Immigration & Immigration Reform in the United States: An Outsider's View

This article examines the immigration issue in the United States in a comparative and (to a lesser degree) historical context. It begins by stepping back and examining broader immigration patterns, first to the United States and then to Canada and select European countries. It then moves on to the issue of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S., their numbers, motivations for travelling to the United States, past efforts to address unauthorized immigration, and developments since the onset of the 2008-present recession. Finally, the article concludes by reflecting on the possibilities, and limitations, surrounding President Obama's – indeed, any president's – attempts to end unauthorized immigration to the U.S. and to bring some closure to the debate about what to do with those already there. It makes a qualified case, given how unappealing the alternative is, for legalization and a temporary workers program.