In the novel, Pedro and Me, Pedro and his family were forced to separate when leaving Cuba for the United States. This was very difficult on him and his family and as a result, the family missed out on sharing many life milestones with their loved ones. In the novel, it was the Cuban government who decided the older siblings in Pedro's family could not come to the United States. They were too close to the draft age in Cuba. Even so, this whole scenario brings up the issue of immigration in our country. There have been many debates and strong opinions shared on the subject in recent years. Some feel our nation is getting too overcrowded and is unable to take care of the citizens who already reside in our country. This leads to the extreme topic of closing our country's borders.
Do you feel the United States should close our borders to citizens of other countries? If so, why? If not, why are you opposed? Should there be certain parameters followed allowing immigrants to become citizens of our country?
I can't imagine the United States ever closing its borders, this is a country of immigrants. It is a tempting idea however with the economic crisis we are facing right now, just to focus on internal affairs and current residents until the economy is back on its feet & running. Personally I would like to see world wide military spending reeled in a bit, that could shave down the deficit. Perhaps limit imports of goods we can produce here and Super tax companies that move head quarters, customer service & production outside of the country to save money, not to get to far from Pedro's story.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the United States should ever close their borders. We were all immigrants once and that is how our society has grown and diversified. There are a lot of parameters already in place in order to not only come to the united states but to become an immigrant. I have a cousin who just married a man from Argentina and before they got married or even before he came over there were tons of obstacles. There are tests that are done as well before someone can come over to the United States. Here is a link of all of the things that need to happen before people are allowed entrance into the US. http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis
ReplyDeleteI think it is a bit hypocritical to close our borders to Cuba, while continuing to allow travel and immigration to/from other equally corrupt countries. Is it helpful the Cuban people? I think not. Immigration is a difficult issue, but one that is deserving of careful consideration. I'd say at the very least, there needs to be a path to legalization for all refugees.
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