PHI-208 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION.docx

PHI-208 WEEK 5 DISCUSSION There has been a recurring issue in my area regarding an unknown federal encampment where immigrants are housed awaiting a resolution of their federal appeal for asylum. The facility, originally opened as a short-term solution to keep families together during the process, is now under fire for retaining individuals for at a minimum of one year. The facilities are being investigated currently for unhealthy and unethical treatment of its residents. This issue is a bit confusing because I am not sure who or what is the greater good or as a whole aspect of this issue. I think Utilitarianism from chapter three holds it’s value in this instance, but there are still several views to analyze from and understand. In the text, Thames explains Utilitarianism as “the theory that morally right actions, laws, or policies are those whose consequences have the greatest positive value and least negative value compared to available alternatives” (Thames, 2018, chapter 3.1 par 2). My reasoning for choosing this philosophical theory is because while the situation is not a great one for anyone to be stuck in, an open door remains a possibility for the immigrants. The article explains, through writer Peter Hall’s perspective at least, is that the conditions of this federal facility are ethically and morally unwarranted and should not continue (Hall, 2018, July 7). Hall continues, quoting concerns from watchdog groups about sexual assault, inadequate healthcare, and inhumanly detaining children. The article states lawyer interjection started in 2015 along with attention and scrutiny from human rights advocates (Hall, 2018, July 7). The unaddressed side of the argument holds no merit in the discussion and is forcing the one-sided opinion of unethical and immoral treatment to gain support. Mentioned but otherwise unaddressed is that the facility opened in 2001 and has given immigrants and their families an opportunity to appeal their deportation order. My question is how does this major issue go unnoticed for fourteen years, before interjection? Hall’s article from The Morning Call Newspaper appears to be heavily influenced and biased, so I will address the issue as a whole (Hall, 2018, July 7). I will use the Utilitarianism theory to explain my unbiased reasoning. Utilitarianism bases its theory off of the consequences of the action. The growing argument currently has all illegal immigrants being instanioustly deported upon capture and families being dismantled and separated between the two countries. The facility in question offers an opportunity for these people to appeal their ruling instead of instant deportation. The facility is one of only three in the entire United States and does not mandate anyone go to or remain in any of these facilities; there is a choice just to leave the country. Utilitarianistically, the consequences are worth enduring for these families, they remain in the United States for years, avoid whatever unrest is prevalent in their country of origin and offers a place for families to remain together long enough to make their final decision/action. While the conditions mentioned in the article, if valid are not completely ethical under normal conditions. However, these actions/conditions are the only negative aspect of the process. The benefits to re