The Conflict

Each year, thousands of would-be immigrants from around the world apply to immigrate to the United States, others apply for asylum, and others immigrate illegally. The decision of who gets to stay is based on legislation that has established quotas and other regulations regarding immigration. Individuals and groups opposed to immigration—or to the immigration of certain groups—seek to limit immigration and sometimes perpetrate violence on immigrants.

Political

• Anti-immigration legislation has been very popular in some U.S. states, reflecting some people's frustration with rising costs and the changing ethnic demographics of the United States.
• Immigrants are an increasingly large political bloc that can influence elections and therefore command the attention of politicians.

Ethnic

• Some people want the United States to continue to have a majority of people of European ancestry and therefore want to...