Immigration in the Us

Merriam Webster defines immigration as, “to come into a country of which one is not a native for permanent residence.”   The United States has had an immigration policy in effect that dates as far back as its birth.   Originally established in 1875, the first federal immigration law prohibited the admission of criminals and prostitutes.   Over the years, the number of immigrants grew and in 1891 the Immigration Service was established.   1891 was also the year that the United States government agreed to take full responsibility for immigration policy and enforcement.   Modifications and quantitative changes have continued to change the United States immigration policy to meet the needs of the influx of immigrants.   In 1986 the Immigration Reform and Control Act was passed.   It covered topics such as the government disciplining employers who knowingly employed aliens.   The Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 followed in an effort to maintain the borders of the United States.   Border control measurements were introduced, and there was a significant increase in border patrol agents (GAO, 2005).
  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) further defines immigration as having four goals that seek to fulfill the United States immigration policy (CBO, 2006).   The first goal is to reunite families, referred to as the Family Based Preference.   Immediate relatives of United States citizens are exempt.   The Family Based Preference category has the largest share of immigrant admission from North America and Asia.   The second goal is to admit specialized workers who can fill labor shortages of specific occupations.   The third goal is to provide sanctuary for refugees and asylum seekers who may be under persecution from their own country due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.   Refugees can apply for a permanent visa after one year in the United States.   The fourth and final goal is to...