Controlling migration has been a leading issue for many governments throughout history. During the Cold War, divisions like the Korean DMZ and the Berlin Wall were erected to restrict migration. Developed countries have enacted various restrictive immigration laws over time to control migration from poorer developing countries. Currently, the most high-profile migration issue in the US involves Mexican migration, with some proposing to amend birthright citizenship and states passing their own immigration laws due to perceived federal inaction. Proposed solutions to illegal immigration have included stricter border control, refugee camps, improving conditions in migrants' home countries, and guest worker programs.

1. CONTROLLING MIGRATION Efforts to restrict migration are nothing new. From the early Chinese leaders ….

2. … .to the U.S. government in the 19 th century, migration control has been a leading issue.

3. Cold War politics provided high profile cases of migration control, including the Korean DMZ, and ….

4. … . the infamous Berlin Wall, which was torn down in 1989.

5. Developed countries, attempting to control migration, are pitted against poor developing countries. The U.S., known widely as the “land of immigrants,” has a history of restrictive legislation affecting immigration (1882; 1921; 1929; 1952).

6. In 1965, the quota system was abolished and new limits were set. Efforts to restrict migrations are nothing new, but media coverage, democratic debate, and political wrangling only make it seem so. Currently, the most high-profile migration issue in the U.S. involves Mexican migration to the U.S.

7. For many Americans, the issue of “anchor” babies has become an intense political issue. A growing number of conservative-leaning politicians are proposing to amend the 14 th Amendment, which currently provides for automatic U.S. citizenship if one is born in the U.S.

8. The areas in the U.S. most affected by Mexican migration are Texas, Arizona, and California. The movement of Mexicans has had a big impact in these three states.

9. Illegal crossings take the form of circumventing a wall, paying a smuggler for passage, or simply wading across the Rio Grande. For every illegal arrested, hundreds more are estimated to make it through.

10. Illegal Mexicans fleeing the border patrol create hazards for motorists, so the state of California posted signs warning drivers to be on the lookout for fleeing illegals.

12. A current controversy involves angry citizens/residents organizing into vigilante-style groups, who patrol the border separate from the border patrol.

14. 5. President Bush advocates a “guest worker” program as a viable solution (controversial to many – viewed as an amnesty program).

15. Currently, a growing number of states, led by border states such as Arizona, either have passed controversial immigration laws, or they are considering doing so. This becomes a Constitutional issue, pitting these states against the Federal govt. These states argue that inaction by the Federal govt. is forcing them to act. The issue is deeply splitting Americans.