Mark Krikorian

Many Americans have expressed support for legal immigration while calling for more enforcement against illegal immigration. In the following viewpoint, Mark Krikorian argues that such an approach is flawed. Legal and illegal immigration are not two separate issues, he contends, but are instead part of the same process. America must lower the number of legal immigrants allowed to come here in order to curb illegal immigration, he concludes. Krikorian directs the Center for Immigration Studies, a research organization based in Washington, D.C.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What glaring omission exists in immigration legislation passed by Congress in 1996, according to Krikorian?
2. Why have the numbers of legal and illegal immigrants risen in tandem, as explained by the author?
3. How do long waiting periods for green cards contribute to the illegal...