Illegal Immigration

Did you know that illegal immigration in Nebraska has increased dramatically since 1990, averaging 24% of our state population increase? Today in America we are experiencing the largest wave of immigration in over a century consisting of about 11 million illegal immigrants now in the United States. These immigrants have many reasons for moving to America; there is more job opportunity, with better pay, safer communities, access to welfare payments, and better schooling for their children. Although some would argue that having the illegals here is a bad thing, they do have some good that comes with them; like their burritos and other Mexican dishes. In this photograph of a Hispanic male holding a sign saying "No Illegals, No Burritos, You better think twice America," causes controversy across our nation.
Illegal immigration is going to be around for quite awhile because our system is not preventative enough to barricade every single migrant out of America. From the immigrants’ standpoint, all they want is a chance to succeed, and they feel that is where America comes into play. The ad that is represented holds many appeals that helps the man’s ‘protest’ draw more attention.
The controversial picture will capture an audience’s attention as soon as your eye meets the advertisement. The white cardboard or plastic sign with permanent bold, black letters is the first thing that captures the readers’ eyes, but is not the only contribution to this picture. After reading the argument, you can see who is holding the sign; a Hispanic man with a very large sombrero showing off his countries pride. As you look more into detail, irony comes into the picture; there are little American flags surrounding the Hispanic by what seems to be a crowd of people. Maybe a protest was taking place, or a massive invasion of immigrants? The assumption is up to you to decide. All three of the major pieces in this picture are related to produce advertisement to gain attention.
In this political picture, all three of the rhetorical appeals are used, as well as some rhetorical strategies such as illustration, cause and effect, and analogy. Illustration is represented by the large poster that Hispanic man is holding, giving that slight phrase shows us how it may impact one person’s life or let alone a whole country. Cause and effect is illustrated by the Hispanic man stating that as long as they are happy (with being able to live in America), we will be kept happy (because of their good foods). Analogy is also represented in this every day picture by relating all three things to one another; the white cardboard poster, the large sombrero hat, and the American flags.

As you may have noticed this picture is not a typical campaign type for advertising. It looks as if an onlooker just took a snapshot of this Hispanic man fighting for himself and the other immigrants across the world. When you first read over the ad, you may feel a sense of humor behind it, or maybe a different state of mind such as hurt and pain for the poor immigrants. Pathos is used in this ad because it makes the audience feel something or be put into a particular mood. As you look at the man’s face, he shows a sign of desperation and hopelessness, hoping that the audience will have pity for him and all other immigrants. The ad is trying to persuade the audience into being more open of immigrants coming to America, and also persuading us with their delicious foods. Pathos is also represented through this picture based on all the materials that is used; poster, hat, and flags. It helps portray the image that the man wanted to set.
The number of illegal immigrants and our system of allowing them is all based on statistics, facts and government issues. Logos is presented in this picture through the statistical evidence and reason supporting illegal immigration in this country. The fact that this Hispanic man is trying to fight for his rights to live in a free, more economically stable world; America, is based on the facts regarding the ongoing issues of illegal immigration. Ethos can be taken out of this ad as it has an ethical appeal. Showing that people who read this ad should have some sort of ethical appeal or reasoning to make us feel like it is our duty to help the less fortunate people in the world. The icons are also a major part of representing ethos. Those icons make the picture have a logic and meaning to make a convincing argument to an audience.
As the controversial ad may or may not relate to anyone in America or Mexico, it does capture your attention and causes some sort of feeling or reaction; pathos. Most everyone is aware of the ongoing problem America is having with illegal immigrants sneaking over here, but this ad shows a different view than America’s take on it. We may all know that the slightly humorous picture is not going to change all government views on illegal immigration; it is proving that they are taking a stand and are trying for a better life here in America. This typical, day to day picture makes a point while including all the rhetorical strategies and some appeals of what advertisements use.