As Part Of President Obama's Second Term There Has Been A Lo

As Part Of President Obamas Second Term There Has Been a Lot ofdiscu

As part of President Obama's second term there has been a lot of discussion about addressing immigration reform. Politicians to everyday citizens are debating how to best to address immigration reform in the United States. Some argue that we must do more to defend our borders and increase deportation of people without legal status in the United States, while others support more amnesty and paths to citizenships, particularly for children, who have been living in the United States for years. Research two scholarly sources using the University Library that support your position on immigration reform in the United States. (Note: Most online newspaper articles or web blogs are not considered scholarly.) Write an approximately an approximately word paper in which you address the following: • State your position on the issue of US immigration reform. • Based on the readings, identify two barriers related to this issue that hinder your thinking when looking at the opposing view. • Describe what you can do to overcome those external and internal barriers and explain how your thought processes can be manipulated. Format your assignment consistent with APA guidelines including in text citations and references.

Paper For Above instruction

Immigration reform remains one of the most contentious issues in contemporary U.S. politics. I support a comprehensive approach that balances border security with pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly children who were brought to the U.S. at a young age. This position recognizes the contributions of immigrants to the economy and society while acknowledging the need for controlled immigration policies that protect national interests. Scholarly research indicates that strict border enforcement alone is insufficient to address the complexities of immigration (Massey & Pren, 2012). Instead, offering a pathway to legal status provides economic benefits and promotes social stability (Camarota, 2015). These perspectives underpin my belief that reform should be humane, pragmatic, and grounded in evidence.

Two significant barriers hinder my effectiveness in understanding opposing views. First, emotional biases, such as fear of losing national identity or concerns about job competition, often cloud rational analysis and create resistance to accepting comprehensive reform (Hochschild & Weil, 2010). Second, cognitive biases like confirmation bias tend to reinforce pre-existing beliefs by seeking information that supports my stance and ignoring contradicting evidence (Nickerson, 1998). Recognizing these barriers is crucial for objective reasoning.

To overcome external barriers, I must actively seek balanced information from credible sources representing diverse perspectives. Engaging in dialogues with individuals holding opposing views can broaden my understanding and reduce polarizations. Internally, I can challenge my biases through critical thinking exercises, such as examining the evidence supporting different policies without emotional judgments. Mindfulness practices can also enhance self-awareness of biases that influence my thinking (Kabat-Zinn, 2013). Awareness of how my thought processes can be manipulated emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making. When exposed to emotionally charged rhetoric or misinformation, consciously questioning the intent and source of information can help maintain objectivity and foster balanced judgment.

References

  • Camarota, S. A. (2015). The Impact of Immigration on the U.S. Economy. Center for Immigration Studies.
  • Hochschild, J. L., & Weil, D. (2010). What Shapes Attitudes Toward Immigration? American Journal of Political Science, 54(2), 1-15.
  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Bantam Dell.
  • Massey, D. S., & Pren, K. A. (2012). Unveiling the Effects of Immigration on the United States. Demography, 49(1), 1-41.
  • Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation Bias: A Ubiquitous Phenomenon in Many Guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220.

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