Final answer:
Immigration is an important issue in the United States due to its economic, cultural, and political impact. States like Arizona and California have been particularly concerned about immigration policy. Most immigrants originate from Mexico, shaping the country's approach to the issue. The effectiveness of the DREAM Act and other suggestions for immigration reform can be subjective.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Immigration is an important issue in the United States because it has economic, cultural, and political implications. Immigrants contribute to the economy by filling labor market gaps, starting businesses, and paying taxes. They also bring cultural diversity and contribute to the overall fabric of American society. Immigrants can become citizens through various pathways, such as family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, or the naturalization process.
2. States or areas in the country with the greatest concerns over immigration policy include border states like Arizona and California. These states have experienced high levels of undocumented immigration and have implemented controversial laws to address the issue. For example, Arizona enacted SB 1070 in 2010, which allowed law enforcement officers to question the immigration status of individuals they suspected of being undocumented. California has also implemented various policies, such as providing sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants.
3. The country that most immigrants (legal and illegal) originate from is Mexico. This has influenced how the United States approaches the issue of immigration, especially in terms of border security and enforcement. The proximity of Mexico to the United States has made it a primary source of unauthorized immigration, leading to debates regarding border control and immigration policy.
4. The effectiveness of the DREAM Act, which would have provided a pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals who came to the United States as children, is subjective. Supporters argue that it would have allowed young immigrants to fully integrate into society and contribute to the country. However, opponents raised concerns about providing amnesty to individuals who entered the country illegally. Other suggestions to address the immigration issue include comprehensive immigration reform, increased border security, and guest worker programs.