Immigration Amnesty in AmericaOne of the major U.S. policy issues since the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 has been illegal immigration and amnesty. In 1986 Ronald Regan passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 which changed the issue of illegal immigration forever. This bill called for “the legalization of all undocumented aliens who have been continuously illegally present since 1982, the legalization of certain agricultural workers, sanctions for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers, and increased border controls of United States” (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Amnesty is a sensitive topic. Politicians often change their opinion on amnesty. Amnesty (particularly immigration amnesty) occurs when someone is granted a legal status that is illegally present in the country that allows them to work and live in the country (Spalding). As seen in recent presidential debates, this is a very controversial and touchy issue. Many people are familiar with this problem related to Donald Trump's wall concept. Illegal immigration has caused a burden on the United States, and illegal immigrants should not be granted amnesty. The amount of reasons against illegal immigration and amnesty is endless, however there are a few that stand out. One of the main burdens associated with illegal immigration would be the economic burden it imposes. From an economic perspective, there are many different aspects to how illegal immigrants accumulate debt. For starters there are just the general benefits they receive minus taxes and that adds up. According to Robert Rector “this generated an average annual fiscal deficit of approximately $14,387 per family. Under current law, all illegal immigrant families together have a… middle of paper… They broke the law and should be punished and not rewarded. Illegal immigration has caused a burden on the United States and illegal immigrants should not be granted amnesty. Although some people may have their reasons for coming to this country, unless they follow the proper procedure, then it is illegal. Illegal aliens must be held accountable for their actions. To make this a better country and reduce the national debt some procedures need to be followed. One of those procedures is to crack down on immigration and ban amnesty. Whether the illegal immigrant causes an economic burden, increases the incidence of crime, or is granted amnesty, they are messing up the government system. The United States is the greatest country in the world and intends to remain so by following the ideas presented in this essay.