Should Immigrants Be Allowed To Vote

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Immigration is a touchy subject for me personally. My grandparents, as well as my father, immigrated to the United States in search of what many other immigrants seek, the American Dream. My grandparents and my father were responsible immigrants who paid their fair share of taxes and maintained a clean criminal record, all while not being able to vote. Immigrants have hidden in the shadows to avoid being separated from their families. I believe that it is time for immigrants to come out of the shadows and fight for their citizenship. Immigrants who come to America for a better life, who are willing to follow American laws, and who work towards citizenship should be able to acquire legal status. Many people believe immigrants do not pay taxes …show more content…

Americans have the privilege to fight for their rights while immigrants who work just as hard as Americans do not have the same privileges. The right to vote would be another terrific step towards the American Dream. Immigrants should be allowed to vote while they are in the process of getting their citizenship. They pay their fair share in taxes as much as any other American. Immigrants deserve to have a voice in elections. The process of getting citizenship is not a simple one, it usually takes eight or more years for the process to go through (Hayduk). About 22 million adults, living in the United States cannot vote because they do not have citizenship …show more content…

Not every immigrant is a terrible person. I’m eternally grateful for the decision my grandparents and father made to come to America and leave everything behind just to let my family and I have better opportunities. Immigrants who come to America for a better life, who are willing to follow American laws, and who work towards citizenship should be able to acquire legal status. I believe every person should have the chance to live the American dream. Everyone should live in a country where they feel protected. Immigrants deserve every amazing opportunity they can reach.

Works Cited
Campbell, Alexia Fernández. "The Truth About Undocumented Immigrants and Taxes." The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 12 Sept. 2016. Web. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
Duara, Nigel. "Arizona's Once-feared Immigration Law, SB 1070, Loses Most of Its Power in Settlement." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 15 Sept. 2016. Web. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
Hayduk, Ron. "Give Noncitizens the Right to Vote? It's Only Fair." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2014. Web. Accessed 18 Feb. 2018.
Miller, Karen. Immigration. Detroit: Greenhaven, an Imprint of Thomas Gale, a part of the Thomas Corporation, 2007.

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