Immigration has shaped the United States as a nation since the first newcomers arrived more than 400 years ago. In addition to being a powerful demographic force, they are responsible for the way our country has become populated today. Immigration has contributed profoundly to many of the economic, social, and political processes that are fundamental to the United States as a nation. We are a melting pot of many different ethnic groups and we have thrived from this. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayAlthough immigration has occurred throughout American history, large-scale immigration occurred only during four peak periods: the peopling of the original colonies, the westward expansion during the mid-19th century, and the rise of cities in the early 20th century. The fourth peak period began in the 1970s and continues today. These periods of peak immigration coincided with fundamental transformations in the American economy. The first saw the dawn of European settlement in the Americas. The second allowed the young United States to transition from a colonial to an agricultural economy. The Industrial Revolution gave rise to a manufacturing economy during the third peak period, propelling America to become the world's leading power. Today's large-scale immigration has coincided with globalization and the latest stages of transformation from a manufacturing economy to a 21st century knowledge-based economy. As before, immigration has been spurred by economic transformation, just as it is helping the United States adapt to new economic realities. For a nation of immigrants and immigration, the United States changes its immigration policies only rarely, largely because the policies surrounding immigration can be deeply divisive. As a result, immigration policy has often been increasingly disconnected from the economic and social forces driving immigration. When changes have been made, they have typically taken years to legislate. Today, the United States may be on the verge of major new reforms that would address the long-standing problems of illegal immigration, as well as those of the legal immigration system, which has not yet been resolved. been updated since 1990. The push for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) is back on the congressional stage, with bipartisan groups in the House and Senate engaged in meaningful negotiations to craft legislation that would increase enforcement at the borders and within the nation, it would legalize the nation's estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants and provide legal avenues for employers in the United States to access the future workers they need. The CIR, in one form or another, has been under consideration since at least 2001, with major debates in the Senate in 2006 and 2007. "After the failure of the CIR legislation in the Senate in 2007, the effort to reform the nation's immigration has been put aside." reform program. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay This country profile examines the key legislative events that shape the history of the U.S. immigration system, the size and characteristics of the country's immigrant population, the characteristics of legal and illegal immigration flows, U.S. policies for refugees and asylum seekers, immigrant integration efforts, post-recession immigration trends, immigration enforcement, immigration policies during.