However, that connotation, for some people ceases to function when the discussion turns to those individuals who are crossing the boarder illegally.
The question then becomes, "should bad behavior be rewarded?" Those who cross the boarder illegally are referred to as "criminals," individuals who show utter disregard and contempt for the very fabric of law within American society. But do these individuals necessarily seek to break the law merely to take advantage of the welfare programs? Or is there a greater, more systemic problem? Borrowing from the main tenets of conflict resolution, the "structural assumptions" matrix dictates that larger more systemic problems are the root causes of individuals seeking to avoid conflict. Therefore, it can be asserted that these individuals are seeking to avoid conflict, improve the quality of life for their family and provide opportunities for their children they would normally not have access to within their home country. Consequentially, the ethical debate revolves around the ability to recognize those who are coming to the United States and provide a better life for themselves, their family and importantly their children.
Conclusion
If any American citizen knew they could flee to Canada and find a better quality of life, there is a large probability they would do so immediately. Why should those who are seeking to vacate harsh, depraved conditions be punished with the stigma of being labeled a common criminal and denied access to the very programs that other individuals have access to that can assist those who seek solace within the United States? If the United States is to remain true to its creed as stated on the Statue of Liberty then it only follows the moral, just and ethical premise to carry out would be to provide some level of assistance to those individuals seeking to improve their quality of life within America's boarders.
Works Cited
Beck, Roy. "U.S. Immigration in Focus." U.S. Foreign Policy 2.31 (2010): 29-35. Print.
Bluhm, William, and Robert Heineman. Ethics and Public Policy: Methods and Cases. Princeton: Prentice Hall, 2006. Print.
"FAIR: Immigration and Welfare." FAIR: Federation for American Immigration Reform. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. .
