2. The USA Dealing with Immigration

3. Immigration Reform  Immigration is a big debate.  1990s during the recession measures were introduced to stop immigration.  After the 9/11 attacks Americans became concerned about security.  The Credit Crunch 2008 is another recession.  Americans are concerned about security and jobs now!

4. Dealing with Immigration: The Federal Government After the 9/11 attacks the American Government was under pressure to strengthen and protect its borders. It has done this in a number of ways; The Border Security Act 2001 The Patriot Act 2001 Setting up the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 Other measures.

5. The Border Security Act 2001 Increased the budget spent on dealing with immigration. Airlines and shipping companies have to inform authorities about passengers. Colleges and universities have to keep the authorities informed about foreign students.

6. The PATRIOT Act 2001 Aim was to prevent terrorism... but it gave the US Government more reasons to stop people entering the country. Attorney General has the power to declare an alien (an illegal immigrant) as a terrorist without trial and detain suspected terrorists for an indefinite period. It also increased the number of border patrols. President George W. Bush signed the PATRIOT Act 45 days after the 9/11 attacks.

7. The Department of Homeland Security Created the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). This agency only grants visas after detailed checks which can last months. Anyone whose record is regarded as suspicion (e.g. criticizing the President) is denied access to the USA. The Dept. of Homeland Security introduced the colour code threat for possible terrorist attacks.

8. Other measures Border Patrol Agents Patrol US-Mexico border. Doubled numbers in recent years to over 16,500 agents. Also building “security fence” on the border. Border is 1,951 miles – wall is currently 580 miles. Operation Scheduled Departure Cities working with the Department of Homeland security to remove illegal immigrants from the USA. Cities involved included San Diego and Chicago.

9. Task 2 The Border Security Act 2001 The PATRIOT Act 2001 Dept. of Homeland Security Border Patrols Operation Scheduled Departure Removes illegal immigrants from the USA. Airlines and colleges have to tell the authorities about passengers and foreign students. Means illegal immigrants can be tried as terrorists Checks if people should be allowed to visit the USA. Patrols US-Mexico border – over 16,500 of them.

10. Dealing with Immigration: A Success Story? Success Many people have argued that the Bush Government was successfully in dealing with immigration because; Congress has rejected amnesty for illegal immigrants Border patrols have captured about 1 in 4 illegal immigrants Wall makes it difficult for immigrants to get in Number of illegal immigrants has reduced from 12.5m in 2007 to 11.2m in 2008 – a decline of 11%. Failure Many people have argued that the Bush Government was not successfully in dealing with immigration because; Border patrols don’t capture enough illegal immigrants Immigrants cut through the wall There are still over 11m illegal immigrants in the country.

11. Attitudes to the US-Mexico Wall