Illegal Immigration: Pros & Cons
Posted: Monday, May 08, 2006
by Mario Garibaldi
Credit Secrets
This is a challenging subject to write about because first and foremost, it involves individuals and families. Young and old alike. It also involves differences in cultures and behavior. It also involves right and wrong, legal and illegal issues. When writing about illegal immigration, I think it's important not to lose sight that we're dealing with people who, for various reasons, have risked putting themselves in legal jeopardy. Many of them have risked their lives in order to live the American dream.
Illegal immigrants are primarily people from Mexico, Central and South America. Statistics from the Pew Hispanic Center show that 56% of illegal immigrants in the U.S. come primarily from Mexico in order to supply laborers to thousands of U.S. employers.
The first group of illegal immigrants enters the United States to enjoy a better economic life. Most of them are fleeing economic oppression, unemployment and poverty. The second group consists of visa holding tourists, students and highly skilled workers who, by choice, become illegal residents or "out of status." Similar to their undocumented counterparts, these visa holders also want a better life and grater opportunities.
Despite our socio-economic challenges, the United States still offers more opportunities to poor people from other countries. It's a fact that people want to come here one way or another. Whether entry is legal or illegal, it doesn't matter to them. Entering illegally is their only way to get in. Immigration laws require strict qualifications and adherence to pre-established quotas. To illegal immigrants, the benefits far outweigh the risks so they take their chances. If the tables were turned, wouldn't you do the same?
Most illegal immigrants are good human beings worthy of compassion and acceptance. From their point of view, a visa is just a stamp on a piece of paper which can be ignored in exchange for a better life. Obviously, that's the wrong way to look at the laws of the land. You can imagine what kind of chaos we would be in if everyone embraced the same philosophy and behavior.
Living in the U.S. is a privilege and not a right and I believe that it's perfectly alright to lawfully enjoy America's opportunities and freedoms. After all, we are all human beings seeking the things that make life a pleasant experience. Most people tend to agree that the pursuit of happiness should not be attained by illicit means. That's what keeps our society judicially balanced, prosperous and strong. Additionally, simply crossing the border or overstaying a visa doesn't automatically make a person an "immigrant."
The lack of balance between legality and human compassion causes heated debates over the illegal immigration issue. For example, compassion towards one group of people automatically creates injustice towards another group that is playing by the rules, trying to qualify for visas and waiting in line. Illegal immigration poses a conflict between tolerance and the law.
Since border security and employment verification systems are substantially inadequate, illegal immigrants should not bear the brunt of blame for the current situation. If the door is left open, they come in.
The general public and politicians continue to be divided and concerned about the consequences of massive illegal settlements in the country. Illegal immigration is not a victimless offense. It comes with both positive and negative consequences to society.
Many Americans don't seem to object to people working illegally in the country. Others do not fully understand the difference between legal and illegal immigration and that, in reality, legal immigration is doing just fine. What's not fine is " illegal" immigration. Even the media frequently makes no distinction between the two types of immigration, bundling everything up into one package and calling everyone "immigrants ." Legal immigrants who are playing by the rules and go on to become U.S. citizens are not the issue. There are no protests coming from legal immigrant populations.
Pros of Illegal immigration - according to some groups
1. It helps keep the economy moving by filling low-wage jobs.
2. It provides a better life to individuals and families who enter the country illegally.
3. It creates a pool of consumers for a variety of goods and services.
4. Farmers are able to plant and harvest less expensively.
5. Contributions to social security funds often go unclaimed.
6. Illegal immigrants pay sales taxes.
7. Illegal residents, who are property owners, also pay real estate taxes.
8. Millions of illegals rent properties in depressed areas where renters are hard to find.
9. They purchase real estate and generate commissions for agents and brokers.
10. Illegal immigrants benefit financial services through consumer loans.
11. They open bank accounts that yield interest and dividends to bankers.
12. Illegals purchase auto insurance and contribute to profit margins.
Cons of Illegal immigration - according to anti-unlawful immigration groups
1. Burden on tax-based resources, costing taxpayers billions of dollars.
2. Difficult prosecution and justice when perpetrators flee the country.
3. Disparity between legal immigrants who follow the rules and those who don't.
4. They risk death when traveling the desert to reach the borders.
5. Those that successfully cross the border inspire those left behind to do the same.
6. Continued growth of the demand for cheap labor and low wages.
7. No government reimbursement to offset states illegal alien maintenance costs.
8. Potential negative effects on working and middle-class citizens.
9. Millions of U.S. dollars sent outside the country.
10. Paper Fraud.
11. Fake document mills.
12. Imbalance in immigration quotas.
13. Interstate human trafficking.
14. Population health risks due to unverified pre-entry immunizations.
15. Increase in road traffic and usage, injurious or fatal accidents.
16. Congestion of tax-based public parks and recreation.
17. Overcrowding and financial burdens on public schools.
18. Continued law-breaking rationalization for those who employ illegals.
19. Growing number of uninsured illegal aliens who can't pay for claims.
20. Monopolization of Spanish language in various segments of society.
21. Unbalanced ethnic diversity.
We are experiencing very difficult economic times. People from other countries are feeling the pains and pressures caused by unemployment, homelessness, poverty, hopelessness, lack of education, low-paying jobs, stress and hunger. But if you look around, so are the rest of us. Millions of Americans go hungry every day. Shelters are overcrowded. Unemployment benefits are ending. Millions of people are jobless. Foreclosures are on the rise and health care costs are sky high. Millions of people have no health insurance.
Studies shows that, every day, over 1 million children in America have no place to call home and many are hungry and exposed to drugs and violence. Shouldn't these come first? Shouldn't the money that goes to pay for those who enter the country illegally be allocated to the homeless, the victims of abuse, schools, hospitals, the unemployed and the hungry? The answer to these questions depends largely on who you ask. Many people think that money, entitlements and rights should go to everyone, regardless of legal status. In practice, that's exactly what's been going on for over two decades now. Doesn't that tell you that we are generous nation?
The notion that it's OK to break the law as long as one's reasons are for a good cause is flawed. You can't take someone's car because you need transportation to go to work! Going to work is noble. Taking someone's car without permission to get there isn't. Immigrating to America legally, easily or not, is praiseworthy. Yet, breaking and entering is not. Having a social security number is a right reserved for those protected by the laws of the land. Using someone else's social security number to work is not acceptable.
Some claim it's too costly to protect our borders. Yet, it's not hard to release $3 Billion dollars for cash for clunkers!" program! What would $3 Billion do towards better border security? As you can see, it's all a matter of priorities. It's not fair to blame illegal immigrants alone. Employers have also created the right conditions and demand for undocumented, illegal workers.
Who else is contributing to the illegal immigration problem?
Basically, it's anyone who stands to profit or benefit from it. This is sad because illegal immigrants are often taken advantage of and aren't usually willing to come forward to protest abuse in the workplace or file lawsuits. Illegal immigrants risk a lot to enter and remain in the country. In fact, scores have been beaten, killed or left for dead, often by their own compatriots. Many have perished when vans and trucks over capacity have crashed while in transit across state lines.
What's going on from the employer's point of view?
1. Lower payroll costs.
2. Illegal immigrant employees are the least likely to be litigious when wronged at work.
3. Abundance of workers.
4. Illegals work and don't complain for fear of losing their jobs.
5. Illegals do work hard.
6. Higher profit margins and competitive advantage.
7. Illegal immigrants tend to be motivated and productive.
8. Less legal liabilities.
9. Employers aren't held responsible (yet) for verifying immigration status and right to work.
10. Fake work documents do not currently affect non-government employers.
11. All cash transactions to avoid income taxation.
12. Underbid others who hire residents and pay better wages.
13. Avoid unions and labor laws.
14. Wages don't have to be commensurate with experience or market values.
15. Inadequate or non-existent health care benefits.
As you can see, the practice of hiring illegals is a good deal for many employers and that's why they keep doing it.
There is so much money involved in illegal immigration that it makes it difficult too pass new laws or enforce current ones. Remember the amnesty in 1986? The amnesty was supposed to solve the illegal immigration problem. Instead, it caused more people to come in illegally in the hopes for yet another amnesty program in the future.
Illegal entry into the United States to work has been allowed to become a complex issue but I don't think that it is an unsolvable problem. In my personal view, we would be off to a good start if the Government imposed hefty fines on employers who use illegal labor and required them to use the e-Verify system.
Economic Costs
1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year.
2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens.
3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.
4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary care of the descendants of Columbus. As far as Mexico is concerned, we won the Mexican War and purchased the territories for $15 Million Dollars. It's over. The land has been ours for a long time now. The argument that this land is theirs is flawed at best. Previous homeowners cannot claim ownership of a house they sold years in the past.
It's all about money for those who come in and it's all about money for those who exploit them. The U.S. is giving jobs to them, welfare, free education, legal aid, insurance and medical coverage, public housing, rentals, homes, cars, the ability to open their own businesses, credit cards, vouchers, parks, recreation, land, entertainment, food, etc. Since we're generously providing all of the above, often at tax payers' expense, it tells me that the problem lies with those who take without being entitled and a country that gives without any restrictions or good controls.
Is illegal immigration wrong? Sure it is. That's why it is called illegal. It implies a violation of law(s ). Is there a solution? Sure! The U.S. should improve influx controls, removal management and entry restrictions. We won't stop illegal immigration as long as it's still relatively easy to enter the country without permission.
9 out of 10 times, people will take advantage of freebies. It's human nature. Unfortunately there is still a misconception floating out there that the United States is the land of the "free for the taking" or that "freedom" means no visas, no passports and no obedience to the laws of land. Countries have sovereignty, borders, laws and immigration controls for a reason. Otherwise things would turns into chaos. Freedom is now erroneously equated with "take what you can because you can!" I think that's the wrong idea.
Conclusion
Finally, it's important to note that we're not dealing with just numbers but actual people with hopes and dreams, despite the illegalities. 100 years from now, none of us will care about anyone's legal status anyway. That is not to say that illegal activity should be encouraged, continue, ignored or condoned in our present time. It also doesn't mean that we shouldn't think about laying solid and ethical foundations in order to preserve and protect America's future. Is America is a place where only those who qualify are able to enjoy it? Or, is it a place where anyone can come in regardless of legal status? Is America a scholarship or a shelter? The answer depends on what side of the "fence" you're on.
The debate continues.
This Article has been viewed 275,578 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsillegal immigrants do pay taxes??? taxes are not taking just of pay check... wheneva u go out shopping whether in a retail or grocery store you do pay taxes... when u buying a big flat screen, u pay taxes, u buying a car at the dealership, u also pay taxes and many illegal immigrants that got to college pay outta they pocket and after the school fees and all that, taxes are added to the fee... so saying that illegal immigrant does not pay taxes are BS...However, they do get college financial cuts, things handed in Spanish to them, social security (idk how cuz they ain't a citizen) a bank account, government housing, wellfare, free visits to the Urgent Care, and don't get deported back. And they claim that WE as AMERICANS need to SUBMIt to them? Nope. They may pay taxes on items, but they get away with so much.
So far I have seen so many arguments against it. By what I read some of you through having something personal in this argument. Yes people should wait to come legally but realize some people don't have money and there is a huge amount of violence in Mexico. I should know, I live in a border town. When we are downtown or in the covenant of some sisters we can hear bullets. Shootings happen all the time over there. Girls are taken from the street and innocent people are hurt. Those illegal "aliens" as you call them are trying to have a better life. A life for there children in safety. The U.S. does not treat Mexico that well. I have to say I see that most people who disagree with illegal immigration are racist. They talk about them being from another country and things like that. They are human beings that are trying to work for a better life. Do you have any idea at all through what those people went through? Did you know that drug cartels pass peopel over all the time asking for more and more money from the families. I'm not saying crossing illegally is right. But people show respect to those who are already here. Most are working to become citizens. Its not that easy or available for everyone. They have gone through enough for us to treat them bad. My roots are in Mexico and I see what goes on there and all they go through. Immigration affects my life because of my location. I know people who crossed illegally and some are very brilliant people. They try to learn our language and work hard. Illegal immigration should stop but just because other people are immigrating from different countries that doesn't mean we should treat those already here, form those places, bad as I am seeing.do you feel that it is ok for U.S. citizens to pay for the them to stay here illegally instead?because they cant pay for it themselves?
This isn't a race issue. 3 of the 4 pilots who flew the planes on 9/11 were illegal immigrants. You say people who come from the south aren't terrorists? Ever hear of MS-13? What about the cartels? I would say their terrorists too.And these terrorist groups coming from the south are using the same door as other illegals. That door needs to be shut!
Also, in 2005, 850 illegals from "countries of special interest" were caught along the southern border.How the F...... do you know that 3 of 4 pilots were illegal immigrants ????????????? government says "we never found the black boxes of the plains" but they state they found the passport from "illegal aliens" WOW !!!!!!!!! I'm very impressed . A black box from a plane is nearly indestructible and they found a piece of paper (passport) about 100 times smaller than the black boxes ???????????? PLEASE !!!!!!!!!! MS-13 is a gang founded in Los Angeles like many other gangs IN U.S. . I really think you should open your eyes by now and start to believe in real facts .
I work in a clinic for children with psychiatric problems. In the past year, the Hispanic population here has nearly tripled. They now know how to bring them as early as 4 and 5 years old and get the ADHD dx or whatever the case maybe and qualify for disability checks. I see families with mothers that are pregnant every year and we are paying for these childrens' everything. Healthcare, food, clothing, shelter, etc. Where will it end? I don't like feeling this way but their attitudes are arrogant and entitled. There is no disguising the fact that they are clearly aware of the way they are using the system. This is a very, very sad thing that is going on and something has to happen because they are constantly taking from our taxes and not paying any. Is that right? Especially when they are not US citizens and so many of us have legal family members that can't get the help they need and certainly not as speedily as the illegal immigrants do.
The end of the the bracero guest-worker program in the mid-1960's caused a one-year 40-percent wage increase for the United Farm Workers Union. A similar wage increase for legal farm workers today would work out to about a 10-dollar-a-year increase in the average family's bill for fruit and vegetables.$10 a year isn't much at all. I say we deport Illegals!!!
Good article, perhaps the most balanced I've come across:
Wow.... tough topic, I'm torn...
My mother was a legal immigrant from Mexico (now a naturalized citizen), and my father was American. I've visited family in Mexico many times and am very attached to them, my Mexican heritage is something I've grown to be proud of. I guess you could say I have a heart of compassion for the immigrant from hearing my mother's story about how tough it was, and seeing the conditions of poverty in Mexico. (I realize not at illegal immigrants are from Mexico, many are from Central/South America and even Europe). At the same time I can't excuse the laws of this land and how the political sovereignty of America has made it what it is.
I wish the current immigration process was easier than I hear (does anyone have any information on this process??). Im definitely not an expert but I've been doing some research for my senior paper... the arguments are strong on both sides and it is not as clear as it thought it would be when I picked this topic.
I can't imagine what it would be like to have illegal immigration as my only option to a better life, but I also can't ignore the trends and statistics of crime and costs from the lack of immigration law enforcement...
I agree, America is a nation of immigrants and may that tradition always be upheld, but to continue to be a nation benefitting its immigrant citizens and their descendants, its laws must be respected.
My question is about what could be done?? Yes, making businesses pay fines for employing undocumented workers would motivate them to change policies and the decrease of the amount of jobs available for them. Making illegal immigration a less attractive option. But what about deportation, how could the government keep that consistently humane and compassionate, is that even possible?? What about the separation of families that consist of legal and illegal family members. What if they do not have a home in Mexico? I'm not sure granting amnesty is a completely ideal option either. Like someone commented about the granting of amnesty in 1986...
And how would it be funded? Wouldn't it encourage more illegal immigration?
Should they deport everyone?
What about the undocumented workers here now, or those who have been living here for many years; how can they separate the people who want to honestly work to support their families from cartel members??
My question still the same , WHY JUDGE ALL "ILLEGAL ALIEN" THE SAME ???????? . If an "illegal alien" is not allowed to live in the country why are they able to pay for taxes ?????
Because is more income into the country and because they only can get partial tax return at the end of the year , not full tax return !!!!!!!!! So , another question is WHO'S PAYING WHO?? I guess some "illegal aliens" are paying social security benefits to some stupid "legal aliens" that doesn't want go to work and getting paid to stay home !!!!!!! but still blaming on "illegal aliens" . so who's doing the dirty jobs ?????? And this is a fact . I , personally , do not agree with some illegal situations but there's cases and cases .I do not believe that all the legal citizens never did something ILLEGALY in their lives , PLEASE ,GIVE ME A BREAK. My conclusion is if the American jails are packed with African-American people should I judge all Afro-American people as a serial killer or a thief???????? NO!!!!!!! AND AGAIN THERE'S CASES AND CASES . DO NOT judge all the same .
"Illegal aliens" is an insult , they are humans like everybody else and they also have rights .
I'm writing this comment by experience , not by what I hear MORON people talking .
I agree with sera very much so. My opinions are very important in this issue because i come from California's central valley where agriculture here facilitates for a majority of jobs nearby and is one of the top produce production places in all of America. My family for one has been farming in the valley for over three generations and has hired immigrants legal and illegal over time. Hard workers that bust their ass to make a better life for themselves. Lets face it too, if you were to ask many unemployed citizens in america to work a 8 to 10 hr shift picking fruit in 103-110 degree tempurature they would probably say no. During the summer i have done this kind of work and appreciate that i am going to school and not doing that kind of work for the rest of my life. On the flip side, although the illegals that come over to America to do this work no legal citizen seems to sign up for are hard working, they are using government aidf that they are not paying taxes for.not all the illegals sign up to do agriculture as well. So it is a very hard topic to really side with one opinion for me. But it does need to be solved, i beleive we cant take the easy way out and just grant the illegal immigrants citizenship as soon as they walk over here
Hello everybody I am currently learning about illegal immigration in school, and I thought it woud be interesting for all of you to hear a younger person's view on this matter. Basically I am opposed to illegal immigration, I am totally for giving people better lives but i don't feel that it should be at the cost of others. If all of America's benefits and opportunities is a life boat and the people already on it are citizens, we cant just keep putting people on the life boat(illegal immigrants) because than it endangers the people already on the life boat. And I know many feel that illegal immigrants probably haven't done anything illegal in their lives and they had good intentions when they got here but just the sheer act of them bypassing the usual protocols of becoming a citizen is what is illegal, and that is something we cannot look past, I feel America is not stepping up to the task and securing our boarders, that we are almost aiding and abetting them in committing the crime of coming here illegally. How is it fair for the citizens to have to have to hold the burden and pick up the tab of illegal immigrants who aren't supposed to be here? and when talking about what is not morally right the government helping non citizens at the expense of the citizens they swore to protect should be what comes to peoples minds
dear ignorant people,
i hope you all realize that people immigrate from their families and homes in mexico in search of a better opportunity for their children and themselves. they risk their lives and come to america illegally because at times they're desperate for a change and happiness, and the process to recieve legal documents and citizenship is extremely lengthy and complicated. most mexican aliens are incredibly dedicated, not only to their work, but to their families as well.
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