls of Congress. If you have any questions regarding the topic, please contact Mark Hays at Mark.Hays@kc.frb.org or 816-881-2675. |