Both Jay Bookman and Robert J. Samuelson have written essays addressing the pros and cons of illegal immigrants working in America. Despite differing opinions, in his essay “Guest Workers and the U.S. Heritage,” Bookman argues that America relies on illegal immigrants to fuel its growth, questioning how Americans can accept their labor without allowing them to fully establish themselves in the country.
Robert J. Samuelson argues in his essay “We Don’t Need ‘Guest Workers'” that the priority should be on generating job opportunities for current Americans and finding cost-saving measures, instead of depending on immigrant labor through guest service programs. Both authors present valid points about the temporary presence of immigrants in the country via these programs, and their viewpoints can greatly impact the immigration situation, whether positively or negatively.
In his essay, Jay Bookman explores the common expectations imposed on immigrants who come to America for employment. These individuals are usually only anticipated to have modest ambitions, like earning a salary and ultimately going back to their homeland (Bookman 219). It is crucial, as per Bookman’s argument, to emphasize that these immigrants are deprived of the chance to envision a future where they and their children can participate in the advancement they contribute towards constructing in America. Moreover, the introduction of the guest service program would hinder them from acquiring permanent citizenship and compel them to uproot their settled families and depart.
In regards to the need for a significant amount of “guest workers” from Mexico and Central America to fill labor shortages in the United States, Robert J. Samuelson argues that it would be more beneficial for the country to prioritize hiring skilled American workers rather than relying on undocumented immigrants without skills who offer cheap labor (Samuelson, 223).
Works Cited
- Bookman, Jay. “Guest Workers and the U. S. Heritage. ” Short Takes: Model Essays for Composition. Ed. Elizabeth Penfield. 11th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. 217-223.
- Samuelson, Robert. “We Don’t Need ‘Guest Workers. ” Short Takes: Model Essays for Composition. Ed. Elizabeth Penfield. 11th ed. Boston Pearson, 2013. 221-225
