Immigration plays a big role in international relations, with US being one of the countries at the forefront of this issue. Many factors correlate with the subject of immigration to US such as economic reasons, political resolves, or population control efforts. Americans’ opinions vary on politically related issues, but the Congress always used these as a bargaining chip when raising their cases. With that said, public opinion has a direct influence on political motives.
Generalizing Suro’s survey (2009), majority of the American public have divided opinions on immigration issues. Likewise, 2006 Pew surveys cite that health care, economy, and terrorism are three major issues that soon-to-be-president Barack Obama must address. Fast forward to eight years, opinions on immigration may have likelily changed. Research contributions covering the US immigration law issue may have played a role. Illegal immigration has become an alarming issue as it may bear negative effects on the American economy and civil security. Americans generally share a positive view on immigration as it promotes cultural diversity, but racism rhetoric underlies on it.
Public opinion on immigration as a political issue drastically changed over the course of ten years, but some elements of immigration remain unchanged. The 2013 Pew surveys cite that 75% of the respondents said that the immigration policy needs a major overhaul. Illegal immigration may become a major issue, but Americans’ opinions are divided on it. Related surveys also show that 47% of Americans believe that dealing with illegal immigration requires priority for border security improvement, stringent law enforcement, and systematic application for citizenship. Given the sample size of respondents, interest of public on the issue of immigration would only increase. It could also play a major role on the stability of every American society.
Another issue in the field of American politics is the proper management of the financial crisis. Global economy took a to-and-fro tumble over the past decade, and its effects reverberated across the world. Millions lost their jobs; others cut down on businesses; product prices increased – all for the expense of soothing the effects of the Great Recession. The world may have recovered from the Great Recession, but the worst financial crisis may just be on its way.
According to Brookings Podcast of Financial Regulation, they cited Elliot’s study that people want more political reforms and agenda than temperament of legislation. On the same podcast, Elliot offers his hypothesis on how to work on financial regulation issues with more success. Elliot also cites that banks need to find ways on generating more capital. Democrats are looking for an independent agency that would solely focus on consumer protection. However, the Republicans rebutted that the said agency might only cut down on risks. Elliot also points out that banks and financial institutions should make information on derivatives available to the public. Elliot understands that even the passing of legislation, factors such as the “too big to fail” theory are still inevitable.
Public dismay on banking institutions is too visible, and Elliott used that as a variable and basis for his analysis. If I were to pick or create my variables on extracting the hypothesis of financial regulation, I would also refer to public opinion. Public opinion proved to be an effective catalyst, and created a significant impact on policies that play well with different organizations (Burstein, 2013). Another variable that I would consider is the implementation of damage control procedures. Through its execution success and failure, banks and financial institutions can use it to strengthen their policies.
Burstein, P. (2003). The Impact Of Public Opinion On Public Policy: A Review And An Agenda. Political Research Quarterly, (56), 29.
Elliott, Douglas (Speaker). (2010, April 23). Brookings Podcast: Financial Regulation in Congress. Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/research/podcasts/2010/04/23-at -brookings-podcast
Most Say Immigration Policy Needs Big Changes. (2013, May 9). Retrieved October 17, 2014, from http://www.people-press.org/2013/05/09/most-say-immigration-policy-needs -big-changes/
Suro, R. (2009). America’s views of Immigration: The Evidence of Public Opinion Surveys. Retrieved October 17, 2014, from www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/TCM- USPublicOpinion.pdf