8. The reality is that many economies around the world—and certainly the US economy—are dependent on workforces composed of many illegal aliens. This has been a significant issue in the United States and many other industrialized nations that offer relatively safe, high paying jobs to people willing to work hard to support their families and improve their quality of life.

It is time for the US, as well as the rest of the world, to implement programs of amnesty to allow millions of undocumented people to stay and continue to work—legally. There have been laws passed in many U.S. states that threaten deportation and imprisonment if an illegal alien is caught. These laws have disrupted families and fines levied against employers have made it difficult for even long-term, dependable workers to get a job. These are jobs that most legal residents have thumbed their noses at. It is time to share wealth and opportunity and it is time to take away the fear that many people live under on a daily basis. Diagram the above arguments using both the Toulmin Model and the Co-Orientational Model of argument. Then, based on what you know, criticize each argument.

What makes it strong? What makes it weak? For example:

Capital punishment for murderers is widely supported by the general population. A Harris Poll in 1975 reported 59 percent of the public was in favor of capital punishment, and that proportion reportedly was increasing. Another poll in 1978 asked the question, “Are you in favor of the death penalty for persons convicted of murder?” The results showed 66 percent of the populace in favor of the death penalty.

Criticism These polls are very outdated. Perhaps public opinion has shifted since the 1970s. Besides, just because the public supports something does not mean that it should be favored.