Let's Build a Wall-Democrats vs Republicans on Immigration

The infamous quote from Donald Trump "let's build a wall", stirred up more controversy then ever before on the concept of immigration. Since the passing of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality act which reshaped the face of America, this has been one issue in our society that continually has held vastly different views based on the different political parties.

Republicans view Immigration on a more conservative stance.They believe in immigration laws and immigration reforms that address the needs of national security.The party as a whole believes that a system needs to be put in place to ensure that immigrants who enter this country illegally are not provided with the same benefits  that legal citizens are given. The republican party believes in keeping track of when illegal immigrants enter and when they live.They believe that granting amnesty for illegal immigrants only encourages lawbreaking.Republicans also favor state's efforts at passing harsh immigration laws against illegals, and that illegal immigrants are endangering the American workers.The Republicans are in strong favor of legal immigration.Republicans seem to favor enforcement.

Democrats view Immigration in the basis of the idea that the United States is a country based on immigrants and because of that, they value and support the past and future immigrants.The believe in providing a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.Democrats do not believe that every illegal immigrant should be given amnesty or a path to citizenship. They state that undocumented workers who “are in good standing must admit that they broke the law, pay taxes and a penalty, learn English, and get right with the law before they can get in line to earn their citizenship.” Democrats view the current immigration system as being extremely damaged and wish for a comprehensive reform of the immigration system.Democrats are in favor and support the DREAM Act which is legislation put in place to to ensure young people who want to contribute fully to society are able to become legal residents and citizens.Democrats seem to favor immigration reform.

The following are statistics from PewResearch which show the view on immigration  split among party lines:

Crime: Republicans believe 71% of immigrants in the U.S. are causing to crime to become worse compared to 34% of Democrats.Republicans are just half as likely as Democrats (24% vs. 55%) to say immigrants are not having much effect on crime.

Economy: 71% of Republicans say immigrants are making the economy worse, compared with 34% of Democrats who say the same. Looked at another way, Republicans are far less likely than Democrats (12% vs. 38%) to say immigrants are making the economy better.

Becoming a Part of Society:81% of Republicans say immigrants in our country today generally want to hold on to the customs and way of life of their home country, compared with 55% of Democrats who say the same.

How much Immigration:67% of Republicans say immigration to the U.S. should be decreased, compared with 33% of Democrats.Democrats are also  much more likely than Republicans (43% vs. 25%) to say immigration should be kept at our  present levels.

Now here are our current Presidential Candidates and their view on immigration:

Democrats 


Clinton and Sanders are very similar in their viewpoints of immigration.They both do not believe in a United States-Mexico border fence and do not want to end birthright citizenship.They want a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants as well.They both support President Obama's deferred action orders.Additionally, Clinton calls to end family detention and supports Obama's executive actions of deportation relief.Sanders calls for the dismantling of detention centers and border security that calls for more cameras and thermal imaging.

Republicans


Ted Cruz and Donald Trump are on the same stance for immigration on the Republican side as well.Both want to complete a U.S.-Mexico border and  do not believe in birthright citizenship for immigrants.They do not want a path for legal status for illegal immigrants, they also do not accept Obama's deferred action orders.Additionally, Trump calls for tripling the number of Immigration  and Customs Enforcement officers, increasing penalties for overstaying visas, and building a wall that Mexico would pay for themselves.Cruz calls for increasing aerial surveillance and ending sanctuary policies.