US IMMIGRATION POLICY 2

US Immigration Policy

Problem Definition and Analysis
The US prides itself for being a nation of immigrants. Throughout its history, it has
welcomed people from all over the world who arrived on its shores seeking for better
opportunities for themselves and their families. However, like for every country, America’s
borders cannot be open for everyone. The question of who should and should not be allowed into
the country has been at the heart of all immigration policy debates for much of the country’s
recent history. As of 2018, there were approximately 45 million immigrants in the USA. This
figure represented 14% of the country’s population (Pozo 2018). The vast majority of these
immigrants entered the US for family reunion (Pozo, 2018). A smaller percentage got into the
country for work or as refugees. With millions of people on the gates of the country seeking to
get in either legally or illegally and with tens of millions of other immigrants already in the
country, the need for an effective and comprehensive refugee policy in the USA has never been
more urgent.
Drafting Policy Options
An effective immigration policy for the US has to be grounded in realities about the
country’s economy, demographics, security needs, and its place in the world (Motomura, 2017).
With an aging population and facing intense global economic competition from countries such as
China, the US needs young, skilled immigrants to keep its economy competitive. Additionally,
the US must remain committed to its international obligation that require it to welcome people
fleeing from violence, war, and natural disasters. The best immigration policy is, therefore, one

US IMMIGRATION POLICY 3
that keeps American doors open for highly skilled individuals and those fleeing extreme forms of
violence and who have nowhere else to go except the US.
Policy Decision Implications
American businesses will greatly benefit from influx of immigrants who are highly
educated and skilled. Businesses, particularly those that require a background in STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), will be able effectively compete globally when
there such skilled people in large numbers. The policy will also ensure that America remains a
safe haven for people escaping from extreme conditions in their countries and want a safe place
to restart their lives.
Measuring Alternatives
There is no single immigration policy that can help address its economic and security
needs while also ensuring that it keeps the country’s arms open for those seeking opportunities to
better their economic situation or fleeing violence and war. A policy that accomplishes all these
goals may have to open America’s doors to possibly tens of millions of people yearly. Under the
current policy, two thirds of immigrants came to the US to join their family members. A small
percentage comprises of those who came for work or to seek refugee status. The proposed policy
seeks to limit family members who can join a relative living in the US to children and spouse so
that more people can be allowed in the country for work and refugee protection.
Ethical Implications
The idea of limiting family members who can join a relative and live in the US to just
children and spouses may seem hard-hearted. However, it is meant to create more room to

US IMMIGRATION POLICY 4
people who are fleeing extremely desperate situations such as war and highly skilled people who
will help to keep the economy competitive in future. It is, therefore, a policy without major
ethical shortcomings.
Desirable Conclusion
The chosen policy is appropriate because it will address America’s economic and security
needs while still ensuring that the country continues to respect its obligations under international
law. It gives skills and level of needs of the applicants rather than their relationship with persons
already living in the USA. It certainly has some weaknesses. However, when conducting
research on this subject it was clear that the options could not easily be divided into good and
bad ones. Rather, each had strengths and weaknesses.

US IMMIGRATION POLICY 5

References

Motomura, H. (2017). Migrants, Refugees, and Citizens: Some Hard Questions for Immigration
Policy.
Pozo, S. (2018). Immigration Policy Today. Employment Research Newsletter, 25(3), 1.