In 2012, there were approximately 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. that make up over 3% of the total population. This may have something to do with the American Dream. After all, the USA has been known throughout history as the ultimate destination when searching for greener pastures. This means the steady flow of immigrants from all over the world is unlikely to slow down anytime soon, which is why America is the most diverse country today. Mexicans make up the majority of unauthorized immigrants in the USA. They share it with immigrants from the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Middle East, Central America, and other parts of the world.
Diverse culture is something that locals can handle as it presents variety and excitement, but not the negative implications that come with it, especially when illegal immigration is involved. Called illegal aliens, these immigrants are undocumented or have overstayed their welcome. Despite what the term implies, illegal immigration surprisingly has its share of pros and cons.
List of Pros of Illegal Immigration
1. Provide cheap labor
Some states in the U.S., such as Texas and California, relies heavily on cheap labor provided by immigrant workers. They make ideal employees in various sectors, most especially in agriculture and tourism. Because of inexpensive labor, a lot of business owners are willing to take a chance on unauthorized immigrants. Moreover, such employees take on jobs that most locals would not consider ideal positions.
2. Help boost the economy
Some Illegal immigrants may not pay taxes, pension or social security, but they do buy plenty of retail stuff, most of which come with sales tax that has a direct impact on the economy. And because illegal immigrants provide a varied customer base, they allow for success in the retail of goods, products and services. As the overall customer base increases, the economy will also grow. Many economists consider the benefits that illegal immigration bring will outweigh the costs.
3. Help improve economically depressed communities
Aside from taking on low paying jobs, illegal immigrants are also willing to rent homes in economically depressed neighborhood. This provides a new source of income for landlords, boosting the real estate market and the economy in the process. They will also open bank accounts for their earnings where the interest paid will further give the economy a boost.
4. Offer a chance at a better life
The reason that the offer of a good life is the biggest lure to move to America, even illegally, is that most immigrants suffered poverty, war or persecution in their own countries. Being able to sneak out of their homeland and to a better life, is what their dreams are made of.
List of Cons of Illegal Immigration
1. Result in overpopulation
Most countries are facing overpopulation issues and America is no exception. with the addition of illegal immigrants, the population would soar high without the government even knowing about it as these people are undocumented. This put a great deal of strain in almost everything necessary to live a better life. There will be problems in public services, traffic will be severe, and urban neighborhoods will be congested. The spread and damage of contagious diseases will also be horrific.
2. Present more job competitions
In an overpopulated community, citizens are likely to compete in almost everything, from food to employment. Unfortunately, job offers are already scarce in America, and with some jobs offered to immigrants who would not mind being paid for less, the competition becomes even tougher.
3. Lack of reparation rules
When an illegal immigrant driving without insurance or license gets into an accident, the other party will be forced to handle all the financial needs out of their own pockets. They would have to endure the physical pain and injury as well. What about the illegal immigrant? There is a huge possibility that they will run away from the scene and flee back to their home country, effectively evading punishment. And because there are no records of them, any search that will be conducted will take a lot of time and effort. In most cases, they will run free.
4. Human trafficking
Cheap labor is already bordering on human trafficking. If business owners, scrimp on the pay and even throw abuse into the mix, crimes of human trafficking will increase. Because illegal immigrants would rather suffer than be deported, such crimes will definitely thrive. This is one of the reasons that opponents pushed for illegal immigrants to be sent back to their home countries instead of being given amnesty.
5. Increase possibilities of hostilities
A lot of things can hamper communication, such as language barrier and cultural differences. It is the lack of communication that can lead to unnecessary hostilities, because agreeing to a resolution might be difficult. Well, even immigrants with the same race are hostile to one another. Take Mexicans, for example, some of which seem to be asking for trouble all the time. This is just one of the problems that immigrants bring.
6. Cost taxpayers’ money
While some immigrants can be used for cheap labor, others heavily rely on welfare benefits at the expense of taxpayers’ money. This is one of the reasons that a lot of Americans strongly opposed giving undocumented immigrants the opportunity to be counted as citizens, to work, live and raise a family in U.S. soil. Although some politicians may push for this move, the people thinks otherwise. As of 2014, support for the legislation that offers a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants has dropped, which could work to the locals’ favor.
Illegal immigration is also costing taxpayer’s money, what with the need to constantly monitor and keep the borders secure. No authorized personnel will patrol the borders without pay, not to mention the amount of money spent on vehicles, weapons and the like. Such spending could have been more beneficial elsewhere.
As much as immigrants have the right to be protected and given shelter by a more powerful and developed country, such as the U.S.A, too many of them are sure to bring as much benefits as problems.
Brandon Miller has a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a seasoned writer who has written over one hundred articles, which have been read by over 500,000 people. If you have any comments or concerns about this blog post, then please contact the Green Garage team here.