Among many of the highly controversial issues in the United States, illegal immigration ranks among the first, as it is continually growing and must be stopped. The term “illegal immigration” is used to describe the migration of people to another country without government permission. Due to the highly desirable lifestyle of the United States, illegal immigration is more common than many other countries in the world. Even before the Constitution was written, prominent political and social idols, such as Benjamin Franklin, worried about the outcome of immigration. His ideas were particularly aimed at the increase of German immigrants, as he warned that “Pennsylvania will in a few years become a German colony; instead of making them learn our language, we must learn theirs, or live as if in a foreign country." Although Franklin's thinking influenced a large number of people living in the country, the nation's first hundred years were established with open borders (Hing). This would welcome foreign citizens displaced by the ravages of war or persecuted by totalitarian governments in hopes of a better life. The Fourteenth Amendment, ratified in 1868, would establish the rights of citizens, or legally recognized subjects or citizens of a state or commonwealth, whether native or naturalized (McClenaghan). Many illegal immigrants refuse to integrate into their native environment. They also take a variety of unskilled jobs that citizens could use, but instead become unemployed. The concept of immigration is what has allowed the United States to prosper from its early years to the present day; however, when done illegally, it can damage the domestic tranquility and security of the nation, as we… middle of paper… increased border patrols in these areas are needed (Dudley). Additionally, occasional screening of individuals should be carried out, both at work and at school, to establish their citizenship. All in all, it must be recognized that illegal immigration will never be completely eliminated, but with the right approach it can be reduced, strengthening the domestic tranquility and security of the United States as a nation. Works Cited Currie, Stephen. Immigration problems. Sand Diego, California: Lucent Books, 2000. Print.Dudley, William. Illegal immigration: opposing points of view. San Diego, California: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Print.Hing, Bill. Immigration and law: a dictionary. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 1999. Print.McClenaghan, William. Macgruder's American government. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2010. Print.