Chapter 16-The 1980s & Beyond

Chapter 16-The 1980s & Beyond

                When I read the title: The 1980s & Beyond. I thought yes, finally we are getting closer to when I was born, lol. One of the main topics in this chapter was The Immigration Reform Act of 1986. The Immigration Reform Act of 1986 had 

“4 major provisions: amnesty; requirements that employers verify the eligibility of all newly hired employees – whether resident aliens, naturalized citizens, or native –born Americans – to work in the United States; provision of seemingly tough sanctions, including prison sentences, for employers who hire aliens; and special provisions to make it easier for growers, mainly in Texas and California, to import foreign agricultural workers.  The last provision was clearly antithetical to the trust of the act—which was to cut down on immigration from Mexico—but it was necessary to secure the votes of congresspersons representing those interests.”(392)  

I found the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 to be a little complex. In my case, a little bit of a head scratcher, lol.  I guess depending on the person it can either work in your favor or against you.  The amnesty had strict rules. According to the book, “the general amnesty provisions affected only illegal aliens who could approve that they had been in the United States continuously since December 31, 1981. To be considered for amnesty, an illegal alien had to apply formally to the Immigration and Naturalization Service and be able to document continuous residence.” (392) I don’t know why but as I was reading this, I kept thinking about the Dream Act. I think the Dream Act is pretty reasonable. I know a lot of people have different feelings about it. Also, I felt a resemblance with The Immigration Reform Act of 1986 and the Dream Act. Both are arguing on Immigration reform and a part of it is granting amnesty.

The Newest Nativism

                On (397) there’s a quote that really made me shake my head in disbelief like I can’t believe that was just said. I’m not going to quote it, because it just makes me upset. People in that time and even now didn’t want nativism to be on the rise. That’s why they came up with the Immigration Reform Act and according to the book; “regain control over American borders.” (397) But I just think that people leave their countries for a reason, there’s always a push factor whether it is because of jobs, trouble in homeland, save money and send it home etc. People need to realize that. I think in terms of immigration reform, we have come a long way. I believe that one day we won’t have to be facing issues of nativism, one day it won’t be an issue anymore. It will be something amazing for our great grandchildren to see.