informative essay on immigration

Apr 10, 2023

How To Write Essays About Immigration (With Examples)

Immigrants bring diverse perspectives and skills that can enrich our societies and economies. If you want to gain insight into the impact of immigration on society and culture, keep reading!

Immigration, a subject deeply woven into the fabric of global discussions, touches on political, economic, and social nuances. As globalization propels many to seek new horizons, understanding the multifaceted impacts of migration is crucial. Crafting a compelling essay on such a vast topic requires more than just research; it demands the delicate weaving of insights into a coherent narrative. For those keen on delivering a polished essay on immigration, considering assistance from a reliable essay writing tool can be a game-changer. This tool not only refines the craft of writing but ensures your perspectives on immigration are articulated with clarity and precision.

Here are our Top 5 Essay Examples and Ideas about Immigration:

The economic impact of immigration on host countries, introduction.

In many nations, immigration has been a hotly debated issue, with supporters and opponents disputing how it would affect the home nation. The economic impact of immigration on host countries is one of the essential components of this discussion. Immigration's economic effects may be favorable or harmful, depending on many circumstances.

This article will examine the economic effects of immigration on the receiving nations, examining both the advantages and disadvantages that immigration may have. You will better know how immigration impacts a nation's economy and the variables that influence it after this article.

Immigration's effects on labor markets

An essential component of the total economic impact of immigration is how it affects labor markets. Immigration may affect labor markets, including shifting labor supply and demand, opening new job possibilities, and perhaps affecting local employees' earnings and prospects. This section will examine how immigration affects labor markets in receiving nations.

The shift in the labor supply is one of immigration's most apparent effects on labor markets. When more employees are available in the host nation due to immigration, there may be more competition for open positions. In fields that serve immigrant populations, such as ethnic food shops or language schools, immigrants can also generate new jobs.

Another significant impact of immigration on labor markets is its effect on wages and income distribution. Some studies have suggested that immigration can reduce wages for native workers, particularly those who are less educated or have lower skill levels. 

Immigrants can also contribute to economic growth and innovation, which can positively impact labor markets. Immigrants often have unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that can help drive innovation and create new job opportunities in the host country. Furthermore, immigrants are often more entrepreneurial and more likely to start businesses, which can generate new jobs and contribute to economic growth.

The effect of immigration on wages and income distribution

The effect of immigration on wages and income distribution is a crucial area of concern in the overall economic impact of immigration. Immigration can affect wages and income distribution in various ways, which can have significant implications for both native workers and immigrants. In this section, we will explore the effect of immigration on wages and income distribution in host countries.

One of the primary ways that immigration can impact wages and income distribution is by changing the supply and demand of labor. With an influx of immigrants, the labor supply increases, which can lead to increased competition for jobs. Some studies suggest that immigration harms wages for native workers, while others offer no significant effect.

Another way that immigration can impact wages and income distribution is through its effect on the composition of the workforce. Immigrants often fill low-skilled jobs in industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality, which tend to pay lower wages. 

Immigration can also impact income distribution by contributing to the overall level of economic inequality in a host country. While immigration can lead to lower wages for some native workers, it can also lead to higher wages and increased economic mobility for some immigrants. Furthermore, immigrants may face various barriers to upward mobility, such as discrimination or lack of access to education and training. This can lead to increased income inequality between native and immigrant workers.

The contribution of immigrants to economic growth and innovation

Immigrants have historically played a significant role in driving economic growth and innovation in host countries. In this section, we will explore the contribution of immigrants to economic growth and innovation and the factors that enable them to do so.

One of the primary ways that immigrants contribute to economic growth is through their entrepreneurial activities. Immigrants are often more likely to start their businesses than native-born individuals, and these businesses can create jobs and drive economic growth. Immigrant entrepreneurs have contributed to developing industries such as technology, healthcare, and hospitality. Additionally, immigrants are often overrepresented in STEM fields, which is critical to driving innovation and economic growth.

Another way that immigrants contribute to economic growth is through their impact on the labor force. Immigrants tend to be more mobile than native-born individuals, which can lead to a more flexible and adaptable workforce. Immigrants also tend to fill critical roles in industries such as healthcare and agriculture, which are essential to maintaining the functioning of the economy. By filling these roles, immigrants contribute to the overall productivity and growth of the economy.

The costs and benefits of social welfare programs for immigrants

The issue of social welfare programs for immigrants has been a controversial topic in many host countries. In this section, we will explore the costs and benefits of social welfare programs for immigrants and the policy implications.

One of the primary benefits of social welfare programs for immigrants is that they can help reduce poverty and promote social inclusion. Immigrants often face significant barriers to economic mobility, such as language barriers and discrimination. Social welfare programs can help provide a safety net for those struggling to make ends meet and promote social cohesion by reducing inequalities.

However, social welfare programs for immigrants also come with costs. One concern is that these programs may attract immigrants primarily seeking to access social welfare benefits rather than contributing to the economy. This can strain public finances and create resentment among native-born individuals who feel their tax dollars are being used to support immigrants.

Another concern is that social welfare programs may create disincentives for immigrants to work and contribute to the economy. If the benefits of social welfare programs are too generous, some immigrants may choose to rely on them rather than seek employment. This can create long-term dependence and reduce overall economic productivity.

The impact of immigration on public finances and fiscal policies

The effect of immigration on public finances and fiscal policies is a topic of significant interest and debate. This section will explore how immigration affects public finances and how host countries can implement budgetary policies to manage the impact.

One way that immigration can impact public finances is through taxes. Immigrants who are employed and pay taxes can contribute to the tax base of the host country, which can provide additional revenue for public services and infrastructure. However, immigrants who are not employed or earn low wages may contribute fewer taxes, which can strain public finances. 

Fiscal policies can be used to manage the impact of immigration on public finances. One guideline is to increase taxes on immigrants to offset the costs of public services they use. However, this can create a disincentive for highly skilled and educated immigrants to migrate to the host country. Another policy is to increase spending on public services to accommodate the needs of immigrants. However, this can strain public finances and lead to resentment among native-born individuals who feel their tax dollars are being used to support immigrants.

In conclusion, the economic impact of immigration is a complex issue with both costs and benefits for host countries. Immigration can impact labor markets, wages and income distribution, economic growth and innovation, social welfare programs, public finances, and fiscal policies. 

The social and cultural implications of immigration

Immigration has social and cultural implications that affect both immigrants and host countries. The movement of people from one place to another can result in a blending of cultures, traditions, and ideas. At the same time, immigration can also result in social and cultural tensions as different groups struggle to integrate and adjust to new environments. 

The social and cultural implications of immigration have become increasingly important in today's globalized world as the movement of people across borders has become more common. In this article, we will explore the various social and cultural implications of immigration and how they impact immigrants and host communities.

The impact of immigration on social cohesion and integration

Immigration has a significant impact on social cohesion and integration in host countries. Social cohesion refers to the degree to which members of a society feel connected and share a sense of belonging. In contrast, integration refers to the process by which immigrants become a part of the host society. Immigration can either enhance or hinder social cohesion and integration, depending on how it is managed and perceived by the host society.

Another factor that can impact social cohesion and integration is the level of diversity within the host society. Increased diversity can lead to greater cultural exchange and understanding but also social tensions and the formation of segregated communities. Promoting social interaction and cooperation among diverse groups can help mitigate these tensions and promote social cohesion.

The perception of immigrants by the host society also plays a significant role in social cohesion and integration. Negative stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes can hinder integration and create barriers to social cohesion. On the other hand, positive attitudes towards immigrants and their contributions to society can facilitate integration and promote social cohesion.

The role of language and communication in the integration of immigrants

Language and communication play a crucial role in integrating immigrants into host societies. Immigrants may need the ability to communicate effectively with others to overcome significant barriers to social and economic integration. Language and communication skills are essential for accessing education, finding employment, and participating in civic life.

Language is one of the primary barriers immigrants face when integrating into a new society. Without proficiency in the host country's language, immigrants may struggle to understand instructions, participate in conversations, and access essential services. This can lead to social isolation and hinder economic opportunities.

Language training programs are one way to address this issue. Effective language training programs can help immigrants learn the host country's language and develop the communication skills necessary for successful integration. These programs can also give immigrants the cultural knowledge and understanding essential to navigate the host society.

The effect of immigration on cultural diversity and identity

Immigration can significantly impact the cultural diversity and identity of both host societies and immigrant communities. The cultural exchange resulting from immigration can enrich societies and provide opportunities for learning and growth. However, immigration can also pose challenges to preserving cultural identities and maintaining social cohesion.

One of the primary ways in which immigration affects cultural diversity and identity is through the introduction of new customs, traditions, and beliefs. Immigrant communities often bring unique cultural practices, such as food, music, and art, that can enhance the cultural landscape of the host society. Exposure to new cultures can broaden the perspectives of individuals and communities, leading to greater tolerance and understanding.

The challenges and benefits of multiculturalism in host countries

Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of different cultural groups within a society. It is a concept that has become increasingly important in modern societies characterized by race, ethnicity, religion, and language diversity. 

Multiculturalism is often promoted to promote tolerance, social cohesion, and the celebration of diversity. 

Challenges of multiculturalism

Multiculturalism presents a range of challenges that can impact host societies. These challenges include social division, discrimination, language barriers, and cultural clashes. For example, when immigrants share different values or traditions than the host society, this can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Similarly, language barriers can limit communication and make it difficult for immigrants to integrate into the host society.

Benefits of multiculturalism

Multiculturalism can also bring a range of benefits to host societies. These benefits include increased cultural awareness and sensitivity, economic growth, and exchanging ideas and perspectives. For example, cultural diversity can provide opportunities for host societies to learn from different cultural practices and approaches to problem-solving. This can lead to innovation and growth.

Social cohesion

Social cohesion refers to the ability of a society to function harmoniously despite differences in culture, ethnicity, religion, and language. Multiculturalism can pose a challenge to social cohesion, but it can also promote it. Host societies can foster social cohesion by promoting the acceptance and understanding of different cultural groups. This can be achieved through policies and programs that promote intercultural dialogue, education, and community-building.

Discrimination and prejudice

Multiculturalism can also increase the risk of discrimination and prejudice. Discrimination can take many forms, including racial, religious, and cultural bias. Host societies can combat discrimination by implementing anti-discrimination laws and policies and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Economic benefits

Multiculturalism can also bring economic benefits to host societies. The presence of a diverse range of skills and talents can lead to innovation and economic growth. Immigrants can also get various skills and experiences contributing to the host society's economic development.

In conclusion, immigration has significant social and cultural implications for both host countries and immigrants. It affects social cohesion, integration, cultural diversity, and identity. Host countries face challenges and benefits of multiculturalism, including economic growth, innovation, and social change.

The role of immigration in shaping national identity

Immigration has always been a significant driver of cultural and social change, with immigrants often bringing their unique identities, values, and traditions to their new homes. As a result, immigration can play a crucial role in shaping national identity, as it challenges existing cultural norms and values and introduces new ideas and perspectives. 

In this article, we will explore the role of immigration in shaping national identity, including its effects on cultural diversity, social cohesion, and political discourse. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by immigration to national identity and the importance of embracing a diverse and inclusive national identity in today's globalized world.

Immigration and the evolution of national identity

The relationship between immigration and national identity is complex, as immigration can challenge and reinforce existing national identities. As immigrants bring new cultural practices and values, they challenge the existing norms and values of the host society, prompting a re-evaluation of what it means to be part of that society. This can create a more inclusive and diverse national identity as different cultural traditions and practices are recognized and celebrated.

At the same time, the influx of new immigrants can also create a sense of fear and anxiety among some members of the host society, who may view the changes brought about by immigration as a threat to their cultural identity. This can lead to calls for stricter immigration policies and a more limited definition of national identity, which can exclude or marginalize certain groups.

The role of immigrants in shaping cultural diversity

Immigrants have played a significant role in shaping cultural diversity in many countries. Their arrival in a new land brings their customs, traditions, beliefs, and practices, which contribute to society's richness and vibrancy. 

One of the key ways in which immigrants have shaped cultural diversity is through their contributions to the local community. Immigrants bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and talents that can benefit the societies they move to. For example, they may introduce new cuisines, music, art, and literature that add to the cultural landscape of their new home. This can create a more diverse and inclusive society where different cultures are celebrated and appreciated.

Another important aspect of cultural diversity is the challenges immigrants face when adapting to a new culture. Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially if the culture is vastly different from one's own. Immigrants may struggle with language barriers, cultural norms, and social customs that are unfamiliar to them. This can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion, which can negatively impact their mental health and well-being.

The challenges of maintaining social cohesion amidst diversity

Strengthening social cohesion amidst diversity is a complex challenge many societies face today. Cultural, ethnic, religious, and language diversity can lead to tensions and conflicts if managed poorly. 

One of the main challenges of maintaining social cohesion amidst diversity is the need to balance the interests of different groups. This involves recognizing and respecting the cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity of society while also promoting a sense of shared identity and common values. This can be particularly challenging in contexts with competing interests and power imbalances between different groups.

Another challenge is the need to address discrimination and prejudice. Discrimination can take many forms, including unequal access to education, employment, housing, hate speech, and violence. Prejudice and stereotypes can also lead to social exclusion and marginalization of certain groups. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and individuals to promote tolerance and respect for diversity.

Promoting inclusive policies is another crucial factor in maintaining social cohesion amidst diversity. This includes policies promoting equal opportunities for all, regardless of background. This can involve affirmative action programs, targeted social policies, and support for minority groups. Inclusive policies can also create a sense of belonging and ownership among different groups, which helps foster social cohesion.

In conclusion, immigration profoundly influences the formation of national identity. As individuals from various backgrounds merge into a new country, they not only introduce their distinct cultural and ethnic traits but also embark on a journey of personal growth and adaptation. This process mirrors the development of key skills such as leadership, character, and community service, essential for thriving in diverse environments. These attributes are not only vital for immigrants as they integrate into society but are also exemplified in successful National Honor Society essays , where personal growth and societal contribution are celebrated. Thus, the experiences of immigrants significantly enrich the societal tapestry, reflecting in our collective values, beliefs, and practices.

To sum it all up:

To recapitulate writing a five-paragraph essay about immigration can be challenging, but with the right approach and resources, it can be a rewarding experience. Throughout this article, we have discussed the various aspects of immigration that one can explore in such an essay, including the economic impact, social and cultural implications, and the evolution of national identity. 

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Immigration - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Immigration refers to the movement of individuals from one country to another, often in search of better opportunities or to escape adversities. Essays on immigration could delve into the various causes of immigration, its impact on host and origin countries, and the policies governing immigration. Additionally, discussions might extend to the experiences of immigrants, and the global debates surrounding immigration and asylum. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Immigration you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

The Effects of Illegal Immigration

Introduction Immigrants from all over look to the United States' as a possible new home in hopes at a chance at a better life. The United States is seen as a chance for economic prosperity and as an escape from a life of many disappointments and fears, so many immigrants will do whatever it takes to get themselves and their families here, even if it does include breaking the law. The United States' population includes approximately 43.7 million immigrants, which […]

Cons of Illegal Immigration

Millions of immigrants come to the United States. Illegal immigration has been an ongoing issue for many years. They may come here for a better life, job opportunities, better life, and many more reasons. These undocumented immigrants leave everything they have at home to come here. They risk a lot. They come for the better for themselves and their families. These immigrants come here for a purpose whether financial issues or the better. Many come for better education and job […]

Prejudice Towards Illegal Immigrants

Thesis: The Illegal immigrant are sometimes judged as harmful people who come to America and destroy this country. However, most of them are very hardworking people looking for a better life to support their families. Illegal immigrants come to the United States to keep their families safety Immigrants contribute to the United States workforce About 90 percent of undocumented immigrants in the nation work 2. If employers can keep wages down by hiring illegal immigrants, then these savings are presumably […]

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Illegal Immigration and its Effects on Society

Illegal immigration is a growing problem in the United States which causes many issues for citizens, such as job loss and higher taxes. It is undoubtedly an issue that needs to be addressed[1]. Illegal immigration leads to the drug trade in the United States and takes away many jobs from legal citizens[2]. Welfare is also something to consider when discussing illegal immigrants, considering that they can't legally be paid, so they are granted welfare, which also costs taxpayers more money[3]. […]

Illegal Immigration: Search of a Good Life

Illegal immigration to the United States is thriving due to the support of people needing to find a better life for themselves and families. The movement of immigration can be a positive impact on the politics and culture and economy wise. Yes it is more people coming into our country, but not all of its bad as everyone thinks it is. People of immigration bring new perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the communities. Immigrants start businesses, also earn income, and […]

Illegal Immigrants Deserve Civil Rights

Citizenship in the United States comes with a very significant and powerful advantage; civil rights. Under these rights, your freedom is protected from several infringements by the government. Many individuals are entitled to these rights, such as those born in the United States, while many individuals may not be granted all of these rights, such as illegal immigrants. There is a huge controversial debate surrounding illegal immigrants and whether they should have civil rights and liberties, and this debate is […]

What are the Effects of Illegal Immigration?

The United States of America is facing many challenges in regards to illegal immigration. By draining public funds, creating unfair competition for jobs (thereby lowering wages and working conditions), and by imposing unwanted strains on services designed to provide assistance to Americans, illegal immigration causes harm to legal residents. We are one of the only countries in the world where, in your stay, you retain many benefits, and are taken care of while you're here. Countless amount of people believe […]

Immigration Reform

Immigration reforms have been very controversial in United States of America. Way back in 1965, the United States made a law on issues of immigration which was aimed at allowing immigrants into United States. It was, however, stated that immigrants with possible skills to bring United States economy more benefits would be highly considered. With time even so, more immigrants began to come to United States with family chains being the main issue of concern. Once an individual is able […]

Illegal Immigrants: Huge Controversial in the United States

Year after year, numerous news stories emerge about illegal immigrants. The first prominent case involved two illegal immigrants who were arrested for speeding by two sheriff's deputies. The deputies ended up severely beating them, even though the arrested individuals were unarmed. ("Who does not like Immigrants?", n.d.) Many people empathized with them, while others showed no sympathy due to their illegal entry into the U.S. ("Who does not like Immigrants?", n.d.) This marked the beginning of escalating tensions. A significant […]

Managing Illegal Immigration to the United States

Basically, the goal to protect the country and its people has not changed and still lives on within the modern policies. As in the late 1800s, almost any given foreigner has the ability to become a legal resident, or a person (who lawfully lives in a country, state, etc.) of the United States. However, the process by which an individual can become a legal resident is much more complicated than it has been in years prior. In order to become […]

Illegal Immigration: Economy’s Boost

Many of us know that America is known as a great country because of its diversity. The cause of this diversity is the fact that America allowed immigrants to move to this country from their home countries which had an influence on our economy. However, not everyone in America is a legal immigrant. In October 1996, there were about five million illegal immigrants living in the United States, and the population of those immigrants was growing by about two hundred […]

Illegal Immigrant Population of the United States

As of 2018, according to FactCheck.org there are 12.5 million illegal immigrants living in the US. Immigration is not bad for a country if the country can support the people. Diversity lets us experience different cultures and be more open to different views. However, the problem with immigration is illegal immigration. Illegal immigration is a tough problem because finding the right solution for it can be so hard. Dealing with immigration is hard because you want to help the people […]

Illegal Immigration and President Donald Trump’s Zero Tolerance Policy

Illegal immigration, according to the Unites States of America is defined as when people who are foreigners and or immigrants try to enter the United States without the proper documentation needed to enter. During the summer of 2018, illegal immigration reached an all-time high due to President Donald Trump's zero tolerance policy. This crisis and the collapse of the border policy caused the Trump Administration to be very frustrated because this was an issue that was not going to be […]

Analyzing the Definition of Illegal Immigration and how Immigration has Affected American Value

Values The focus of our group for this project is illegal immigration and how it has shaped the mindset of people in America today. Our research question following the topic is, "To what extent has immigration affected American values and how do people define immigration?" For the purpose of this paper, this definition will serve as a guideline: Immigration is the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country. Embedded in this definition is the questionable interpretation of […]

Immigration Policy of Donald Trump

On the 17th January 2017, at a campaign rally in Miami, President Donald Trump stated that A Trump administration will stop illegal immigration, deport all criminal aliens, and save American lives (poltifact.com). The president and his administration will do actions to keep the US clear and safe. Trump tried to deport about 11 million undocumented immigrants (Wessler). This is just so cruel to destroy people live by sending them back to totally strange country, to separate their family, and to […]

American Population and Illegal Immigration

America has always been known as the country who invites those less fortunate in, but at what cost? At what point will there be an end? There have been millions of people coming to the United States every year, fleeing from war torn countries and poverty, and the United States lets them in. They are supposed to be the country of freedom, but at a certain point it will need to stop. That point is now, the U.S. can no […]

Massive Influx of Illegal Immigrants in USA

There have been a large number of illegal immigrants entering the United States for many years. For the last few years in particular, there has been a massive influx of illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border. Illegal immigration needs to be stopped because it places a huge burden on the economy od the United States. One reason is the illegal immigrants receive many free benefits. Another reason is the illegal immigrants work practices are causing wages in certain areas to […]

Termination of Racism and American Perception of Immigration Today

Robert F. Kennedy is deemed as an unusual rebel of the sorts. Kennedy came from a wealthy, politically oriented family and was strongly influenced by the administrative occupations held by his father Joe and brother Jack. Kennedy worked as the attorney general and senator for New York. He had a vast empathy for minorities. While running for President Kennedy was popular among the public as he perceived all people as human beings and had a family-man aura. Unfortunately, Kennedy's life […]

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Illegal immigration has been occurring for many centuries and continues to take place today. When people cross the border without being authorized, this can lead to grave danger. There have been many incidents with illegal immigrants who were involved in identity theft and identity loans. Most importantly, it violates the IRCA (1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act). Although, illegal immigration might be beneficial to people crossing the border; it should not be tolerated at all. In this essay, I will […]

Is Illegal Immigration Good for our Country?

Illegal immigration is good because some immigrants are trying to give their children a better future than will have in the country that they came from. Some are immigrants might drug traffic. For example, mexico drug dealers bring drugs to the United States and sell them for possibly money, coke, ammo, or marijuana. Some other Immigrants who don't drug traffic to the United States of America are here to give them and their children a opportunity to succeed in their […]

Does Illegal Immigration Impact Texas?

How Illegal Immigration Impacts Texas Vincent M Messana Geography 1303 Lone Star College - Tomball Abstract This paper explores the impact of illegal immigration in the great state of Texas, the main topics will focus on the effects on the economy, why illegal immigrants come here/ why not come legally, are the illegal immigrants bringing crime, how are illegal immigrants affecting Texas culture how are there so many illegal immigrants still living in Texas and what is being done to […]

Are Immigrants Good for the Americans?

Illegal immigration is not beneficial to our country and we should not protect it. Legal immigration is alright but we should focus more on enforcing our laws rather than offer blanket forgiveness to those who have broken them. People coming to our country bring many issues along with them. While they are in search of better opportunities in this country, most of them come here illegally even though we have a system that they can apply for and enter legally. […]

Illegal Immigration and Crime

The United States border is always a topic when the subject is the illegal entry ( entering into a country ) in the United States. Some people defend that building a wall will reduce the criminal activities in the country, while others defend that to stop illegal entry, ( entering into a country) could lapse the United States economy (the process of people making, selling, and buying things). To state that whether criminal activities increases by illegal ( entering into […]

A Look into our Natio’s Criminal Justice System and Immigration Laws

Abstract This paper will take a look at how the criminal justice system, race, and immigration all relate to each other, and the outcomes of each, with examples from the films 13th and Documented. It will analyze mass incarceration within the criminal justice system and discuss why there are so many people locked up, and some locked up for crimes they did not even commit. It will then elaborate on race in the criminal justice system, and talk about the […]

International and U.S Helping IIlegal Immigration

The International and U.S aid are agencies that help out civilian foreign aid especially those countries who are considered 3rd world countries. Which have less than a 1st world country has, such as more job opportunities, money, education and overall less crime. The overall issue for 3rd world countries is that the crime rate is very high as well as the homicide rate. And as of now it is increasing. The U.S aid is part of the government, and helps […]

Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking

Human trafficking comes in many different forms such as sex trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sex exploitation is based on the interaction between a trafficker selling an individual, victim being smuggled to customers for sexual services. Labor trafficking includes situations of debt bondage, forced labor, and involuntary child labor. Labor trafficking uses violence, threats, lies, and other forms of coercion to force people to work against their will in which most cases have no knowledge on the activities […]

Biggest Problem in the United States of America is Illegal Immigrants

One of the biggest problems that is being discussed in the United States of America is illegal immigrants. An illegal immigrant is someone who lives or works in another country when they do not have the legal right to do so, this is according to the Cambridge dictionary. Now you made wonder why someone would just want to get up and leave their country to just work and live? Or why is this such a big issue in the United […]

Positive Effects of Immigration

In the past few years, the topic of immigration has been a cause for much conversation and debate. While many people have discussed the morals of immigration, many have also assessed how exactly immigration affects the United States at both smaller and larger levels. Currently, there is much debate among scholars, politicians, economists and citizens regarding immigration and the economic effects that arise from it. Immigration has been discussed at great lengths for the past few years, and based off […]

Benefits of Immigration Essay

Combined picture of five years Syrian boy Omran injured during the airstrike in Aleppo and unbreathing body, faced down of three years old Alan Kurdi founded drowned in Mediterranean sea become a symbol of emigrant crisis1. This artwork of Syrian artist Rehman Siddiq very spectacularly and emotionally illustrated dilemma of every immigrant - stay or run. Immigration crisis become a social phenomenon that keep spreading all over the world. From mass media we can hear basically about two main streams […]

Mexican Immigration

At the wake of 1930, the Great Depression hit the United States hard. There was a serious job crisis as well as food shortages that affected the Mexican immigrants as well as all American dwellers. During this time, most of the Mexican immigrants and the Mexicans Americans were subjected to additional threats and hostility as the American migrants believed the Mexicans were taking their jobs (Gratton & Merchant, 2013). The American government came up strongly with deportation threats and they […]

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How To Write an Essay About Immigration

Understanding the intricacies of immigration.

Writing an essay on how to write an essay about immigration requires a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of immigration itself. Immigration is a complex topic, encompassing legal, economic, cultural, and humanitarian aspects. It's essential to recognize that essays about immigration should address its diverse implications – from the challenges faced by immigrants to the impacts on host countries. This foundational understanding is crucial for guiding the exploration of how to approach various narratives, policies, and theories related to immigration. Consider including aspects such as the reasons behind immigration, the experiences of immigrants, the policies of different countries, and the societal reactions to immigration.

Structuring the Immigration Essay

The structure of your essay about writing an essay on immigration is key. Start with a compelling introduction that highlights the importance of accurately and empathetically discussing immigration. The thesis statement here should reflect the purpose of your guidance – whether to inform, argue, or analyze different aspects of immigration. The body of your essay should then be divided into coherent sections, each focusing on a key aspect of writing about immigration. Discuss how to construct an argument, the importance of using reliable data and sources, and the need for presenting a balanced view that considers both the challenges and contributions of immigrants. Ensure each part of the essay seamlessly connects to create a cohesive guide.

Addressing Challenges and Offering Strategies

In this part of the essay, focus on the challenges writers may face when crafting an essay on immigration and propose strategies to overcome these. One major challenge is the politicization of immigration, requiring a careful and unbiased approach. Another is the sensitivity of the topic, as it often involves vulnerable populations. Offer advice on maintaining objectivity while being empathetic, and stress the importance of cultural sensitivity. Suggest methods for thorough research and analysis, emphasizing the need to understand immigration laws and policies, as well as the socio-economic factors involved. Discuss the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives and experiences in the essay to provide a comprehensive view of immigration.

Concluding with Purpose

The conclusion of your essay should do more than summarize the main points about writing an essay on immigration. It's an opportunity to reflect on the importance of understanding and discussing immigration in a responsible and informed manner. Emphasize the role of such essays in shaping public opinion and policy. Encourage writers to approach the topic of immigration with a commitment to fairness, accuracy, and empathy. A strong conclusion will not only wrap up your essay effectively but also inspire and guide future writers to approach the topic of immigration with the depth and respect it deserves.

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18 Essays About The Immigrant Experience You Need To Read

These stories illuminate what it takes, and what it means, to uproot your life in one country and begin it again in a new one.

BuzzFeed Staff

Growing Up American In Gaza Taught Me What We Owe To Refugees — Rebecca Peterson Zeccola

"In Palestine, we could so easily have been treated as the enemy, but we were welcomed like family."

I’m Not OK With Being One Of The Lucky Muslims — Romaissaa Benzizoune

"This weekend’s immigration order doesn’t apply to me or my family; I’ll be fine. But so many others I know and love will not."

I Grew Up In The Rust Belt, But I'm Not In Any Of The Stories About It — Alia Hanna Habib

"It’s strange to see the media turn its attention to places like my hometown in coal-country Pennsylvania and find that my experience there, as part of the non -white working class, is still invisible."

Here’s What I’m Telling My Brown Son About Trump’s America — Mira Jacob

"Sometimes I wish I could ask America when, exactly, it made its mind up about us. The myth, of course, is that it hasn’t, that there is still a chance to mollify those who dictate the terms of our experience here, and then be allowed to chase success unfettered by their paranoia. To live, as it’s more commonly known, the American dream."

There’s No Recipe For Growing Up — Scaachi Koul

"My mom’s Kashmiri cooking has always tethered me to home. So it’s no wonder she won’t give me (all) the secrets to doing it myself."

How I Learned That Beauty Doesn’t Have To Hurt — Sonya Chung

"Growing up in a Korean American family, I absorbed the idea that any feeling of pleasure comes at a cost. But as I get older, I’m realizing it doesn’t have to work that way."

Why Brexit Has Broken My Heart — Bim Adewunmi

"As a child of immigrants, I am deeply ashamed that this is who we are."

I Found A Home In Clubs Like Pulse, In Cities Like Orlando — Rigoberto González

"I cherish the time I have spent in clubs like Pulse in cities like Orlando, where gay Latinos — the immigrants, the undocumented, and the first-generation Americans alike — gravitate because we love men and we love our homelands, and that’s one of the places our worlds converge."

Making Great Pho Is Hard, But Making A Life From Scratch Is Harder — Nicole Nguyen

"After fleeing Vietnam, my parents turned to food to teach us about what it means to be Vietnamese."

When Home Is Between Different Countries And Genders — Meredith Talusan

"I moved to the U.S. from the Philippines when I was 15, where I had been raised as a boy. About a decade later, I started to live as a woman and eventually transitioned. I think of migration and transition as two examples of the same process – moving from one home, one reality, to another."

I Found The House My Grandparents Abandoned in 1947 — Ahmed Ali Akbar

"So many Americans go to India to find themselves. But I went to find the history my family lost in the subcontinent’s Partition."

How I Became A Southern-Fried Nigerian — Israel Daramola

"I once felt torn between Nigeria and Florida, between jollof rice and fried alligator, but there is no real me without both."

Learning To Mourn In My Father's Country — Reggie Ugwu

"After my brother died and my father was partially paralyzed, my family traveled 7,000 miles in search of an old home, a new house, and the things we’d lost on the road in between."

How To Get Your Green Card In America — Sarah Mathews

"When you perform the act of audacity that is consolidating an entire life into a couple of suitcases and striking out to make your way, what is not American about that? When you leave the old country so that your daughters can have a good education and walk down their streets without fear, what is not American about that? When you flee violence and poverty to come to a land of plenty, when you are willing to learn new languages, to haul ass, to do twice as much work, what is not American about that?"

A Childhood Spent Inside A Chinese Restaurant — Susan Cheng

"Being one of the few Asians in my school was hard enough. Working at my parents’ Chinese restaurant didn’t make it any easier."

How I Learned To Celebrate Eid Al Adha In America — Zainab Shah

"I bent over backward to explain myself. 'From Pakistan,' I would say. 'Not a terrorist,' I almost added. But I didn’t — the joke would only be funny if racial profiling didn’t exist."

Texts From My Parents: What It Was Like To Leave Vietnam — Nicole Nguyen

"They did it for us, and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make the most of it."

What It’s Like Speaking A Different Language From Your Parents — Zakia Uddin

"My parents and I communicate in an incomplete mash-up of Bengali and English. I sometimes wonder what we are missing."

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Eight brilliant student essays on immigration and unjust assumptions.

Read winning essays from our winter 2019 “Border (In)Security” student writing contest.

For the winter 2019 student writing competition, “Border (In)Security,” we invited students to read the YES! Magazine article “Two-Thirds of Americans Live in the “Constitution-Free Zone” by Lornet Turnbull and respond with an up-to-700-word essay. 

Students had a choice between two writing prompts for this contest on immigration policies at the border and in the “Constitution-free zone,” a 100-mile perimeter from land and sea borders where U.S. Border Patrol can search any vehicle, bus, or vessel without a warrant. They could state their positions on the impact of immigration policies on our country’s security and how we determine who is welcome to live here. Or they could write about a time when someone made an unfair assumption about them, just as Border Patrol agents have made warrantless searches of Greyhound passengers based simply on race and clothing.

The Winners

From the hundreds of essays written, these eight were chosen as winners. Be sure to read the author’s response to the essay winners and the literary gems that caught our eye.

Middle School Winner: Alessandra Serafini

High School Winner: Cain Trevino

High School Winner: Ethan Peter

University Winner: Daniel Fries

Powerful Voice Winner: Emma Hernandez-Sanchez

Powerful Voice Winner: Tiara Lewis

Powerful Voice Winner: Hailee Park

Powerful Voice Winner: Aminata Toure

From the Author Lornet Turnbull

Literary Gems

Middle school winner.

Alessandra Serafini

Brier Terrace Middle School, Brier, Wash.

Broken Promises

“…Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

These words were written by Emma Lazarus and are inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. And yet, the very door they talk about is no longer available to those who need it the most. The door has been shut, chained, and guarded. It no longer shines like gold. Those seeking asylum are being turned away. Families are being split up; children are being stranded. The promise America made to those in need is broken.

Not only is the promise to asylum seekers broken, but the promises made to some 200 million people already residing within the U.S. are broken, too. Anyone within 100 miles of the United States border lives in the “Constitution-free zone” and can be searched with “reasonable suspicion,” a suspicion that is determined by Border Patrol officers. The zone encompasses major cities, such as Seattle and New York City, and it even covers entire states, such as Florida, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. I live in the Seattle area, and it is unsettling that I can be searched and interrogated without the usual warrant. In these areas, there has been an abuse of power; people have been unlawfully searched and interrogated because of assumed race or religion.

The ACLU obtained data from the Customs and Border Protection Agency that demonstrate this reprehensible profiling. The data found that “82 percent of foreign citizens stopped by agents in that state are Latino, and almost 1 in 3 of those processed are, in fact, U.S. citizens.” These warrantless searches impede the trust-building process and communication between the local population and law enforcement officers. Unfortunately, this lack of trust makes campaigns, such as Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something,” ineffective due to the actions of the department’s own members and officers. Worst of all, profiling ostracizes entire communities and makes them feel unsafe in their own country.

Ironically, asylum seekers come to America in search of safety. However, the thin veil of safety has been drawn back, and, behind it, our tarnished colors are visible. We need to welcome people in their darkest hours rather than destroy their last bit of hope by slamming the door in their faces. The immigration process is currently in shambles, and an effective process is essential for both those already in the country and those outside of it. Many asylum seekers are running from war, poverty, hunger, and death. Their countries’ instability has hijacked every aspect of their lives, made them vagabonds, and the possibility of death, a cruel and unforgiving death, is real. They see no future for their children, and they are desperate for the perceived promise of America—a promise of opportunity, freedom, and a safe future. An effective process would determine who actually needs help and then grant them passage into America. Why should everyone be turned away? My grandmother immigrated to America from Scotland in 1955. I exist because she had a chance that others are now being denied.

Emma Lazarus named Lady Liberty the “Mother of Exiles.” Why are we denying her the happiness of children? Because we cannot decide which ones? America has an inexplicable area where our constitution has been spurned and forgotten. Additionally, there is a rancorous movement to close our southern border because of a deep-rooted fear of immigrants and what they represent. For too many Americans, they represent the end of established power and white supremacy, which is their worst nightmare. In fact, immigrants do represent change—healthy change—with new ideas and new energy that will help make this country stronger. Governmental agreement on a humane security plan is critical to ensure that America reaches its full potential. We can help. We can help people in unimaginably terrifying situations, and that should be our America.

Alessandra Serafini plays on a national soccer team for Seattle United and is learning American Sign Language outside of school. Her goal is to spread awareness about issues such as climate change, poverty, and large-scale political conflict through writing and public speaking.

  High School Winner

Cain Trevino

North Side High School, Fort Worth, Texas

Xenophobia and the Constitution-Free Zone

In August of 2017, U.S. Border Patrol agents boarded a Greyhound bus that had just arrived at the White River Junction station from Boston. According to Danielle Bonadona, a Lebanon resident and a bus passenger, “They wouldn’t let us get off. They boarded the bus and told us they needed to see our IDs or papers.” Bonadona, a 29-year-old American citizen, said that the agents spent around 20 minutes on the bus and “only checked the IDs of people who had accents or were not white.” Bonadona said she was aware of the 100-mile rule, but the experience of being stopped and searched felt “pretty unconstitutional.”

In the YES! article “Two-Thirds of Americans Live in the ‘Constitution-Free Zone’” by Lornet Turnbull, the author references the ACLU’s argument that “the 100-mile zone violates Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure.” However, the Supreme Court upholds the use of immigration checkpoints for inquiries on citizenship status. In my view, the ACLU makes a reasonable argument. The laws of the 100-mile zone are blurred, and, too often, officials give arbitrary reasons to conduct a search. Xenophobia and fear of immigrants burgeons in cities within these areas. People of color and those with accents or who are non-English speakers are profiled by law enforcement agencies that enforce anti-immigrant policies. The “Constitution-free zone” is portrayed as an effective barrier to secure our borders. However, this anti-immigrant zone does not make our country any safer. In fact, it does the opposite.

As a former student from the Houston area, I can tell you that the Constitution-free zone makes immigrants and citizens alike feel on edge. The Department of Homeland Security’s white SUVs patrol our streets. Even students feel the weight of anti-immigrant laws. Dennis Rivera Sarmiento, an undocumented student who attended Austin High School in Houston, was held by school police in February 2018 for a minor altercation and was handed over to county police. He was later picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and held in a detention center. It is unfair that kids like Dennis face much harsher consequences for minor incidents than other students with citizenship.

These instances are a direct result of anti-immigrant laws. For example, the 287(g) program gives local and state police the authority to share individuals’ information with ICE after an arrest. This means that immigrants can be deported for committing misdemeanors as minor as running a red light. Other laws like Senate Bill 4, passed by the Texas Legislature, allow police to ask people about their immigration status after they are detained. These policies make immigrants and people of color feel like they’re always under surveillance and that, at any moment, they may be pulled over to be questioned and detained.

During Hurricane Harvey, the immigrant community was hesitant to go to the shelters because images of immigration authorities patrolling the area began to surface online. It made them feel like their own city was against them at a time when they needed them most. Constitution-free zones create communities of fear. For many immigrants, the danger of being questioned about immigration status prevents them from reporting crimes, even when they are the victim. Unreported crime only places more groups of people at risk and, overall, makes communities less safe.

In order to create a humane immigration process, citizens and non-citizens must hold policymakers accountable and get rid of discriminatory laws like 287(g) and Senate Bill 4. Abolishing the Constitution-free zone will also require pressure from the public and many organizations. For a more streamlined legal process, the League of United Latin American Citizens suggests background checks and a small application fee for incoming immigrants, as well as permanent resident status for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients. Other organizations propose expanding the green card lottery and asylum for immigrants escaping the dangers of their home countries.

Immigrants who come to the U.S. are only looking for an opportunity to provide for their families and themselves; so, the question of deciding who gets inside the border and who doesn’t is the same as trying to prove some people are worth more than others. The narratives created by anti-immigrant media plant the false idea that immigrants bring nothing but crime and terrorism. Increased funding for the border and enforcing laws like 287(g) empower anti-immigrant groups to vilify immigrants and promote a witch hunt that targets innocent people. This hatred and xenophobia allow law enforcement to ask any person of color or non-native English speaker about their citizenship or to detain a teenager for a minor incident. Getting rid of the 100-mile zone means standing up for justice and freedom because nobody, regardless of citizenship, should have to live under laws created from fear and hatred.

Cain Trevino is a sophomore. Cain is proud of his Mexican and Salvadorian descent and is an advocate for the implementation of Ethnic Studies in Texas. He enjoys basketball, playing the violin, and studying c omputer science. Cain plans to pursue a career in engineering at Stanford University and later earn a PhD.  

High School Winner

Ethan Peter

Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Mo.

I’m an expert on bussing. For the past couple of months, I’ve been a busser at a pizza restaurant near my house. It may not be the most glamorous job, but it pays all right, and, I’ll admit, I’m in it for the money.

I arrive at 5 p.m. and inspect the restaurant to ensure it is in pristine condition for the 6 p.m. wave of guests. As customers come and go, I pick up their dirty dishes, wash off their tables, and reset them for the next guests. For the first hour of my shift, the work is fairly straightforward.

I met another expert on bussing while crossing the border in a church van two years ago. Our van arrived at the border checkpoint, and an agent stopped us. She read our passports, let us through, and moved on to her next vehicle. The Border Patrol agent’s job seemed fairly straightforward.

At the restaurant, 6 p.m. means a rush of customers. It’s the end of the workday, and these folks are hungry for our pizzas and salads. My job is no longer straightforward.

Throughout the frenzy, the TVs in the restaurant buzz about waves of people coming to the U.S. border. The peaceful ebb and flow enjoyed by Border agents is disrupted by intense surges of immigrants who seek to enter the U.S. Outside forces push immigrants to the United States: wars break out in the Middle East, gangs terrorize parts of Central and South America, and economic downturns force foreigners to look to the U.S., drawn by the promise of opportunity. Refugees and migrant caravans arrive, and suddenly, a Border Patrol agent’s job is no longer straightforward.

I turn from the TVs in anticipation of a crisis exploding inside the restaurant: crowds that arrive together will leave together. I’ve learned that when a table looks finished with their dishes, I need to proactively ask to take those dishes, otherwise, I will fall behind, and the tables won’t be ready for the next customers. The challenge is judging who is finished eating. I’m forced to read clues and use my discretion.

Interpreting clues is part of a Border Patrol agent’s job, too. Lornet Turnbull states, “For example, CBP data obtained by ACLU in Michigan shows that 82 percent of foreign citizens stopped by agents in that state are Latino, and almost 1 in 3 of those processed is, in fact, a U.S. citizen.” While I try to spot customers done with their meals so I can clear their part of the table, the Border Patrol officer uses clues to detect undocumented immigrants. We both sometimes guess incorrectly, but our intentions are to do our jobs to the best of our abilities.

These situations are uncomfortable. I certainly do not enjoy interrupting a conversation to get someone’s dishes, and I doubt Border Patrol agents enjoy interrogating someone about their immigration status. In both situations, the people we mistakenly ask lose time and are subjected to awkward and uncomfortable situations. However, here’s where the busser and the Border Patrol officer’s situations are different: If I make a mistake, the customer faces a minor inconvenience. The stakes for a Border Patrol agent are much higher. Mistakenly asking for documentation and searching someone can lead to embarrassment or fear—it can even be life-changing. Thus, Border Patrol agents must be fairly certain that someone’s immigration status is questionable before they begin their interrogation.

To avoid these situations altogether, the U.S. must make the path to citizenship for immigrants easier. This is particularly true for immigrants fleeing violence. Many people object to this by saying these immigrants will bring violence with them, but data does not support this view. In 1939, a ship of Jewish refugees from Germany was turned away from the U.S.—a decision viewed negatively through the lens of history. Today, many people advocate restricting immigration for refugees from violent countries; they refuse to learn the lessons from 1939. The sad thing is that many of these immigrants are seen as just as violent as the people they are fleeing. We should not confuse the oppressed with the oppressor.

My restaurant appreciates customers because they bring us money, just as we should appreciate immigrants because they bring us unique perspectives. Equally important, immigrants provide this country with a variety of expert ideas and cultures, which builds better human connections and strengthens our society.

Ethan Peter is a junior. Ethan writes for his school newspaper, The Kirkwood Call, and plays volleyball for his high school and a club team. He hopes to continue to grow as a writer in the future. 

University Winner

Daniel Fries

Lane Community College, Eugene, Ore.

Detained on the Road to Equality

The United States is a nation of immigrants. There are currently 43 million foreign-born people living in the U.S. Millions of them are naturalized American citizens, and 23 million, or 7.2 percent of the population, are living here without documentation (US Census, 2016). One in seven residents of the United States was not born here. Multiculturalism is, and always has been, a key part of the American experience. However, romantic notions of finding a better life in the United States for immigrants and refugees don’t reflect reality. In modern history, America is a country that systematically treats immigrants—documented or not—and non-white Americans in a way that is fundamentally different than what is considered right by the majority.

The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment states,“No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” When a suspected undocumented immigrant is detained, their basic human rights are violated. Warrantless raids on Greyhound buses within 100 miles of the border (an area referred to by some as the “Constitution-free zone”) are clear violations of human rights. These violations are not due to the current state of politics; they are the symptom of blatant racism in the United States and a system that denigrates and abuses people least able to defend themselves.

It is not surprising that some of the mechanisms that drive modern American racism are political in nature. Human beings are predisposed to dislike and distrust individuals that do not conform to the norms of their social group (Mountz, Allison). Some politicians appeal to this suspicion and wrongly attribute high crime rates to non-white immigrants. The truth is that immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans. In fact, people born in the United States are convicted of crimes at a rate twice that of undocumented non-natives (Cato Institute, 2018).

The majority of immigrants take high risks to seek a better life, giving them incentive to obey the laws of their new country. In many states, any contact with law enforcement may ultimately result in deportation and separation from family. While immigrants commit far fewer crimes, fear of violent crime by much of the U.S. population outweighs the truth. For some politicians, it is easier to sell a border wall to a scared population than it is to explain the need for reformed immigration policy. It’s easier to say that immigrants are taking people’s jobs than explain a changing global economy and its effect on employment. The only crime committed in this instance is discrimination.

Human rights are violated when an undocumented immigrant—or someone perceived as an undocumented immigrant—who has not committed a crime is detained on a Greyhound bus. When a United States citizen is detained on the same bus, constitutional rights are being violated. The fact that this happens every day and that we debate its morality makes it abundantly clear that racism is deeply ingrained in this country. Many Americans who have never experienced this type of oppression lack the capacity to understand its lasting effect. Most Americans don’t know what it’s like to be late to work because they were wrongfully detained, were pulled over by the police for the third time that month for no legal reason, or had to coordinate legal representation for their U.S. citizen grandmother because she was taken off a bus for being a suspected undocumented immigrant. This oppression is cruel and unnecessary.

America doesn’t need a wall to keep out undocumented immigrants; it needs to seriously address how to deal with immigration. It is possible to reform the current system in such a way that anyone can become a member of American society, instead of existing outside of it. If a person wants to live in the United States and agrees to follow its laws and pay its taxes, a path to citizenship should be available.

People come to the U.S. from all over the world for many reasons. Some have no other choice. There are ongoing humanitarian crises in Syria, Yemen, and South America that are responsible for the influx of immigrants and asylum seekers at our borders. If the United States wants to address the current situation, it must acknowledge the global factors affecting the immigrants at the center of this debate and make fact-informed decisions. There is a way to maintain the security of America while treating migrants and refugees compassionately, to let those who wish to contribute to our society do so, and to offer a hand up instead of building a wall.

Daniel Fries studies computer science. Daniel has served as a wildland firefighter in Oregon, California, and Alaska. He is passionate about science, nature, and the ways that technology contributes to making the world a better, more empathetic, and safer place.

Powerful Voice Winner

Emma Hernandez-Sanchez

Wellness, Business and Sports School, Woodburn, Ore.

An Emotion an Immigrant Knows Too Well

Before Donald Trump’s campaign, I was oblivious to my race and the idea of racism. As far as I knew, I was the same as everyone else. I didn’t stop to think about our different-colored skins. I lived in a house with a family and attended school five days a week just like everyone else. So, what made me different?

Seventh grade was a very stressful year—the year that race and racism made an appearance in my life. It was as if a cold splash of water woke me up and finally opened my eyes to what the world was saying. It was this year that Donald Trump started initiating change about who got the right to live in this country and who didn’t. There was a lot of talk about deportation, specifically for Mexicans, and it sparked commotion and fear in me.

I remember being afraid and nervous to go out. At home, the anxiety was there but always at the far back of my mind because I felt safe inside. My fear began as a small whisper, but every time I stepped out of my house, it got louder. I would have dreams about the deportation police coming to my school; when I went to places like the library, the park, the store, or the mall, I would pay attention to everyone and to my surroundings. In my head, I would always ask myself, “Did they give us nasty looks?,” “Why does it seem quieter?” “Was that a cop I just saw?” I would notice little things, like how there were only a few Mexicans out or how empty a store was. When my mom went grocery shopping, I would pray that she would be safe. I was born in America, and both my parents were legally documented. My mom was basically raised here. Still, I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

I knew I shouldn’t have been afraid, but with one look, agents could have automatically thought my family and I were undocumented. Even when the deportation police would figure out that we weren’t undocumented, they’d still figure out a way to deport us—at least that was what was going through my head. It got so bad that I didn’t even want to do the simplest things like go grocery shopping because there was a rumor that the week before a person was taken from Walmart.

I felt scared and nervous, and I wasn’t even undocumented. I can’t even imagine how people who are undocumented must have felt, how they feel. All I can think is that it’s probably ten times worse than what I was feeling. Always worrying about being deported and separated from your family must be hard. I was living in fear, and I didn’t even have it that bad. My heart goes out to families that get separated from each other. It’s because of those fears that I detest the “Constitution-free zone.”

Legally documented and undocumented people who live in the Constitution-free zone are in constant fear of being deported. People shouldn’t have to live this way. In fact, there have been arguments that the 100-mile zone violates the Fourth Amendment, which gives people the right to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures of property by the government. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently upheld these practices.

One question that Lornet Turnbull asks in her YES! article “Two-Thirds of Americans Live in the ‘Constitution-Free Zone’” is, “How should we decide who is welcome in the U.S and who is not?” Instead of focusing on immigrants, how about we focus on the people who shoot up schools, rape girls, exploit women for human sex trafficking, and sell drugs? These are the people who make our country unsafe; they are the ones who shouldn’t be accepted. Even if they are citizens and have the legal right to live here, they still shouldn’t be included. If they are the ones making this country unsafe, then what gives them the right to live here?

I don’t think that the Constitution-free zone is an effective and justifiable way to make this country more “secure.” If someone isn’t causing any trouble in the United States and is just simply living their life, then they should be welcomed here. We shouldn’t have to live in fear that our rights will be taken away. I believe that it’s unfair for people to automatically think that it’s the Hispanics that make this country unsafe. Sure, get all the undocumented people out of the United States, but it’s not going to make this country any safer. It is a society that promotes violence that makes us unsafe, not a race.

Emma Hernandez-Sanchez is a freshman who is passionate about literature and her education. Emma wan ts to inspire others to be creative and try their best. She enjoys reading and creating stories that spark imagination. 

  Powerful Voice Winner

Tiara Lewis

Columbus City Preparatory Schools for Girls,

Columbus, Ohio

Hold Your Head High and Keep Those Fists Down

How would you feel if you walked into a store and salespeople were staring at you? Making you feel like you didn’t belong. Judging you. Assuming that you were going to take something, even though you might have $1,000 on you to spend. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. This is because people will always judge you. It might not be because of your race but for random reasons, like because your hair is black instead of dirty blonde. Or because your hair is short and not long. Or just because they are having a bad day. People will always find ways to bring you down and accuse you of something, but that doesn’t mean you have to go along with it.

Every time I entered a store, I would change my entire personality. I would change the way I talked and the way I walked. I always saw myself as needing to fit in. If a store was all pink, like the store Justice, I would act like a girly girl. If I was shopping in a darker store, like Hot Topic, I would hum to the heavy metal songs and act more goth. I had no idea that I was feeding into stereotypes.

When I was 11, I walked into Claire’s, a well-known store at the mall. That day was my sister’s birthday. Both of us were really happy and had money to spend. As soon as we walked into the store, two employees stared me and my sister down, giving us cold looks. When we went to the cashier to buy some earrings, we thought everything was fine. However, when we walked out of the store, there was a policeman and security guards waiting. At that moment, my sister and I looked at one another, and I said, in a scared little girl voice, “I wonder what happened? Why are they here?”

Then, they stopped us. We didn’t know what was going on. The same employee that cashed us out was screaming as her eyes got big, “What did you steal?” I was starting to get numb. Me and my sister looked at each other and told the truth: “We didn’t steal anything. You can check us.” They rudely ripped through our bags and caused a big scene. My heart was pounding like a drum. I felt violated and scared. Then, the policeman said, “Come with us. We need to call your parents.” While this was happening, the employees were talking to each other, smiling. We got checked again. The police said that they were going to check the cameras, but after they were done searching us, they realized that we didn’t do anything wrong and let us go about our day.

Walking in the mall was embarrassing—everybody staring, looking, and whispering as we left the security office. This made me feel like I did something wrong while knowing I didn’t. We went back to the store to get our shopping bags. The employees sneered, “Don’t you niggers ever come in this store again. You people always take stuff. This time you just got lucky.” Their faces were red and frightening. It was almost like they were in a scary 3D movie, screaming, and coming right at us. I felt hurt and disappointed that someone had the power within them to say something so harsh and wrong to another person. Those employees’ exact words will forever be engraved in my memory.

In the article, “Two-Thirds of Americans Live in the ‘Constitution-Free Zone’,” Lornet Turnbull states, “In January, they stopped a man in Indio, California, as he was boarding a Los Angeles-bound bus. While questioning this man about his immigration status, agents told him his ‘shoes looked suspicious,’ like those of someone who had recently crossed the border.” They literally judged him by his shoes. They had no proof of anything. If a man is judged by his shoes, who else and what else are being judged in the world?

In the novel  To Kill a Mockingbird , a character named Atticus states, “You just hold your head high and keep those fists down. No matter what anybody says to you, don’t you let’em get your goat. Try fighting with your head for a change.” No matter how much you might try to change yourself, your hairstyle, and your clothes, people will always make assumptions about you. However, you never need to change yourself to make a point or to feel like you fit in. Be yourself. Don’t let those stereotypes turn into facts.

Tiara Lewis is in the eighth grade. Tiara plays the clarinet and is trying to change the world— one essay at a time. She is most often found curled up on her bed, “Divergent” in one hand and a cream-filled doughnut in the other.

Hailee Park

 Wielding My Swords

If I were a swordsman, my weapons would be my identities. I would wield one sword in my left hand and another in my right. People expect me to use both fluently, but I’m not naturally ambidextrous. Even though I am a right-handed swordsman, wielding my dominant sword with ease, I must also carry a sword in my left, the heirloom of my family heritage. Although I try to live up to others’ expectations by using both swords, I may appear inexperienced while attempting to use my left. In some instances, my heirloom is mistaken for representing different families’ since the embellishments look similar.

Many assumptions are made about my heirloom sword based on its appearance, just as many assumptions are made about me based on my physical looks. “Are you Chinese?” When I respond with ‘no,’ they stare at me blankly in confusion. There is a multitude of Asian cultures in the United States, of which I am one. Despite what many others may assume, I am not Chinese; I am an American-born Korean.

“Then… are you Japanese?” Instead of asking a broader question, like “What is your ethnicity?,” they choose to ask a direct question. I reply that I am Korean. I like to think that this answers their question sufficiently; however, they think otherwise. Instead, I take this as their invitation to a duel.

They attack me with another question: “Are you from North Korea or South Korea?” I don’t know how to respond because I’m not from either of those countries; I was born in America. I respond with “South Korea,” where my parents are from because I assume that they’re asking me about my ethnicity. I’m not offended by this situation because I get asked these questions frequently. From this experience, I realize that people don’t know how to politely ask questions about identity to those unlike them. Instead of asking “What is your family’s ethnicity?,” many people use rude alternatives, such as “Where are you from?,” or “What language do you speak?”

When people ask these questions, they make assumptions based on someone’s appearance. In my case, people make inferences like:

“She must be really good at speaking Korean.”

“She’s Asian; therefore, she must be born in Asia.”

“She’s probably Chinese.”

These thoughts may appear in their heads because making assumptions is natural. However, there are instances when assumptions can be taken too far. Some U.S. Border Patrol agents in the “Constitution-free zone” have made similar assumptions based on skin color and clothing. For example, agents marked someone as an undocumented immigrant because “his shoes looked suspicious, like those of someone who had recently crossed the border.”

Another instance was when a Jamaican grandmother was forced off a bus when she was visiting her granddaughter. The impetus was her accent and the color of her skin. Government officials chose to act on their assumptions, even though they had no solid proof that the grandmother was an undocumented immigrant. These situations just touch the surface of the issue of racial injustice in America.

When someone makes unfair assumptions about me, they are pointing their sword and challenging me to a duel; I cannot refuse because I am already involved. It is not appropriate for anyone, including Border Patrol agents, to make unjustified assumptions or to act on those assumptions. Border Patrol agents have no right to confiscate the swords of the innocent solely based on their conjectures. The next time I’m faced with a situation where racially ignorant assumptions are made about me, I will refuse to surrender my sword, point it back at them, and triumphantly fight their ignorance with my cultural pride.

Hailee Park is an eighth grader who enjoys reading many genres. While reading, Hailee recognized the racial injustices against immigrants in America, which inspired her essay. Hailee plays violin in her school’s orchestra and listens to and composes music. 

Aminata Toure

East Harlem School, New York City, N.Y.

We Are Still Dreaming

As a young Muslim American woman, I have been labeled things I am not: a terrorist, oppressed, and an ISIS supporter. I have been accused of planning 9/11, an event that happened before I was born. Lately, in the media, Muslims have been portrayed as supporters of a malevolent cause, terrorizing others just because they do not have the same beliefs. I often scoff at news reports that portray Muslims in such a light, just as I scoff at all names I’ve been labeled. They are words that do not define me. 

In a land where labels have stripped immigrants of their personalities, they are now being stripped of something that makes them human: their rights. The situation described in Lornet Turnbull’s article, “Two-Thirds of Americans are Living in the ‘Constitution-Free Zone’,” goes directly against the Constitution, the soul of this country, something that asserts that we are all equal before the law. If immigrants do not have protection from the Constitution, is there any way to feel safe?

Although most insults are easy to shrug off, they are still threatening. I am ashamed when I feel afraid to go to the mosque. Friday is an extremely special day when we gather together to pray, but lately, I haven’t been going to the mosque for Jummah prayers. I have realized that I can never feel safe when in a large group of Muslims because of the widespread hatred of Muslims in the United States, commonly referred to as Islamophobia. Police surround our mosque, and there are posters warning us about dangerous people who might attack our place of worship because we have been identified as terrorists.

I wish I could tune out every news report that blasts out the headline “Terrorist Attack!” because I know that I will be judged based on the actions of someone else. Despite this anti-Muslim racism, what I have learned from these insults is that I am proud of my faith. I am a Muslim, but being Muslim doesn’t define me. I am a writer, a student, a dreamer, a friend, a New Yorker, a helper, and an American. I am unapologetically me, a Muslim, and so much more. I definitely think everyone should get to know a Muslim. They would see that some of us are also Harry Potter fans, not just people planning to bomb the White House.

Labels are unjustly placed on us because of the way we speak, the color of our skin, and what we believe in—not for who we are as individuals. Instead, we should all take more time to get to know one another. As Martin Luther King Jr. said in his “I Have a Dream” speech, we should be judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. To me, it seems Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is a dream that should be a reality. But, for now, we are dreaming.

Aminata Toure is a Guinean American Muslim student. Aminata loves spoken-word poetry and performs in front of hundreds of people at her school’s annual poetry slam. She loves writing, language, history, and West African food and culture. Aminata wants to work at the United Nations when she grows up.

From the Author 

Dear Alessandra, Cain, Daniel, Tiara, Emma, Hailee, Aminata and Ethan,

I am moved and inspired by the thought each of you put into your responses to my story about this so-called “Constitution-free zone.” Whether we realize it or not, immigration in this country impacts all of us— either because we are immigrants ourselves, have neighbors, friends, and family who are, or because we depend on immigrants for many aspects of our lives—from the food we put on our tables to the technology that bewitches us. It is true that immigrants enrich our society in so many important ways, as many of you point out.

And while the federal statute that permits U.S. Border Patrol officers to stop and search at will any of the 200 million of us in this 100-mile shadow border, immigrants have been their biggest targets. In your essays, you highlight how unjust the law is—nothing short of racial profiling. It is heartening to see each of you, in your own way, speaking out against the unfairness of this practice.

Alessandra, you are correct, the immigration system in this country is in shambles. You make a powerful argument about how profiling ostracizes entire communities and how the warrantless searches allowed by this statute impede trust-building between law enforcement and the people they are called on to serve.

And Cain, you point out how this 100-mile zone, along with other laws in the state of Texas where you attended school, make people feel like they’re “always under surveillance, and that, at any moment, you may be pulled over to be questioned and detained.” It seems unimaginable that people live their lives this way, yet millions in this country do.

You, Emma, for example, speak of living in a kind of silent fear since Donald Trump took office, even though you were born in this country and your parents are here legally. You are right, “We shouldn’t have to live in fear that our rights will be taken away.”

And Aminata, you write of being constantly judged and labeled because you’re a Muslim American. How unfortunate and sad that in a country that generations of people fled to search for religious freedom, you are ashamed at times to practice your own. The Constitution-free zone, you write, “goes directly against the Constitution, the soul of this country, something that asserts that we are all equal before the law.”

Tiara, I could personally relate to your gripping account of being racially profiled and humiliated in a store. You were appalled that the Greyhound passenger in California was targeted by Border Patrol because they claimed his shoes looked like those of someone who had walked across the border: “If a man is judged by his shoes,” you ask, “who else and what else are getting judged in the world?”

Hailee, you write about the incorrect assumptions people make about you, an American born of Korean descent, based solely on your appearance and compared it to the assumptions Border Patrol agents make about those they detain in this zone.

Daniel, you speak of the role of political fearmongering in immigration. It’s not new, but under the current administration, turning immigrants into boogiemen for political gain is currency. You write that “For some politicians, it is easier to sell a border wall to a scared population than it is to explain the need for reformed immigration policy.”

And Ethan, you recognize the contributions immigrants make to this country through the connections we all make with them and the strength they bring to our society.

Keep speaking your truth. Use your words and status to call out injustice wherever and whenever you see it. Untold numbers of people spoke out against this practice by Border Patrol and brought pressure on Greyhound to change. In December, the company began offering passengers written guidance—in both Spanish and English—so they understand what their rights are when officers board their bus. Small steps, yes, but progress nonetheless, brought about by people just like you, speaking up for those who sometimes lack a voice to speak up for themselves.

With sincere gratitude,

Lornet Turnbull

Lornet Turnbull is an editor for YES! and a Seattle-based freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter  @TurnbullL .

We received many outstanding essays for the Winter 2019 Student Writing Competition. Though not every participant can win the contest, we’d like to share some excerpts that caught our eye:

After my parents argued with the woman, they told me if you can fight with fists, you prove the other person’s point, but when you fight with the power of your words, you can have a much bigger impact. I also learned that I should never be ashamed of where I am from. —Fernando Flores, The East Harlem School, New York City, N.Y.

Just because we were born here and are privileged to the freedom of our country, we do not have the right to deprive others of a chance at success. —Avalyn Cox, Brier Terrace Middle School, Brier, Wash.

Maybe, rather than a wall, a better solution to our immigration problem would be a bridge. —Sean Dwyer, Lane Community College, Eugene, Ore.

If anything, what I’ve learned is that I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to change our world. I don’t know how to make a difference, how to make my voice heard. But I have learned the importance of one word, a simple two-letter word that’s taught to the youngest of us, a word we all know but never recognize: the significance of ‘we.’ —Enna Chiu, Highland Park High School, Highland Park, N.J.

Not to say the Border Patrol should not have authorization to search people within the border, but I am saying it should be near the border, more like one mile, not 100. —Cooper Tarbuck, Maranacook Middle School, Manchester, Maine.

My caramel color, my feminism, my Spanish and English language, my Mexican culture, and my young Latina self gives me the confidence to believe in myself, but it can also teach others that making wrong assumptions about someone because of their skin color, identity, culture, looks or gender can make them look and be weaker. —Ana Hernandez, The East Harlem School, New York City, N.Y.

We don’t need to change who we are to fit these stereotypes like someone going on a diet to fit into a new pair of pants. —Kaylee Meyers, Brier Terrace Middle School, Brier, Wash.

If a human being with no criminal background whatsoever has trouble entering the country because of the way he or she dresses or speaks, border protection degenerates into arbitrariness. —Jonas Schumacher, Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg, Germany

I believe that you should be able to travel freely throughout your own country without the constant fear of needing to prove that you belong here . —MacKenzie Morgan, Lincoln Middle School, Ypsilanti, Mich.

America is known as “the Land of Opportunity,” but this label is quickly disappearing. If we keep stopping those striving for a better life, then what will become of this country? —Ennyn Chiu, Highland Park Middle School, Highland Park, N.J.

The fact that two-thirds of the people in the U.S. are living in an area called the “Constitution-free zone” is appalling. Our Constitution was made to protect our rights as citizens, no matter where we are in the country. These systems that we are using to “secure” our country are failing, and we need to find a way to change them. —Isis Liaw, Brier Terrace Middle School, Brier, Wash.

I won’t let anyone, especially a man, tell me what I can do, because I am a strong Latina. I will represent where I come from, and I am proud to be Mexican. I will show others that looks can be deceiving. I will show others that even the weakest animal, a beautiful butterfly, is tough, and it will cross any border, no matter how challenging the journey may be. —Brittany Leal, The East Harlem School, New York City, N.Y.

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5 Essays about Immigration

According to the UN, the number of international migrants surpassed 270 million in 2019. This represents an increase of 51 million since 2010. Nearly half of all international migrants moved to one of 10 countries. 19% of the world’s total immigrant population lives in the United States. One of every seven international migrants is younger than 20 years old. What are the stories behind these statistics? What does the world think of immigrants? To start answering these questions, here are five essays about immigration:

“Out of Eden Walk” (2013-present) – Paul Salopek

At the time of this 2019 essay, Paul Salopek has been walking for seven years. In 2013, he started from an ancient fossil site north of Ethiopia. His plan? Cover 21,000 miles over ten years, retracing humankind’s walk out of Africa. While he’s walking through the past, his project is also timely. Numbers-wise, we’re living with the largest diaspora in human history. More than 1 billion people are on the move, both within their own countries and beyond borders. During his journey, Salopek covers climate change, technological innovation, mass migration, and more. Through essays, photographs, audio, and video, he creates a vivid tapestry of stories from people rarely heard from. This essay is a great introduction to Salopek’s “slow journalism.” You can find more at OutofEdenWalk.org.

Journalist and writer Paul Salopek is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He has reported for publications like The Atlantic and National Geographic Magazine. John Stanmeyer, who took the photos for this essay, is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and photographer.

“Mohsin Hamid: why migration is a fundamental human right” (2014)

Author Mohsin Hamid was born in Pakistan and educated in the US. He lives in the UK. In this essay, he explains how he wishes for “a world without borders.” He believes the right to migrate (which includes emigration and immigration) is as vital as other human rights, like freedom of expression. People have always moved, crossing borders and sharing cultures. Humans are also migrants in that simply by living, we move through time. Unfortunately, this human right has been denied all over the world. Hamid looks forward to a day when migration is respected and welcomed.

Mohsin Hamid is the author of several books, including Discontent and Its Civilizations: Dispatches from Lahore, New York, and London. He writes both fiction and nonfiction.

“I’m a Dreamer. Ask my 80+ Employees if I should be deported.” (2020) – Victor Santos

Young and brilliant, Victor Santos is the founder of Airfox, a Boston-based tech startup. On the surface, Santos is living the American Dream. In this essay in the Boston Globe, he describes that for the past 10 years, he’s worried about ICE taking him away. He’s an undocumented immigrant dependent on DACA. Santos briefly describes his experience growing up in the US, working through college, and getting opportunities because of DACA. Following the publication of this piece, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration cannot immediately end DACA. For now, Santos and the other hundreds of thousands of Dreamers are protected.

Victor Santos is the founder and CEO of Airfox, a loan app that uses mobile data to estimate credit risk. He was on the list of MIT Technology Review in Spanish’s Innovators Under 35 Latin America 2018.

“My Life As An Undocumented Immigrant” (2011) – Jose Antonio Vargas

Vargas opens this essay describing how, at 12-years old, he left the Philippines for the US in 1993. At 16, while going to get his driver’s permit, he was told his green card was fake. He realized he was undocumented. In this essay from 2011, partially inspired by four students who walked from Miami to Washington to lobby for the DREAM Act, he spoke out. The essay describes Vargas’ life and career in America, navigating the system with his secret. It’s a vivid, personal look at Vargas’ experience of “hiding” in plain sight and an act of courage as he owns his story.

Jose Antonio Vargas is a former reporter for the Washington Post. He shared a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the Virginia Tech shooting. He is also a filmmaker, writer, and immigrant rights activist. He founded Define American, a nonprofit that strives for dialogue about immigration, in 2011.

“A Young Immigrant Has Mental Illness, And That’s Raising His Risk of Being Deported” – Christine Herman

Immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, deal with a variety of challenges. One of them is the mental health care system. Those with untreated mental illnesses are at higher risk of getting in trouble with the law. When the person who is mentally ill is also undocumented, things get even more complicated. Deportation to a country with an even worse mental healthcare system could be a death sentence. This story from NPR is about a specific family, but it highlights issues that affect many.

Christine Herman is Ph.D. chemist and award-winning audio journalist. She’s a 2018-2019 recipient of a Rosalyn Carter fellowship for mental health journalism.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Immigration and the United States Essay

Gelatt, Julia et al. “Navigating the Future of Work: The Role of Immigrant-Origin Workers in the Changing U.S. Economy”. Migration Policy Institute , 2020, Web.

The report illustrates the role immigrants play in the evolving U.S economy. The authors begin the text by indicating that the foreign nationals were responsible for the 83% country’s labor force growth between 2010 and 2018. The document projects that the group is crucial to the developments in the working-age population through 2035. The strength of the information lies in its in-depth analysis of immigrants’ racial and ethnic challenges and their effect on the country’s future workforce. The authors are policy analysts at the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) and, therefore, make the contents credible.

MPI. “Amid U.S. Demand for Higher Skills and Education, Credentialing Immigrant-Origin Adult Workers Could Be Key” . 2019, Web.

The press release by MPI attempts to explain the increasing importance of adult immigrants in the United States’ workforce. The document predicts that the country will be short of about 8 million workers by 2027 because the current native employees are aging. On the other hand, the approximated number of immigrants in the region is 58 million, and the group is projected to be the main source of the future labor force. Unfortunately, more than half of this population lacks post-secondary education, which is crucial for an effective workforce. The source is essential to the study because it gives statistical evidence of the need for education among immigrants to improve their contribution to America’s human resource.

Sherman, Arloc et al. “Immigrants Contribute Greatly to U.S. Economy, Despite Administration’s “Public Charge” Rule Rationale” . Center on Budget and Policy Priorities , 2019, Web.

The “Public Charge” rule was developed to deny immigrants who have the potential of being a liability to the county from gaining entry. This law assumes that most foreigners are poor and are likely to cause financial constraints for the government. However, it does not consider the positive contributions the foreign nationals make to the country. Consequently, the report evaluates the impacts they have on the economy. The authors illustrate that immigrants work at higher rates than the natives and occupy close to two-thirds of most industries. The authors are professionals in immigration services and policies, and therefore are classified as credible sources.

According to Gelatt et al., the United States is ranked as the largest hub for immigrants globally. However, even though it is faster and easier for foreigners to assimilate in the U.S, the immigration policy has become a matter of debate in the region. Most of the arguments revolve around the cultural and financial implications of the movement. However, economic analysts argue that there is little evidence to show that the increase in foreign labor has reduced the number of jobs in the country. On the contrary, immigration has more positive impacts as it leads to better occupational specialization. However, most foreign nationals have insufficient education and find it hard to maximize their potential in America’s workforce. Therefore, the federal government needs to integrate learning opportunities into immigrant policies to equip them fully.

The primary objective of education is to give individuals the required knowledge to help them contribute effectively to a country’s economy. Consequently, highly educated immigrants are assets in the United States’ labor force. According to Gelatt et al., foreign employees are the future of the U.S. human resources because they work at higher rates and represent the highest number of staff members in most industries. Consequently, placing them at the same educational level as the native population will improve their efficiency and create a reliable workforce. Similarly, MPI’s report suggests a link between degree and non-degree credentials and the economic results among adult immigrants. Workers who are not of American origin will improve their skills with the attainment of the right education.

Conversely, immigrants with low or no educational qualifications are a liability to the American economy. One of the greatest challenges among U.S residents is communication because the inhabitants are from various parts of the world, yet the official and national language is English. According to Gelatt et al., most food restaurants and hotels are run by foreigners, particularly Latina. Unfortunately, the lack of education makes it difficult for these individuals to speak eloquently, slowing down businesses. MPI agrees with concern and indicates that English proficiency is another hindrance to obtaining credentials among immigrants besides legal status. Lack of education makes it difficult for foreign nationals to survive in America, which further affects their contributions to the economy.

Consequently, there is a need for sustainable solutions that will empower immigrants with regard to education. Gelatt et al. acknowledge that the future of American jobs will require middle and high-skilled individuals and, therefore, suggest affordable vocational schooling for minority families. This strategy will ensure all immigrants get a chance to take their children through schools comfortably. The press release by MPI, on the other hand, indicates that 16.7 million immigrant adults lack proficiency in English because they have not attained post-secondary education. The institution suggests that employers offer skills training that focuses on the English language. Creating affordable learning programs and training immigrant employees positively impacts the U.S. workforce.

From the report and press release by the MPI, it is clear that the future of the job market will be more demanding, affecting immigrants in the workforce. Gelatt et al. state that industries are bound to embrace automation, reducing low-skilled jobs. Unfortunately, Sherman et al. indicate that the birth rate among Native Americans is low, which means that the country’s future economy is in the hands of foreign nationals. Consequently, the government must develop strategies to ensure the immigrants gain middle and high-level job skills.

Immigrants do not have to go to public and private universities to be profitable in the U.S. economy. MPI suggests that non-degree credentials are enough to make positive labor returns. Additionally, according to Sherman et al., foreign nationals with licenses and certifications in occupations, including chefs and barbers, demonstrate higher labor force involvement levels. The immigrant federal department is responsible for ensuring the members acquire the credentials they require to participate in the nation’s economic developments.

The hard work among foreign nationals in America is seen in the increased competition level among them and Native Americans in the job market. Gelatt et al. attribute this development to the increased equal learning opportunities in academic institutions. Research indicates that immigrants’ children are attaining more education and even earning more than their parents (Sherman et al.). Second-generation foreign nationals are the future of the United States’ economy, and the government must ensure they are presented with equal opportunities in schools and the job market.

The American government has the responsibility to ensure immigrants have sufficient learning experiences to equip them for America’s future economy. Highly educated foreigners have proven to be competitive occupying the same positions as natives in the job industry. On the other hand, those who have not attained post-secondary education struggle to survive because they lack English proficiency and cannot express themselves well in the workplace. The future of the U.S. economy appears to be bright, but this dream’s actualization highly depends on empowering and educating immigrants.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, February 25). Immigration and the United States. https://ivypanda.com/essays/immigration-and-the-united-states/

"Immigration and the United States." IvyPanda , 25 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/immigration-and-the-united-states/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Immigration and the United States'. 25 February.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Immigration and the United States." February 25, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/immigration-and-the-united-states/.

1. IvyPanda . "Immigration and the United States." February 25, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/immigration-and-the-united-states/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Immigration and the United States." February 25, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/immigration-and-the-united-states/.

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240 Immigration Essay Topics

Immigration is a permanent move to a foreign country. It takes place all over the globe, including the United States. It played an important role in history, and it continues to influence society today.

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This article offers a variety of immigration essay topics. They are suitable for college-level works, as well as middle and high school papers.

But first, take a look at our custom writing company . If your task seems overwhelming, we can write an immigration essay for you!

🔝 Top 10 Immigration Topics to Write About

• ✍️ How to Choose a Topic

❓ Top 10 Immigration Research Questions

• ✈️ Legal Immigration
• 🗺️ Illegal Immigration
• 🗽 Immigration in the U.S.
• 🌐 Worldwide Immigration
• 🧳 Personal Immigration
• 🌎 Environmental Migration
• 🎓 Job and Education
• ⚖️ Immigration Pros and Cons

🔍 References

• The harm of immigration policies
• Push and pull factors of immigration
• Immigration as an escape from poverty
• Reproductive health of women immigrants
• Racism in the American housing market
• Mexican economy and the immigration rate
• Immigration increase vs. welfare decrease
• Challenges of immigrant assimilation in the US
• The cause of discrimination towards immigrants
• Immigration detention effects on mental health

✍️ How to Choose an Immigration Topic

The subject of immigration is broad. You can explore it from many points of view. Focus on economics, sociology, or the legal system. Here are a few things to remember as you chose the essay title:

• Use verified up-to-date information. As simple as it seems, it’s essential.
• Do not judge. We cannot know the life story of every immigrant and what they went through.

You may try to approach the subject from the political viewpoint. Or, try to stand in the shoes of someone looking for a better life.

Below you will find many great questions and topics on immigration. Choose the one you like best, and get down to writing!

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

• Do expats boost innovations?
• Is terrorism related to immigration?
• How does migration influence culture?
• What is seasonal labor immigration?
• Can immigration reduce global poverty?
• What is the economic effect of refugees?
• How does immigration affect social capital?
• How do immigration control measures vary?
• Is Third World immigration a threat to the US?
• Why do immigration laws differ among the states?

✈️ Legal Immigration Essay Topics

• Pros and cons of sanctuary cities 
• Modern immigration policy in the UK 
• ICE’s policy under Obama vs. Trump 
• The process of naturalization in the US 
• The importance of the DACA program 
• Should the TPS program be permanent? 
• Health concerns of illegal immigration  
• The effect of immigration on international students 
• The difference between an asylum and refugee status 
• The Second Industrial Revolution’s impact on immigration 
• The role of visas in the modern world.
• Does federal immigration law ensure safety for the U.S. citizens?
• Changes in immigration policies following 9/11 .
• What will happen if the U.S. declares open borders for all countries?
• How is multiculturalism a good thing?
• How much time does it take to complete immigration documents?
• What rights do immigrants have in the U.S.?
• Does congress limit the number of immigrant visas?
• What are the main functions of immigration?
• Why does the U.S. refuse to accept Syrian refugees?
• The majority of immigrants seek to receive the U.S. citizenship .
• Fake marriage for the sake of legal immigration .
• How can immigrants ensure a legal status for their children?
• Why do people applying for U.S. citizenship have to live in America for five years?
• What’s the difference between naturalization and citizenship ?
• Is it fair that children can have citizenship by being born in the U.S.
• What does the government look for in a person before granting them legal status?
• Ways to pass the test for naturalization for a person with disabilities.
• How can children become the U.S. citizens through their parents?
• What are the physical presence requirements for naturalization?
• Steps necessary to prepare for a naturalization test.
• How to reapply for citizenship.
• What is a naturalization ceremony?
• Can a person become a citizen through military service ?
• Do all visas allow legal immigration?

The immigration process should be legal. There is an “Immigration Law” in the U.S. that provides legitimate ways to become an American citizen. In this section, you will find ideas for your research paper or informative essay on legal immigration.

🗺️ Illegal Immigration Essay Topics

According to Washington State Department of Social and Health Services , the main difference between legal and illegal immigration lies in documentation. That’s why illegal immigrants are also called undocumented. The following list can provide an idea for a topic sentence or a thesis statement in a persuasive essay.

• Can there be any valid excuse for immigrating illegally?
• Do undocumented aliens harm the U.S.?
• The overstaying legal migration period is common for illegal immigration.
• What is more valuable for the government: paperwork or people?
• Which countries do most undocumented immigrants come from?
• Human trafficking is a tragedy that feeds illegal immigration.
• Settled undocumented immigrants should still get punished.
• The presence of undocumented immigrants indicates corruption.
• Do illegal immigrants affect the local economy of southern states?
• Does illegal immigration bring American society out of balance?
• The presence of undocumented aliens affects crime rates.
• The issues associated with illegal immigration in America.
• What organizations support illegal immigration ?
• Children of immigrants bear the consequences of their parents’ actions.
• Should undocumented immigrants be provided legal help?
• The term “illegal immigrant” must be rejected as offensive.
• Does the problem of illegal immigration feed the issue of racism?
• Undocumented immigrants deserve to be treated with respect.
• The term “ illegal immigrant ” stirs up racial fear in the U.S.
• Does the phrase “No human is illegal” have any truth to it?
• Is illegal immigration a threat to hosts and immigrants?
• Are undocumented aliens treated with hostility by the government?
• Can illegal immigration for personal reasons be justified?
• Should we consider the absence of proper documentation an offense?
• Do the lives of illegal immigrants matter in America?
• Can an undocumented immigrant be considered an American?
• Does the “Drop the I-word” campaign provide valid arguments?
• Is there anything good about illegal immigration ?
• Immigration detention brings more harm than good.
• Should the “catch and release” policy function in the U.S.?
• Should a person take a chance to obtain a legal status by entering the country illegally?
• Will the construction of a wall resolve the issue of illegal immigration?
• If America is the land of opportunities , why doesn’t it accept undocumented aliens?
• Does illegal immigration promote terrorism ?
• Should the U.S. government introduce specific policies for elderly immigrants ?

🗽 Immigration in the U.S. Topics

Millions of people worldwide want to get a taste of the American Dream. After many decades, America is shaped by the immigrant presence. Think about the cultural components and history of immigration in the U.S. This list may provide you with ideas for thesis topics.

• Should immigrants be allowed to vote?
• Can aliens who received U.S. citizenship be called Americans?
• Should Americans be concerned about the “green card lottery?”
• Mexican immigration as a political controversy.
• Difference between citizenship and a green card.
• The immigrants are fulfilling the labor market demand in the U.S.
• Professional psychologists must cooperate with immigrants.
• Children born to undocumented aliens should receive U.S. citizenship.
• Should there be a mandatory English language test for all immigrants?
• Should resident aliens use international driver licenses in the U.S.?
• Does the U.S. immigration policy need reform?
• From a historical perspective, could the U.S. survive as a country without immigrants?
• Immigration is at the core of American history.
• What were the reasons for the migration wave in the 1960s?
• Homeland security and immigration policy in the U.S.
• How did the 18th-century Chinese emigration influence America?
• The U.S. language policy regarding immigration.
• The 9/11 tragedy changed the way Americans view foreigners.
• Should children of illegal aliens be denied U.S. citizenship?
• How does immigration change life in bigger cities in the U.S.?
• Benefits of the DREAM act.
• Do legal aliens affect the American education system?
• Can a child raised by immigrants in the U.S. be called an American?
• Do Americans move to other countries?
• Immigrants come to the U.S. for religious purposes.

🌐 Worldwide Immigration Topics

History proves that people have always been moving around. Sometimes they immigrate because “the grass is greener on the other side.” But some have to flee their countries as refugees. The U.S and the European Union are receiving large numbers of immigrants. Here are some topic ideas for a paper on immigration worldwide.

• Was border control possible before the invention of visas?
• Syrian children refugees in Canada and ethics of care.
• What benefits does a country receive by granting someone asylum status?
• Can asylees feel safe in their host country?
• What is the difference between the words “immigrant” and “ refugee ?”
• Refugees need psychological assistance to overcome stress.
• Most refugees hope to come back to their home countries.
• What attitude locals usually have towards emigrants?
• There is a substantial prejudice against immigrants and refugees.
• Should the government invest in education for displaced people ?
• The refugee crisis is a growing global issue.
• Assimilation policy as a form of aborigenal control in Australia.
• Wars have been one of the primary reasons for migration throughout history.
• How did 9/11 affect international traveling and global immigration?
• What happens to people who are rejected by the border control service?
• The impact of globalization on immigration control.
• Does Europe benefit or suffer from immigrants?
• The effects high numbers of refugees have on the European economy.
• Does the tourism industry in Europe suffer from the refugee presence?
• Effect of immigration on European history.
• Influence of globalization citizenship in the EU.
• What are the benefits of the asylum status in Europe?
• The effect of the Cold War on global immigration.
• Do most of the refugees in Europe want to receive EU citizenship ?
• Does immigration rate vary amongst men and women?

🧳 Personal Immigration Topics

There is a person behind each number on immigration statistics. You may be wondering why somebody would want to leave home. Immigration is a serious step that forever changes one’s life. If you would like to look at the heart of immigration, this section is for you.

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• Should immigration be perceived as an act of courage?
• Can the elderly have a better retirement in other countries?
• Religious persecution as a reason for moving.
• People often immigrate to provide a better life for their children.
• Racial persecution is a valid reason for moving abroad.
• The decision to relocate should have a solid reason behind it.
• Refugee families suffer enormous emotional pressure.
• Health problems are a sufficient reason for immigration.
• Immigration as a way to provide for one’s family is a noble act.
• Parent’s love for their children can motivate them to move abroad.
• Immigrant children and the governmental responsibility.
• People shouldn’t judge the financial instability of refugees.
• Disagreement with the country’s politics can push citizens to move.
• Are certain personality types more likely to immigrate?
• The lack of a sustainable education system in a home country pushes young people to move abroad.
• For some, the only hope for a good life is in immigration.
• Relocation for romantic reasons is common in the modern world.
• Experiences of Lithuanian and Chinese immigrants in America.
• Can relational complications drive people out of their native countries?
• An urge to be free from oppression leads to immigration.
• Loss of a family member can force a person to move abroad.
• Some choose immigration as a way to escape financial responsibility.
• Because of the internet, some people identify with foreign cultures.
• Immigration is a way to change one’s life.
• Athletes choose to relocate to have better conditions for training.

🌎 Environmental Migration Topics

You can define migration as the movement from one place to another. It can happen within or outside country borders. Migration isn’t always permanent. Nature is full of surprises, and sometimes natural disasters occur. Some people don’t have other options but to migrate. This section includes a variety of topics on environmental migration.

• Climate change is a significant reason for migration.
• Should environmental migrants receive a refugee status?
• Countries with significant environmental problems should encourage immigration.
• How many people choose to migrate due to ecological issues?
• Should the border control require documentation from environmental refugees?
• For how long environmental migrants are allowed to stay in the host country?
• Do climate refugees receive support from their host countries?
• Describe the Haitian migration following the 2010 earthquake.
• Migration after the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 .
• Chinese citizens migrate due to floods .
• Do Americans move to different states because of ecological issues?
• Documented cases of mass environmental migration throughout history.
• The role of sea-level rise in climate migration .
• How polluted oceans affect human population movement.
• What are the main factors of environmental migration?
• Does the global warming influence migration levels?
• Is the number of climate refugees likely to increase in the future?
• How often do environmental migrants become legal immigrants?
• How can those who have lost their possessions afford to move abroad?
• Which countries receive the most climate migrants?
• Is the status of “environmental refugee” legitimate?
• Do environmental migrants consider going back to their home countries?
• Which organizations provide help to climate migrants worldwide?
• From which countries do people flee the most due to ecological reasons?
• People migrate due to the lack of clean water .

🎓 Immigration Essay Topics: Job and Education

Not all countries have a reliable education system. Sometimes there are not enough resources to provide jobs for everyone. Immigration gives people a chance to pursue a better career path. The following list can inspire your immigration thesis topic.

• Should international students be encouraged to return after graduation?
• Can online job opportunities decrease immigration rates?
• High-quality education in the U.S. attracts immigrants.
• What steps must one take to receive a work visa?
• Religious missionaries should receive governmental support.
• How often do people move to a different country for educational reasons?
• Immigrants in Toronto: social and economic challenges.
• How do institutions check the language abilities of international students ?
• Do all U.S. institutions receive international students?
• What does it take to receive a student visa?
• Cross-cultural management and work abroad.
• Can immigrants find jobs without knowing the local language?
• What are the primary countries people immigrating to for occupational purposes?
• Which countries people are most likely to leave to receive a better education ?
• Is America the land of opportunities for immigrants?
• Is it economically sufficient for the U.S. to receive workers from other countries?
• Why are international students willing to pay a high price for education in the U.S. ?
• The industrial revolution caused a wave of immigration.
• Some people move to less developed countries to help with their development.
• Poverty often pushes people to move abroad.
• Immigrants from developing countries aren’t picky when it comes to jobs.
• Do immigrants regret moving to the U.S. if they’re faced with discrimination ?
• What’s the average age of international students that are coming to the U.S.?
• Health of expatriates often worsens due to the nature of their jobs.
• Examples from history of people seeking education abroad .

⚖️ Pros and Cons of Immigration: Essay Ideas

There are two sides to the immigration: positive and negative. Think about the economy, food, art, sociology, and politics. Decide what are the benefits and downsides of immigration. The following list of topic ideas on migration will help you with this task.

• International employees fill the gaps in the workforce.
• Foreigners bring a unique perspective that can benefit the host country .
• Some expatriates possess rare skills that can be useful.
• Cuisine of immigrants often becomes popular in the host country.
• International students add numbers to struggling institutions.
• Talented immigrants find themselves useful in a host country.
• Foreigners improve international trade and business.
• International employees are often enthusiastic about their job position.
• Foreigners have an unusual view on life.
• Immigration brings cultural diversity to the host country.
• Foreign presence pushes host countries towards ethnic inclusiveness.
• Immigrants are more willing to take less prestigious jobs.
• People from abroad bring their mentality everywhere they go.
• Children of immigrants can have better opportunities in life.
• The money earned by foreigners in the host country is spent in their home countries.
• Immigration is a channel for the drug industry.
• Immigration gives hope for a brighter future.
• In some cases, aliens take job opportunities from the locals.
• Immigrants tend to increase the crime rate of the hosting country.
• Home countries of immigrants suffer from “ brain drain .”
• Foreigners are subject to racial intolerance.
• Immigration causes overcrowding .
• The language barrier creates social complications.
• Immigration takes away the attention of the government.
• Resident aliens might suffer from strained relationships with locals.

We hope this article helped you to choose the topic for your essay. In conclusion, we want to wish you good luck with your assignment!

You might also be interested in:

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• Immigration: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Population Reference Bureau: Trends in Migration to the U.S.
• Myths and Facts about Immigrants and Immigration: Anti Defamation League
• Resident Alien Definition: Investopedia
• Nonresident Aliens: Internal Revenue Service
• Immigration: Cornell Law School
• Citizenship Through Naturalization: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• A Dozen Facts about Immigration: Brookings.edu
• Environmental Displacement and Migration: Environmental Law Institute
• Immigration: ProCon.org
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Immigration Essay: How To Write The Perfect One?

Immigration is a hot-button issue in many countries. With debates over immigration policies heating up, it’s becoming increasingly important to know how to write an effective immigration essay. Crafting the perfect paper can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and resources, anyone can create an informative and persuasive paper. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write the perfect immigration essay.

By following the simple tips below, you’ll be able to get a good immigration essay that makes a lasting impression on readers! Read on for more information about how to write the perfect immigration essay.

Immigration Essay Examples

Immigration essays can be difficult to write. They require extensive research, careful analysis, and thoughtful reflection on the topic. The introduction is the first part of an immigration essay and it should be crafted to capture the reader’s attention. It should introduce your story and the argumentative essay outline you will use throughout your paper.

How To Write an Introduction?

When crafting an immigration informative essay , the introduction is a crucial component. It should provide readers with an overview of the issue and introduce the main argument that will be discussed in the essay. To start, begin by providing some background information on immigration and its impact on society. This will help to set up the context for your essay and ensure your reader understands why this topic is important.

When crafting an immigration essay introduction, you can start with a personal story that illustrates how meaningful this issue is for you. Explain why you are passionate about immigration reform, or how it has impacted your life. Be sure to keep it concise and relevant while avoiding too much detail as this could potentially bore readers.

What to Write About in the Body?

Once you have provided a general overview of immigration, it’s time to address the main focus of your piece. Ask yourself what you want to say about immigration and create a thesis statement that outlines your argument. 

This is where you will present your research and arguments in support of your thesis statement. To do this effectively, it’s important to create an argumentative essay outline that outlines exactly what points you want to make throughout the paper. Make sure each point has evidence to back it up so that readers will understand why you are making these claims and be more likely to agree with them.

Make sure to include facts or research if needed so readers can trust your opinion. Additionally, avoid using biased language as this might lead to misunderstanding or misinterpretation from readers.

How To Write a Conclusion?

The conclusion of an immigration essay is the most important part. It should summarize the main points of the essay, restate the thesis, and leave the reader with a sense of closure. To write an effective conclusion:

• start by revisiting your main points and reiterating why they are important;
• provide a brief overview of how the immigration issue has been addressed throughout the essay;
• draw your conclusion by making a statement about immigration policy or offering a suggestion for further action on this issue.

When writing your conclusion, be sure to avoid simply repeating what you have already said in the body of your essay. Instead, use this section as a chance to bring together all of your ideas into one concise statement that drives home your point. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your conclusion remains focused on the topic at hand and does not wander off into unrelated topics or tangents. If done correctly, writing an effective conclusion can be one of the most rewarding parts of constructing an immigration essay.

5 Paragraph Essay About Immigration

• The first paragraph of your immigration essay should provide an overview of the topic. Introduce your main points and explain why this issue is important. 
• In the second paragraph be sure to include any relevant facts or statistics that will help your argument come across as well-informed and persuasive. Don’t forget to cite any sources you use!
• Your third paragraph should be much wider and focus on the body of your essay. This is where you dive into the details of your argument and provide evidence for why your perspective is valid. 
• After that discuss the pros and cons of different immigration policies, or analyze the economic or social impact of immigration in your country—the possibilities are endless! Again, make sure to include sources wherever possible.
• Finally, end your 5 paragraph immigration essay with a conclusion that ties together all of the main points from your body paragraphs into one cohesive statement summarizing what was discussed in the paper. Include any final thoughts or insights you may have had while writing this paper as well as any potential solutions or further action steps related to immigration reform.

Immigration Argumentative Essay

Having covered the basics of writing a paragraph essay about immigration, it’s now time to explore how to construct an immigration argumentative essay. An immigration argumentative essay is a powerful tool for convincing readers of one’s opinion on the complexities and nuances of immigration in the United States. As such, this type of essay requires careful research and thoughtful analysis to be effective.

• First, identify an appropriate topic related to immigration into the United States. This could include current laws, benefits or consequences of immigration, public opinions on immigration, etc. Research should then be conducted around this topic in order to gain an in-depth understanding of both sides of the argument. Once a solid foundation has been established, it is important to consider all perspectives when constructing an argument for or against immigration.
• The structure of an immigration argumentative essay should first introduce the issue and provide background information before delving into supporting arguments. For example, if pro-immigration policies are being argued for then evidence from relevant sources such as statistics and experts’ opinions can be used to support one’s claims. On the other hand, if anti-immigration policies are being argued against then economic data or personal stories can be included to emphasize their impact on individuals and society overall.
• Finally, once all arguments have been presented a conclusion should be drawn that summarizes key points without repeating them verbatim. A conclusion should also include implications for further action or exploration that readers may find interesting or informative. With these tips in mind, any reader can confidently craft an effective and persuasive immigration argumentative essay that will engage readers and leave them wanting more!

Immigration Essay Topics

Immigration essays can be difficult to write, but with the right guidance and research, anyone can compose a comprehensive essay about immigration. When researching for an essay about immigration, there are a few essay topics that can be explored. 

An essay about immigration in the United States could focus on issues such as:

• illegal immigration, 
• family reunification through visas, 
• immigrants’ rights. 

An illegal immigration persuasive essay could discuss:

• the economic effects of illegal immigrants,
• how immigrants may impact local businesses or social services. 

An essay about immigration to America could include topics such as:

• the history of American Immigration,
• the current state of US-Mexico border relations and policies. 

These topics are essential when writing an essay on immigration because they provide a comprehensive look at all aspects of the issue.

When beginning to write an essay on any of these topics, it is important to do thorough research and understand both sides of the argument before taking a stance. It is also important to use reliable sources when building evidence for arguments and to acknowledge different points of view while presenting one’s own opinion. 

Additionally, writers should make sure their language is clear and concise to ensure readers can easily understand their arguments. Overall, by following these tips and doing detailed research, anyone can write a compelling essay about immigration that accurately addresses current issues in society.

In conclusion, writing an immigration essay can be a daunting task. However, by following the steps outlined above, it doesn’t have to be. Start with a strong introduction that introduces your topic and sets the tone for your argument. Then develop a well-structured 5 paragraph essay using evidence and facts to support your argument. Make sure to include an opposing view and counter it with evidence. Finally, end with a powerful conclusion that ties back to your introduction. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to craft the perfect immigration essay!

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603 Immigration Essay Topics & Good Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Immigration essay topics provide a vast field of study, ranging from individual narratives to national policies. These topics can encompass the historical context of immigration, the driving forces behind it, or the sociopolitical implications that it brings to both origin and destination countries. More personal themes can explore the experiences, challenges, and adaptations of immigrants in their new homes. Legal viewpoints can scrutinize immigration laws, their effectiveness, and possible reforms. Additionally, the economic aspects of immigration, such as its impact on labor markets or national economies, offer rich areas for investigation. In turn, some topics, like the role of immigration in cultural diversity or its contribution to globalization, can also be explored. As a result, immigration essay topics open up many hot perspectives, each with the potential to reveal fresh insights into this complex, globally relevant issue.

Best Immigration Essay Topics

• Influences of Immigration on the American Economy
• Globalization’s Impacts on Modern Migration
• Refugees: A Perspective into Their Struggles and Triumphs
• Migrants and the Cultural Diversity They Bring
• Changing Immigration Laws: A Historical Analysis
• The Dream Act: Consequences and Opportunities
• Immigration Policies: A Comparative Study Between the U.S. and Canada
• Family Reunification: The Hidden Side of Immigration
• Implications of Brexit on the U.K.’s Immigration Scenario
• Effects of Immigration on the Labor Market
• Nativism and Immigration: Unfolding the Relationship
• Economic Refugee Crisis: Causes and Solutions
• Paths to Citizenship: Exploring the Difficult Journey
• Detention Centers: A Look Into Their Living Conditions
• Transnationalism: The Evolution of Diaspora Communities
• Border Walls: Assessing Their Real Impact
• The Influence of Immigrants on Popular Culture
• Unauthorized Immigration: Addressing the Moral Dilemmas
• Language Acquisition Among Immigrants: Challenges and Strategies
• The Role of Immigration in Technology Innovation
• Asylum Seekers: Evaluating International Policies
• Skilled Immigrants: Their Contributions to Host Countries
• Immigration Enforcement: Analyzing the Militarization of Borders
• Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism: The Immigrant Dilemma
• Roles of NGOs in Helping Refugees Settle
• Sanctuary Cities: Their Role in Immigrant Protection
• Remittances and Their Influence on Immigrant Homelands
• Child Immigrants: Addressing Their Unique Challenges
• Immigration and National Security: Balancing Act
• Immigrants in Politics: Representation and Influence
• The Refugee Convention: An Assessment of Its Efficiency

Easy Immigration Essay Topics

• Impacts of Immigrants on the Healthcare System
• Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Driving Force of the Economy
• Migration Theories: A Critical Examination
• Immigration in Literature: Reflection of Social Issues
• Second-Generation Immigrants: Identity Crisis and Integration
• Aging Immigrant Population: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Intersection of Immigration and Human Rights
• Immigration Reforms: Lessons From the Past
• Diversity Visa Lottery: Pros and Cons
• Expatriates: Exploring the Reverse Immigration Trend
• Female Immigrants: Unraveling Their Unique Experiences
• Immigration Debates: Analyzing Media Representation
• The Relationship Between Immigration and Crime Rates
• Roles of Trade Agreements in Facilitating Immigration
• Immigration and Urbanization: Interconnected Phenomena
• Mass Migration Events: A Study of Causes
• Discrimination against Immigrants: Unveiling the Reality
• Brain Drain vs. Brain Gain: Analyzing Immigration Patterns
• Immigration Policy and the Tech Industry: A Symbiotic Relationship?
• Health Disparities Among Immigrant Communities: A Deep Dive
• The Phenomenon of Aging Out: A Challenge for Young Immigrants
• H-1B Visa Controversy: Impact on Immigrants and Industries
• Analyzing the Concept of Dual Citizenship in Immigration
• Undocumented Students: Obstacles to Higher Education
• Impact of Immigration on Population Aging
• The Psychology of Displacement: Coping Mechanisms Among Immigrants
• Refugee Resettlement Programs: A Global Overview
• Public Opinion on Immigration: Shaping Policy and Politics
• The Role of Education in Immigrant Integration
• Deportation Dilemmas: Family Separation and Its Aftermath
• Refugee Camps: A Detailed Study of Life and Survival
• Immigration Narratives in Cinema: A Reflection of Society

Interesting Immigration Essay Topics

• Examining the Plight of Stateless Individuals
• Migration Due to Environmental Disasters: A Rising Trend
• Policies to Encourage Immigrant Entrepreneurship
• Religious Persecution as a Cause for Immigration
• Societal Impacts of Forced Migration: A Closer Look
• Immigration and the Housing Market: A Complex Interaction
• Role of International Organizations in Immigration Control
• Immigration Law and Human Trafficking: An Unseen Connection
• Colonialism and Its Effect on Modern Immigration Patterns
• Challenges of Assimilation for LGBTQ+ Immigrants
• The School Experience of Children From Immigrant Families
• Assessing the “Melting Pot” Metaphor in the Context of Immigration
• The Impact of Immigration on Host Country’s Politics
• The Process and Implications of Deportation: A Thorough Investigation
• Nationalism and Its Influence on Immigration Policies
• Employment Rights of Immigrants: Safeguarding Dignity and Livelihood
• The Evolution of Sanctuary Policies Across the Globe
• Migration and Food: The Culinary Influence of Immigrants
• Policies Shaping the Future of International Student Immigration
• Indigenous Migrations: History, Causes, and Current Trends
• Impact of Immigration on the Global Demographic Structure
• Evaluating Immigration’s Roles in Sports Development
• Social Networks and Their Influence on Immigration
• The Economics of Illegal Immigration: Costs and Benefits
• Political Asylum: Case Studies and Policy Evaluation
• The “Model Minority” Stereotype: Its Impact on Immigrant Communities
• Understanding Immigration Through the Lens of Social Work
• The Connection Between Immigration and the Growth of Mega Cities
• The Role of Art in Reflecting the Immigrant Experience
• Immigration’s Roles in Fostering International Diplomacy
• Examining the Intersection of Immigration and Gender Inequality
• Migration and Social Mobility: Unveiling the Connection
• The Effect of Immigration on the Spread of Global Languages
• Displacement Due to War: Consequences and Recovery

Argumentative Essay Topics on Immigration

• Immigration Policy’s Influence on Foreign Direct Investment
• Mental Health Issues Among Immigrant Populations: A Silent Crisis
• Integration Policies: Effectiveness in Promoting Immigrant Inclusion
• Climate Migrants: Addressing the Emerging Challenge
• Immigration’s Influence on Fashion Trends: A Historical View
• The Complex Relationship Between Migration and Terrorism
• Effects of Digitalization on Immigration Processes
• Migrants’ Remittance: Impact on Developing Economies
• The Intersection of Immigration and Public Health Policies
• Exploring the Phenomenon of White-Collar Immigration
• The Role of Immigration in Shaping the Music Industry
• Immigration and Aging: A Critical Examination of Retirement Patterns
• The Implications of AI and Robotics on Future Immigration
• Immigration in Post-Colonial Literature: A Critical Analysis
• Immigration’s Roles in Increasing Diversity in Higher Education
• Case Study: Effects of the Syrian Refugee Crisis
• Immigration’s Impacts on Multilingualism in the U.S.
• The Link Between Immigration and Urban Growth: A Study
• Immigration’s Influence on Stand-Up Comedy: A Unique Perspective
• International Students and Post-Graduate Immigration: A Comparative Study
• Understanding the Role of Transnational Families in Immigration
• Migrant Domestic Workers: Exploring Rights and Exploitations
• The Interplay Between Immigration and Foreign Aid Policies
• Integration Models: The Pros and Cons for Immigrant Inclusion

Persuasive Essay Topics on Immigration

• The Paradox of Immigration in Populist Politics
• Migration as a Response to Political Instability: Case Studies
• The Impact of Immigration on Sporting Events and International Competitions
• Immigration and the Emergence of Global Cities: An Investigation
• The Influence of Migration on the Global Art Scene
• Intersectionality in Migration: The Complexity of Multiple Identities
• Immigration and the Rise of Ethnic Enclaves: A Study
• Immigration’s Impacts on the Diversity of Religious Practices
• Demystifying the Concept of Chain Migration
• Impact of Immigration on National Identity: A Comparative Study
• Immigration’s Roles in Broadening the Spectrum of Human Rights
• The Connection Between Immigration and Changes in Dietary Habits
• The Influence of Immigration on Election Outcomes
• Exploring the Benefits of Temporary Migration Programs
• Immigration’s Roles in the Growth of Film Industries Around the World
• The Influence of Immigration on Labor Union Strategies
• Immigration in Comic Books: Depictions and Influences
• Immigration’s Impacts on the Adoption of Green Technologies
• The Role of Immigration in the Expansion of Global Trade
• Immigration and the Shaping of Modern Architecture
• Impacts of Immigration on Educational Policies and Practices
• The Relationship Between Immigration and Food Insecurity
• Migration Due to Industrialization: A Historical Examination
• Return Migration: Exploring the Phenomenon of Circular Immigration
• Evaluating the Role of Media in Shaping Immigration Perceptions
• Xenophobia and Its Impact on Immigration Policies

Immigration Topics to Research

• Cultural Adaptation Challenges Faced by Immigrants
• The Role of Migrant Labor in the Agricultural Sector
• Influence of Immigration on Language Evolution and Dialect Formation
• Intersection of Immigration and Racial Profiling: A Social Analysis
• Impacts of Immigrants on Innovation in Science and Technology
• Displaced Communities: The Underrepresented Side of Immigration
• The Future of Immigration in an AI-Driven World
• Influences of Immigration on Culinary Traditions and Food Fusion
• International Relations and Its Impact on Immigration Policies
• Study on the Relationship Between Immigration and Economic Inequality
• Immigration and Civil Liberties: A Controversial Discussion
• Internal Displacement: The Lesser Known Side of Immigration
• Cybersecurity Risks and Their Implications on Immigration
• Migration the Phenomenon of Climate Refugees
• Effects of Political Unrest on International Migration Trends
• Immigration’s Role in Propelling the Space Industry
• The Impact of Immigration on Traditional and Folk Arts
• Integration of Immigrants in Sports: A Sociological Study
• Analyzing Immigration’s Influence on Global Cuisine
• The Connection Between Immigration and Global Education Trends
• Migration and Its Impact on Global Biodiversity Conservation
• Unraveling the Role of Immigration in Digital Media Evolution

Immigration Opinion Essay Topics

• Brain Circulation: A New Perspective on Skilled Migration
• The Influence of Immigration on Comic Art and Graphic Novels
• Evaluating the Impact of Immigration on Sustainable Development Goals
• Roles of Immigrants in Reviving Dying Languages: A Case Study
• Examining the Role of Immigration in Global Sporting Leagues
• Cultural and Economic Implications of Rural to Urban Migration
• Migration and Its Impact on Traditional Crafting and Artisan Skills
• Impact of Immigration on Intercultural Communication: A Study
• Migration and Its Effects on the Evolution of Dance Styles
• Unaccompanied Minors: An Untold Tale of Immigration
• The Role of Immigration in Shaping Television Content
• Immigration’s Influence on Modern Design and Aesthetic Trends
• The Impact of Immigration on National Literacy Rates
• Roles of Immigration in the Development of E-Sports
• Understanding the Concept of Digital Diaspora in Modern Immigration
• Immigration: Uncovering the Stories of Olympic Athletes
• Children Left Behind: The Forgotten Victims of Migration
• Immigration and Its Influence on Pop Culture Phenomena
• The Impact of Immigration on Local Real Estate Markets
• The Nexus Between Migration and Climate Change Policies

Legal Immigration Essay Topics

• The Role of Legal Immigration in Filling Skill Gaps in the Workforce
• Strengthening Legal Immigration Pathways for Highly Skilled Professionals
• Protecting the Rights of Legal Immigrants in the Criminal Justice System
• Streamlining Legal Immigration Processes for Efficiency and Transparency
• Contributions of Legal Immigrants to Cultural Diversity
• Legal Immigration and Its Impact on Social Integration
• Balancing National Security and Humanitarian Considerations in Legal Immigration
• Investing in Language and Civic Education for Successful Legal Immigration
• Addressing Healthcare Access for Legal Immigrants
• The Importance of Legal Immigration in Maintaining a Vibrant Demographic Balance
• Legal Immigration Policies and Environmental Sustainability
• Protecting Legal Immigrants from Discrimination and Exploitation
• Legal Immigration and the Development of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Integrating Legal Immigrants Into the Education System for Long-Term Success
• Legal Immigration and the Preservation of Human Rights
• Supporting Legal Immigrants in Accessing Housing and Social Services
• Legal Immigration and Its Role in Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
• Ensuring Legal Immigration Opportunities for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Legal Immigration and Its Impact on Public Health Systems
• Enhancing Legal Immigration Pathways for Agricultural Workers
• Benefits of Legal Immigration for Aging Populations

Illegal Immigration Essay Topics

• Analyzing the Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Undocumented Migration
• Understanding the Socio-Cultural Effects of Illegal Immigration
• Evaluating the Challenges Faced by Immigrants in a Hostile Environment
• Investigating the Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border
• Examining the Role of Human Trafficking in Illegal Immigration
• Discussing the Pros and Cons of Amnesty for Undocumented Immigrants
• Unveiling the Implications of Sanctuary Cities on Immigration Policy
• Dissecting the Link Between Drug Trafficking and Illegal Immigration
• The Impact of Deportation Policies on Immigrant Families
• Addressing the Education Gap among Undocumented Students
• Analyzing the Healthcare Burden of Undocumented Immigrants
• Uncovering the Psychological Toll of Living in the Shadows as an Undocumented Immigrant
• The Role of Smuggling Networks in Facilitating Illegal Immigration
• Examining the Connection between Border Security and Human Rights
• Exploring the Impacts of Illegal Immigration on Job Opportunities for Citizens
• Investigating the Impact of Illegal Immigration on Social Welfare Programs
• Analyzing the Contributions of Undocumented Immigrants to the Economy
• The Role of Public Perception in Shaping Immigration Policies
• Addressing the Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
• Examining the Influence of Global Migration Patterns on Illegal Immigration
• Analyzing the Role of Immigration Enforcement Agencies in Controlling Illegal Migration
• Implications of Family Separation Policies on Undocumented Immigrants

Economic Impact of Immigration Essay Topics

• Immigration and Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for Economic Development
• Exploring the Economic Integration of Immigrants
• Immigration and Income Inequality: Examining the Relationship
• Economic Implications of Skilled Immigration
• Analyzing the Impact of Immigration on Housing Markets
• Immigration and the Redistribution of Wealth: An Economic Perspective
• The Effect of Immigration on Trade and Investment Patterns
• Assessing the Economic Consequences of Immigration Policies in Developing Countries
• Economic Contributions of High-Skilled Immigrants
• Immigration and Technological Innovation: A Case Study
• Economic Effects of Refugee Resettlement Programs
• Immigration and the Welfare State: Balancing Costs and Benefits
• The Economic Impact of Immigration on Native-Born Workers
• The Relationship Between Immigration and Job Creation
• Immigration and Economic Development: Lessons From Global Case Studies
• Economic Effects of Immigration on Education and Human Capital
• Assessing the Role of Immigrant Remittances in Economic Growth
• Immigration and Regional Economic Disparities: A Comparative Analysis
• The Economic Impact of Immigration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment
• Immigration and Economic Resilience: Lessons From Economic Crises
• The Role of Immigration in Addressing Population Aging and Labor Shortages
• Immigration and Wage Dynamics: Analyzing the Effects on Different Sectors

Environmental Migration Topics

• Environmental Disasters and Forced Relocation
• The Socioeconomic Effects of Climate Migration
• Urban Planning for Climate-Induced Migration
• Indigenous Communities and Environmental Displacement
• Water Scarcity and Migration in Arid Regions
• Green Infrastructure and Resilient Migration Routes
• Environmental Refugees: Legal and Humanitarian Challenges
• Land Degradation and Its Role in Population Displacement
• Climate Change and Cross-Border Migration
• Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Programs
• Gender Dimensions of Environmental Migration
• The Role of Education in Climate-Induced Migration
• Conservation Policies and Their Impact on Local Communities
• Migration and the Loss of Biodiversity
• Droughts and Migration in Semi-Arid Regions
• Climate Refugees: Economic Opportunities and Challenges
• Environmental Migration and Cultural Identity
• Climate Justice and the Rights of Displaced People
• Sustainable Development and Migration Planning
• Ecosystem Resilience and Migration Patterns
• Impacts of Deforestation on Indigenous Migration

Historical Perspectives on Immigration Essay Topics

• The Bracero Program: Labor Migration from Mexico to the United States
• Angel Island: Chinese Immigration and Confinement in the Pacific
• Irish Potato Famine: Catalyst for Irish Emigration Waves
• Dust Bowl Migration: Environmental Factors and Internal Displacement
• Immigration Act of 1924: Restricting Migration From Eastern Europe
• Refugee Crisis: Analyzing Global Responses to Displaced People
• Indentured Servitude: Early Forms of Immigration Labor Systems
• Operation Wetback: U.S. Government’s Response to Undocumented Migration
• Trail of Tears: Forced Relocation of Native American Tribes
• Guest Worker Program: Temporary Migration Policies and Implications
• Holocaust and Refugee Immigration: Rescuing Lives From Genocide
• Mariel Boatlift: Cuban Immigration and Political Refugee Crisis
• Great Migration: African American Movement From South to North
• Contrasting Experiences: Ellis Island vs. Angel Island Immigration
• Vietnamese Boat People: Refugee Crisis and Resettlement Challenges
• World War II’s Impact on Global Migration Patterns
• Underground Railroad: Escaping Slavery and Freedom Seeking
• Refugee Act of 1980: Reforms in U.S. Policy on Displaced Persons
• India’s Partition: Migration and Communal Violence
• Dust Bowl Exodus: Environmental Factors and Internal Displacement
• Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Populations and Migration
• Australian Stolen Generations: Forced Assimilation and Relocation
• Europe’s Refugee Crisis: Evaluating the European Union’s Response

Immigration and Crime Essay Topics

• The Influence of Immigration on Hate Crime Incidents
• Exploring the Nexus Between Immigration and Gang Violence
• Terrorism and Immigration: An Examination of the Relationship
• Detention Centers and Criminal Activities: The Impact of Immigration
• Identity Theft and Immigration: Unraveling the Patterns
• The Relationship Between Immigration and Juvenile Delinquency
• Money Laundering and Immigration: A Comprehensive Study
• Immigration and Domestic Violence: Analyzing the Correlation
• Intellectual Property Crimes: Exploring the Role of Immigration
• Weapons Offenses and Immigration: Evaluating the Connection
• Fraudulent Activities and Immigration: Unveiling the Trends
• Environmental Crimes: The Hidden Side of Immigration
• Immigration and Cybersecurity Breaches: Assessing the Threats
• Exploring the Influence of Immigration on Drug Trafficking
• Uncovering the Link Between Immigration and White-Collar Fraud
• Smuggling and Immigration: Understanding the Complex Relationship
• Corruption and Immigration: An In-Depth Comparative Analysis
• Hate Crime Legislation: The Impact of Immigration Policies
• Insider Trading and Immigration: A Multifaceted Nexus
• Public Safety and Law Enforcement: The Implications of Immigration
• Immigration and Policing Strategies: Examining the Effectiveness

Immigration and Human Rights Essay Topics

• The Effect of Border Controls on Family Separation and Human Rights
• Enhancing Access to Education and Healthcare for Migrants: A Human Rights Perspective
• The Intersection of Immigration and Gender Equality: Empowering Women and LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Refugees and the Right to Dignity: A Global Responsibility
• Labor Migration and the Right to Work: Overcoming Barriers and Ensuring Fairness
• Protecting the Rights of Undocumented Migrants: Balancing Security and Humanity
• Climate Change and Forced Displacement: Environmental Factors and Human Rights
• Immigration and Racial Discrimination: Challenging Prejudice and Ensuring Equality
• International Law and the Protection of Migrant Rights
• Alternatives to Immigration Detention: Ensuring Human Rights Compliance
• Addressing Xenophobia and Hate Crimes Against Migrants
• The Right to Seek Asylum: International Obligations and Domestic Realities
• Immigration Policies and the Right to Privacy: Balancing Security and Individual Liberties
• Indigenous Rights and Land Ownership in the Context of Migration
• Immigration, Nationalism, and the Preservation of Human Rights
• Protecting the Rights of Migrant Children: Ending Detention and Ensuring Well-Being
• Labor Exploitation in the Context of Migration: Ensuring Fair Working Conditions
• Deportation Procedures and Human Rights: Examining Due Process and Protection Against Torture
• Media Influence on Public Perception of Immigration and Human Rights
• Economic Migration and Brain Drain: Challenges for Developing Nations and Human Rights
• Immigration and Climate Justice: Addressing Displacement and Vulnerability
• The Role of Education in Fostering Understanding and Empathy in Migration Contexts
• Immigration, Health, and the Right to Healthcare for All

Immigration and Social Justice Essay Topics

• Challenging Discrimination: Protecting LGBTQ+ Immigrants’ Social Justice
• Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being of Immigrants through Social Justice
• Environmental Justice and Its Connection to Immigration Policies
• Humanitarian Crisis: Exploring the Social Justice Response to Refugee Immigration
• Strengthening Social Bonds: Building Bridges Between Immigrant and Native Communities
• Restorative Justice Approaches for Immigrants Facing Social Inequality
• Racial Profiling and Its Impact on Social Justice for Immigrants
• Empowering Undocumented Immigrants: A Path to Social Justice
• Promoting Fair Wages and Workers’ Rights for Immigrants in Pursuit of Social Justice
• Family Separation at the Border: Ethical Considerations and Social Justice
• Integrating Immigrants: Fostering Social Justice Through Cultural Exchange
• Collaborative Advocacy: Grassroots Movements for Immigration and Social Justice
• Indigenous Rights and Immigration: Upholding Social Justice Principles
• Balancing National Security and Social Justice in Immigration Policies
• Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice in Refugee and Asylum Seeker Policies
• Addressing Health Disparities among Immigrants Through Social Justice
• Citizenship and Social Justice: Rethinking Access and Inclusion
• Ethical Responsibilities of Immigration Enforcement in Social Justice Contexts
• Countering Xenophobia: Promoting Social Justice for Immigrant Communities
• Restoring Voting Rights: Fostering Political Social Justice for Immigrants

Immigration Essay Topics for Exam

• Exploring the Effects of Immigration on Healthcare Systems
• Evaluating the Economic Contributions of Skilled Migrants
• Ethical Considerations in Border Control and Migration Enforcement
• Analyzing the Impacts of Migration on Housing Markets
• The Influence of Immigration on Political Landscapes
• Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation among Migrants
• Assessing the Effects of Migration on Cultural Traditions
• The Importance of Integration and Language Acquisition for Migrants
• Exploring the Impact of Migration on Environmental Sustainability
• Examining the Role of Migration in Aging Societies
• Challenges of Detention and Deportation in Migration Policies
• Analyzing the Effects of Migration on Public Infrastructure
• The Role of Migration in Addressing Demographic Challenges
• Investigating the Impacts of Migration on Public Health
• Promoting Human Rights in Migration Policies
• Assessing Integration Programs for Migrant Communities
• The Influence of Migration on Gender Dynamics
• Exploring the Implications of Migration on National Security
• Addressing the Psychological Effects of Migration on Individuals
• The Role of Migration in Enhancing Global Diplomacy
• Examining the Impacts of Migration on Rural Areas
• Ensuring Fair and Just Migration Systems

Immigration Essay Topics: Job and Education

• Leveraging Immigrant Entrepreneurs for Job Creation
• Bridging the Skills Gap: Immigration and Vocational Training
• Socioeconomic Benefits of Attracting Highly Educated Migrants
• Protecting Immigrant Workers’ Rights and Ensuring Fair Employment
• Ensuring Equal Educational Access for Migrant Children
• Integrating Immigrants Into Higher Education Institutions
• Cultivating Cross-Cultural Competence in the Workforce Through Migration
• Challenges and Opportunities of International Student Migration
• Supporting Immigrant Women in Job Placement and Career Advancement
• Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Educational Institutions
• Recognizing Foreign Qualifications for Employment
• Immigration’s Roles in Promoting Innovation and Technological Advancement
• Creating Pathways for Migrant Professionals in Emerging Industries
• Promoting Global Competitiveness Through Migration and Education
• Empowering Migrant Workers Through Continuing Education
• Breaking Down Barriers: Promoting Inclusive Education for Migrant Communities
• Migration and the Changing Work Landscape: Adaptation and Reskilling
• Education’s Role in Facilitating Migrant Integration and Social Cohesion
• Addressing Brain Drain: Strategies for Retaining Skilled Migrants
• The Economic Impact of Migrant Students on Higher Education Institutions
• Building Stronger Communities Through Workforce Integration

Immigration in the U.S. Topics

• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Migration Policies
• Assimilation and Integration of Noncitizens in American Society
• Ensuring Fair and Just Immigration Laws and Guidelines
• Family-Based Migration and Reunification Policies
• Immigration and National Security: Striking a Balance
• Refugee Resettlement and Humanitarian Migration Programs
• Supporting Education and Skill Development for Migrant Youth
• Migration and Entrepreneurship: Fostering Innovation
• Providing Healthcare Access for Immigrant Populations
• Protecting the Rights and Well-Being of Migrant Workers
• Migration and Cultural Contributions to American Society
• Addressing Immigration Backlogs and Processing Delays
• Border Control Strategies to Combat Irregular Migration
• Immigrant Integration Programs: Effective Models and Best Practices
• The Role of Migrants in Strengthening U.S. Communities
• Supporting Legal Migration Pathways for Highly Skilled Individuals
• Balancing Migration Enforcement With Due Process Rights
• Migration and Climate Change: Adapting Policies for the Future
• Migration and Public Safety: Collaborative Strategies
• The Impact of Migration Policies on Local Economies
• Protecting the Rights of Migrant Children and Families
• Migration and Voting Rights: Ensuring Inclusion and Representation
• Addressing Language Barriers and Promoting Linguistic Access
• Enhancing Refugee Screening and Vetting Procedures

Immigration Policies and Reform Essay Topics

• Empowering Undocumented Immigrants: Pathways to Legalization
• Balancing National Security and Humanitarian Concerns in Immigration
• Strengthening Family Reunification Policies: A Human Rights Perspective
• Reducing Brain Drain: Encouraging Skilled Immigrants to Stay
• Addressing the Social Integration of Immigrant Communities
• Modernizing the Visa System: Streamlining Immigration Procedures
• Protecting Immigrant Workers’ Rights in the Labor Market
• Combating Human Trafficking through Immigration Policy Reform
• Investing in Education for Immigrant Children: Breaking Barriers
• Managing the Economic Impact of Immigration on Local Communities
• Bridging the Gap: Improving Access to Healthcare for Immigrants
• Building Stronger Ties: Promoting Cultural Exchange Programs
• Promoting Entrepreneurship Among Immigrants: Economic Opportunities
• Reimagining Detention Centers: Humanitarian Approaches to Immigration
• Implementing Fair and Transparent Asylum Policies
• Enhancing Language Acquisition Programs for New Immigrants
• Promoting Diversity in the Workforce Through Immigration Policies
• Supporting Immigrant Students: Access to Higher Education
• Strengthening Collaboration Between Immigration and Law Enforcement
• Promoting Civic Engagement and Political Participation Among Immigrants
• Addressing the Challenges of Illegal Immigration: Policy Solutions
• Protecting the Rights of LGBTQ+ Immigrants: Inclusivity Matters

Immigration Speech Topics

• The Role of Immigrants in Global Peacekeeping Efforts
• Impacts of Immigration on the Evolution of Modern Jazz Music
• Immigration: A Driving Force Behind Language Diversity and Change
• Evolution of Children’s Literature: Influence of Immigration
• The Relationship Between Globalization and Seasonal Migration
• Examining Immigration’s Influence on Fashion Industry Innovations
• Immigration’s Roles in the Diversification of School Curricula
• Migration and Its Impact on the Cosmetics Industry
• The Consequences of Immigration for Aging Populations in Developed Nations
• Immigration and Its Influence on Professional Wrestling
• The Influence of Immigration on Public Transportation Infrastructure
• Immigration’s Impact on the Availability and Demand for Affordable Housing
• Transformation of Stand-Up Comedy Through the Lens of Immigration
• Influences of Immigration on Traditional and Digital Animation
• The Impact of Immigration on the Evolution of Podcasting
• Immigration: Driving the Growth of the Fitness Industry
• Impacts of Immigration on the Development of Smart Cities
• The Role of Immigration in Fueling the Demand for Renewable Energy
• Unveiling the Contribution of Immigrants in the World of Ballet
• Effects of Immigration on Modern Architecture and Urban Planning
• Immigration’s Influence on the Evolution of Modern Art Movements
• Impacts of Immigration on the Innovation and Growth of the Aviation Industry

Immigration Thesis Topics

• Evaluating the Influence of Immigration on the Popularity of Online Streaming Platforms
• The Effect of Immigration on Cross-Cultural Management Practices
• Unraveling the Impact of Immigration on Jazz and Blues Music
• Immigration’s Influence on the Progression of Modern Sculpture Art
• Immigration and Its Influence on International Academic Exchanges
• Analyzing the Impact of Immigration on the World of Contemporary Dance
• Immigration and Its Impact on E-Commerce Trends and Businesses
• The Influence of Immigration on the Global Pharmaceutical Industry
• The Role of Immigration in Advancing Renewable Energy Technologies
• Migration and Its Effect on the Evolution of Science Fiction Literature
• How Does Immigration Shape Global Perspectives in Academic Research?
• The Impact of Immigration on the Globalization of Healthcare Services
• Exploring Immigration’s Influence on Independent Film Movements
• Immigration and Its Role in the Evolution of Mobile Technology
• The Influence of Immigration on the Modernization of Traditional Crafts
• Examining the Impact of Immigration on the Evolution of Social Media Platforms
• Migration’s Role in the Development and Spread of Slang Languages
• Influence of Immigration on the Advent of Contemporary Music Genres
• Impacts of Immigration on Sustainable Agricultural Practices
• Immigration and Its Influence on the Globalization of Comedy
• Migration and Its Impact on the Popularity of Yoga and Mindfulness Practices
• Examining the Role of Immigration in the Evolution of Virtual Learning
• Unraveling Immigration’s Influence on the Transformation of Print Media

International Immigration Essay Topics

• Assessing the Influence of Immigration on National Identity
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Through International Migration
• Investigating the Relationship Between Immigration and Crime Rates
• Importance of Humanitarian Aid for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Guest Worker Programs in Global Labor Markets
• Evaluating the Role of Language Acquisition in Immigrant Integration
• Ethics of Detention and Family Separation in Immigration
• Examining Impacts of Brain Drain on Developing Nations
• Challenges Faced by Undocumented Immigrants in Accessing Healthcare
• Enhancing Social Cohesion in Diverse Societies: Lessons From Successful Models
• Exploring Psychological Effects of Immigration on Individuals and Families
• Roles of Immigration in Shaping Political Landscapes
• Economic Impact of Skilled Migration on Host Countries
• Integration of Immigrants into Educational Systems: Strategies and Best Practices
• Analyzing the Role of Remittances in Global Economic Development
• Understanding Push and Pull Factors of International Migration
• Implications of Climate Change on Immigration Patterns
• Intersectionality of Gender and Migration
• Examining the Role of Diaspora Communities in Transnational Development
• Influence of Immigration on Social Welfare Systems
• Promoting Refugee Rights and Protection in International Law

Personal Immigration Topics

• Family Reunification for Migrants
• Refugee Resettlement and Its Effect on Individuals
• Entrepreneurship as a Path in Immigration
• Educational Opportunities for Migrants
• Access to Healthcare for Immigrants
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Immigration Experience
• The Process of Naturalization for Newcomers
• Advocacy for Immigrant Rights
• Socioeconomic Mobility in the Context of Immigration
• Dual Citizenship and the Immigration Journey
• Balancing Assimilation and Cultural Preservation in Migration
• Humanitarian Aid and its Impact on Personal Immigration
• Contributions of Immigrants to Society
• Social Networks and Support Systems for Newcomers
• Political Participation and Engagement of Immigrants
• Skilled Worker Programs and Employment Immigration
• Immigration Policies: Challenges and Opportunities
• Exploring Transnational Identities in the Immigration Experience
• Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Job Creation
• Addressing Discrimination and Xenophobia in Migration
• Mental Health Support for Immigrants
• Housing and Settlement Considerations for Newcomers

Pros and Cons of Immigration: Essay Ideas

• Health Services: The Pros and Cons of Immigration on Healthcare Systems
• Security Concerns: Advantages and Disadvantages of Immigration Policies for National Security
• Global Perspectives: Pros and Cons of International Migration on Diplomatic Relations
• Brain Drain: Benefits and Drawbacks of Skilled Immigration on Developing Nations
• Family Reunification: The Positive and Negative Aspects of Immigration for Families
• Environmental Impact: Pros and Cons of Immigration on Natural Resources and Sustainability
• Labor Force: Advantages and Disadvantages of Immigrant Workers on Industries
• Social Welfare: Benefits and Drawbacks of Immigration on Government Assistance Programs
• Entrepreneurship: The Pros and Cons of Immigrant Business Owners in the Economy
• Urbanization: Positive and Negative Effects of Immigration on Cities and Infrastructure
• Cultural Exchange: Advantages and Disadvantages of Immigrants’ Influence on Art and Literature
• Political Landscape: Pros and Cons of Immigration on Voter Demographics and Political Shifts
• Technological Innovation: Benefits and Drawbacks of Immigrant Contributions to Science and Technology
• Aging Population: The Positive and Negative Aspects of Immigration for Elderly Care
• Social Services: Pros and Cons of Providing Support to Immigrants in Host Countries
• Brain Gain: Advantages and Disadvantages of Attracting Highly Skilled Immigrants
• Border Control: The Pros and Cons of Immigration Enforcement Strategies
• Social Cohesion: Benefits and Drawbacks of Immigration on Community Relations
• Remittances: Positive and Negative Effects of Immigrants’ Financial Contributions to Home Countries
• Housing Market: Pros and Cons of Immigration on Affordable Housing Availability
• Humanitarian Considerations: The Positive and Negative Aspects of Welcoming Refugees

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Essay Topics

• The Significance of Cultural Exchange Initiatives for Refugee Integration
• Understanding the Legal Frameworks for Asylum Seeker Rights
• Promoting Mental Health Services for Traumatized Displaced Individuals
• Examining the Impacts of Climate Change on Forced Migration Patterns
• The Role of Technology in Facilitating Refugee Assistance and Communication
• Assessing the Implications of Detention Policies for Asylum Seekers
• Understanding the Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Refugees and Displaced Persons
• Analyzing the Impact of Refugee Policies on Global Displacement Trends
• Evaluating the Health Disparities Experienced by Displaced Communities
• The Importance of Family Reunification for Refugee Integration
• Exploring the Role of Community Sponsorship Programs for Forced Migrants
• Assessing the Implications of Border Control Measures on Asylum Seekers
• Focusing on the Cultural Preservation Efforts of Refugee Communities
• Investigating the Role of Religion in Providing Support to Displaced Persons
• Addressing the Impact of Refugee Resettlement Initiatives on Host Communities
• The Significance of Language Acquisition for Refugee Integration
• Exploring the Challenges Faced by Unaccompanied Minor Asylum Seekers
• Evaluating the Role of Refugee Entrepreneurs in Host Country Economies
• Assessing the Implications of Xenophobia on Refugee Integration
• Understanding the Role of Volunteerism in Supporting Forced Migrant Settlement
• Explaining the Mental Health Consequences of Indefinite Asylum Processing
• The Significance of Gender Equality in Refugee Protection and Assistance

Worldwide Immigration Topics

• Refugee Crisis and Humanitarian Migrations
• Brain Drain and Skilled Emigration
• Family Reunification Policies and Migration
• Immigration Detention Practices
• Cultural Diversity and Global Migration
• Human Trafficking and International Migration
• Language Acquisition in Immigrant Communities
• Employment Opportunities for Global Migrants
• Immigration and National Security Measures
• Education Systems and Immigrant Students
• Healthcare Access for Migrant Populations
• Climate Change-Induced Migration
• Social Welfare Systems and Immigrants
• Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Innovations
• Dual Citizenship and Transnational Migrants
• Urbanization and the Global Migration Phenomenon
• Labor Market Implications of Immigration
• Assimilation vs. Multicultural Policies
• Public Opinion on Immigration
• Globalization and the Migration Patterns
• Border Control and Immigration Measures

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Guest Essay

Immigrant Detention Should Have No Place in Our Society

By Ana Raquel Minian

Dr. Minian is a professor of history at Stanford who has written extensively about immigration to the United States.

In May 2018, Fernando Arredondo and his 12-year-old daughter, Andrea, reached the U.S.-Mexico border. The two had fled Guatemala after gang members killed his son, Marco, and threatened the rest of the family.

Weeks earlier, the Trump administration had introduced the zero-tolerance policy: Adult migrants who were caught crossing the border without permission were to be prosecuted and imprisoned, and the children traveling with them taken away and detained separately.

Mr. Arredondo was not aware of the new policy, but it should not have mattered. He did not cross the border illegally. He and Andrea walked to a Border Patrol processing center in Laredo, Texas, and asked for asylum, a right guaranteed by U.S. law. Still, an immigration official took Andrea from Mr. Arredondo and placed them in different cells. Hours later, the officials lined up a group of children, including Andrea, and drove them away without explanation.

The next day, Mr. Arredondo was transported to a different facility. When he arrived, his eyes fell on the vastness of the complex, which was surrounded by razor wire and policed by guards. Even though he had not broken the law, he now found himself at the Rio Grande Detention Center, a holding facility for men that was run by the GEO Group, a private prison corporation.

The United States was founded on the notion that it welcomes “huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” but it is also a nation of prisoners. Mr. Arredondo’s story sheds light on how immigrant detention overlaps with America’s prison system.

In theory, the purposes of detention and imprisonment are distinct. Unlike people held by the criminal justice system, detained immigrants are not being penalized for breaking the law; they are being held while they wait for permission to enter the country or until they are removed or deported. Nonetheless, the nation’s detention and prison systems have grown side by side, buttressed by the same logic and practice.

In 1882, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese labor immigrants from entering the country. At the time, there were no federal immigrant detention centers to hold immigrants whose eligibility was in question or who were slated for deportation. In San Francisco — where a significant portion of Chinese immigrants landed — some were detained in the county jail.

These immigrants — many of whom had the right to enter the United States — were caged while they waited for inspectors to decide whether they could enter the country. Their race, rather than their actions, determined whether they spent time behind bars.

Ellis Island opened its doors a decade later. While it is commonly thought of as the gateway to America, the site also detained immigrants for health or legal reasons. By then, immigration law prohibited entry not only to Chinese laborers but to multiple groups of “undesirable people” among whom were those deemed “insane,” “idiots” or “likely to become a public charge.” Some were held in overcrowded, lice-infested compartments that had wire for walls and windows that were boarded shut.

Immigrant detention changed dramatically in 1980, after the arrival of nearly 125,000 Cubans from the port of Mariel. Thousands of Cubans were placed in military bases while they waited to be processed. Approximately 400 men who could not find sponsors willing to take financial responsibility for them while they settled into life in the United States were sent to the maximum-security federal penitentiary in Atlanta.

Others, like Pedro Prior-Rodriguez, ended up in the prison for reasons that would be incomprehensible to most Americans. Soon after he arrived, he was mugged and severely beaten on the streets of Rochester, N.Y. During the attack he lost one of his eyes and ended up in the hospital. But when it became clear that Mr. Prior-Rodriguez “required a treatment not available,” immigration officials revoked his parole and instead sent him to the Atlanta penitentiary.

The Reagan administration used immigrant detention to expand the prison system. In 1982 the deputy attorney general, Edward C. Schmults, recommended the construction of both an immigration detention center and a federal prison by stating that the Cuban exiles “put great additional pressure on our already overcrowded federal prison system.” Legislators upheld the idea that more facilities were needed because of Mariel Cubans.

Immigrant detention also played a key role in the development of one of the most criticized parts of the carceral system: its reliance on private prisons. In 1984 the Corrections Corporation of America opened the first completely privately run prison in the United States. It was a detention center. Today the Corrections Corporation, rebranded as CoreCivic, is one of the largest private prison contractors in the United States. Along with other for-profit prison companies, it has spent large sums in lobbying and campaign distributions .

In 2022, 8 percent of state and federal prisoners were caged in private prisons. As of July 2023, more than 90 percent of people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were held in facilities owned or operated by private prison corporations.

Like the nation’s prisons, immigrant detention centers tend to be located far from urban hubs, beyond the easy reach of scrutiny. As such, few Americans are aware of the terrible abuses that happen inside some of these facilities. Reports written by experts hired by the Department of Homeland Security found that detainees were held in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, received negligent medical care and were subject to racist abuse.

Immigrant detention does not make us safer. Rather than caging migrants and refugees, the government should allow them to reside with friends, family or community members in the United States while it examines their cases.

Mr. Arredondo and Andrea now live in Los Angeles with the rest of their family. They were lucky; not only was the family reunited, but they have also been granted asylum. But he and his family deserved better. So do all those who are currently entrapped in our vast detention system. Immigrant detention should have no place in our society.

Ana Raquel Minian is a professor of history at Stanford. This essay has been adapted from their new book , “In the Shadow of Liberty.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Immigration to America — Immigrant Experience and Challenges

Immigrant Experience and Challenges

• Categories: Immigration to America Overcoming Challenges Personal Experience

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Published: Aug 24, 2023

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Leaving home, embracing the unknown, challenges of adaptation and cultural transition, the pursuit of education: bridging cultures, preserving cultural identity, overcoming stereotypes and building bridges, the american dream: a journey of possibilities, a message of hope for the future, conclusion: a journey of identity and aspiration.

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Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is informative writing?

Informative writing educates the reader about a certain topic. An informative essay may explain new information, describe a process, or clarify a concept. The provided information is objective, meaning the writing focuses on presentation of fact and should not contain personal opinion or bias.

Informative writing includes description, process, cause and effect, comparison, and problems and possible solutions:

Describes a person, place, thing, or event using descriptive language that appeals to readers’ senses

Explains the process to do something or how something was created

Discusses the relationship between two things, determining how one ( cause ) leads to the other ( effect ); the effect needs to be based on fact and not an assumption

Identifies the similarities and differences between two things; does not indicate that one is better than the other

Details a problem and presents various possible solutions ; the writer does not suggest one solution is more effective than the others

Purpose of informative writing

The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.

Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .

Summarizing a scientific/technological study

Outlining the various aspects of a religion

Providing information on a historical period

Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.

How to write an informational essay

How to construct an argument

How to apply for a job

Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.

Explain why or how something works the way that it does.

Describe how the stock market impacts the economy

Illustrate why there are high and low tides

Detail how the heart functions

Offer information on the smaller aspects or intricacies of a larger topic.

Identify the importance of the individual bones in the body

Outlining the Dust Bowl in the context of the Great Depression

Explaining how bees impact the environment

How to write an informative essay

Regardless of the type of information, the informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

Background information

Explanation of evidence

Restated thesis

Review of main ideas

Closing statement

Informative essay introduction

When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.

If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:

Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.

Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.

A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.

Directly introduce the topic of the essay.

Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.

Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Informative essay body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.

A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.

Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.

Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.

Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:

Tell the reader where you were (current support)

Tell the reader where you are going (next support)

Relate the paper’s purpose

Informative essay conclusion

Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.

Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.

End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?

Informative essay example

The following example illustrates a good informative essay format: