Immigration is what made America what it is today. In fact, there would be no America without immigration, because everyone in the country is an immigrant or direct descendant of one. Even the oldest inhabitants, the Native Americans, emigrated from Asia. The rest of us come from all parts of the world. Countries like England, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, China, Germany, and many others all helped populate the United States. Immigration began with the beginnings of our country and has continued every year since. Each wave of immigrants brings new ideas and cultures as people integrate with other Americans. Immigration is certainly a necessity, but if left unchecked, it can also have devastating effects on the country's economy and population. Immigration is therefore only good if it is limited. I believe that the immigration policy that the country is currently pursuing is controlled and constitutes good policy. Immigration to a controlled state can have positive effects on the economy. They pay taxes and create businesses that increase GNP. The creator of Hotmail was an Indian immigrant with only $200. His business has certainly had a positive impact on the American economy. The most comprehensive study on immigration, by the National Research Council, found that immigration provides a modest overall net gain for the United States. About $7 billion to $10 billion a year is earned through immigration in an $8 trillion economy. Some local governments are feeling financial strain in states with large numbers of immigrants, including California, the report said, because these households are more likely to have school-age children, rely on social services and pay for lower taxes than local residents. But overall, the results are positive. If immigration is not controlled, it will massacre the country's economy. Since many immigrants who arrive in the country have nothing but the clothes on their backs, billions of dollars would have to be spent just to keep the immigrant alive. Uncontrolled immigration would mean the end of today's average middle-class family. Working for next to nothing, immigrants would flood the workforce, forcing middle-class workers into unemployment and poverty. We would see our wonderful nation slide into the realm of third world countries. Immigration should not be stopped completely. We have a lot to thank for immigrants. Chinese immigrants built the transcontinental railroad, which united our country by connecting East and West..