Welfare
Human services workers are found in virtually every social agency from hospitals to community health centers. More recent (and often controversial questions) arise from whom human services workers should serve and when they should serve them. As we know, there are Issues in several states regarding the influx of migrants that present large-scale issues that are currently impacting the human service field and warrant further thinking:
After viewing the video clips and researching 3 additional peer reviewed reference articles, answer the following questions about the migrant issue only:
Morality of social services - Who shall receive services, and on what terms?
Nature of social obligations - For what needs and problems regarding the migrant population is society responsible, and which shall receive priority?
Preferred interventions - What kind of policy remedies should be chosen to address the migrant issue?
Compensatory strategies - Should society give preferential assistance or treatment to members of specific groups that lag behind the rest of the population in economic and other conditions?
Magnitude of federal policy roles - What policy powers should federal authorities possess, and what should be the magnitude of federal social spending?
Sample Solution
Moral Dimensions of the Migrant Issue
The influx of migrants into various countries presents a complex ethical dilemma, raising questions about the morality of social services, the nature of social obligations, and the role of government intervention.
Morality of Social Services
The question of who should receive social services and on what terms has been a subject of ongoing debate. Some argue that social services should be provided on a universal basis, regardless of immigration status.
Full Answer Section
They believe that every human being has a fundamental right to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Others contend that social services should be prioritized for citizens and legal residents, arguing that limited resources should be directed towards those who have contributed to society through taxes and other means. Nature of Social Obligations Determining the extent of society's responsibility towards the migrant population is another critical issue. Some argue that society has a moral obligation to provide basic support to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. They believe that denying essential services to migrants is inhumane and could lead to further exploitation and hardship. Others argue that society's primary responsibility lies within its own borders, and that resources should be focused on addressing the needs of citizens and legal residents. Preferred Interventions The question of what policy remedies should be chosen to address the migrant issue is multifaceted. Some advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. They believe that this would provide legal protections, access to essential services, and opportunities for economic integration. Others support stricter border enforcement and stricter penalties for illegal immigration. They believe that these measures would deter future migration and protect national security. Compensatory Strategies The question of whether society should provide preferential assistance or treatment to specific groups that lag behind the rest of the population in economic and other conditions is also controversial. Some argue that affirmative action and other compensatory measures are necessary to address historical injustices and create a more equitable society. Others believe that such measures are unfair and create reverse discrimination. Magnitude of Federal Policy Roles The appropriate balance of power between federal and local governments in addressing the migrant issue is another area of contention. Some argue that the federal government should play a more active role in setting immigration policies and providing funding for social services. Others believe that decisions regarding immigration and social services should be made at the state and local levels, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to local conditions. Conclusion The influx of migrants into various countries presents a complex set of ethical and policy challenges. There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate regarding the morality of social services, the nature of social obligations, preferred interventions, compensatory strategies, and the magnitude of federal policy roles. Addressing these issues effectively requires a nuanced understanding of the ethical considerations and a willingness to engage in open and informed dialogue. Additional Research In addition to viewing the video clips, I have researched three additional peer-reviewed reference articles on the migrant issue:- "The Ethics of Immigration: A Multimodal Approach" by Ian Loader (2017)
- "The Morality of Immigration: A Global Perspective" by Thomas Pogge (2018)
- "The Ethics of Border Controls: A Philosophical Analysis" by Joseph Carens (2019)