Illegal Immigration

Battle B

Illegal Immigration

            Immigration has played a major role in our country, without it, we would not be where we are today. This country is a nation of immigrants; they have helped keep our nation youthful and enriched our economy. They bring new ideas to the table; as well as providing us with new business opportunity, enhancing our trade and economy. Most people have the perception that immigrants take away jobs from Americans, but that is very rarely the case, most immigrants’ however work on the low ends of the skill spectrum, such as hotels, construction, and domestic service.

            Though immigration is a good thing, that benefits America, illegal immigration is not. Pew Research  states that in 2012 there was a total of 11.2 million illegal immigrants, making up 3.5% of our nations' population. The stereotype pertaining to illegal immigration is usually Mexicans, illegally crossing the boarder, and this happens to be somewhat true. Though there number has been decreasing, about half of illegal immigrants (52%) are Mexicans. According to Pew Research Estimates, Mexican illegal immigration has gone down from 6.4 million in 2009 to 5.9 million in 2012 living illegally in the U.S. 

           This stereotype also goes hand in hand with crime, according to The Constitution Party, illegal immigrants have unfortunately increased gangs, most Illegal Immigrants drive without license or any knowledge of what the roadsigns mean. Even worse it is estimated that thirteen Americans are killed everyday due to illegal immigrants driving under the Influence, more specifically 97% out of the 63% are illegal immigrants in Arizona who have no license, insurance, and no registration. A statistic from FBI studies show that 75% on the most wanted list are Illegal Immigrants in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Albuquerque. 

            California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois make up 60% of the illegal immigration population. In Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and virgin, the illegal immigrant population has increased. While in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, New Mexico, and Oregon have all decreased. Illegal immigrants also make up over half of the labor force in America, Nevada (10%), California (9%), Texas (9%) and New Jersey (8%), all these states had the highest illegal immigration labor forces.

            One of the major conflicts of illegal immigration is the word itself, “illegal immigration.” When first coming upon this, I was very confused, why is the word such a big conflict? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with the issue itself? According to Visa Now, the word illegal immigration is offensive and dehumanizing. Just because the person might be doing illegal things, they are not illegal, just like someone who has to have Down Syndrome, they are not Down Syndrome, they are just diagnosed with it. Down Syndrome does not define the person, just like being an illegal immigrant does not define them. President Barack Obama has even become cautious about the word “Illegal Immigrants,” in his recent speech discussing the issue, addressed them as “undocumented immigrants.”

            As I have just mentioned, President Obama recently gave a speech on Immigration, in this speech he addressed his concerns and hopes for the future of immigration. Over the years there have been many laws created to stop not just Illegal but Legal Immigration as well, for example dating back to the Chinese Exclusion Act dating all the way back to 1882 all the way the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990. President Obama introduced his new actions by saying, “First, we’ll build on our progress at the border with additional resources for our law enforcement personnel so that they can stem the flow of illegal crossings, and speed the return of those who do cross over. Second, I’ll make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy, as so many business leaders have proposed. Third, we’ll take steps to deal responsibly with the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live in our country.” He then proposed a “deal” that allows for illegal immigrants who have been living in America for over five years, or have children born (America citizens), if you register and have not gotten in trouble with the law, and agree to pay their taxes, they will be allowed to stay in America temporarily without being deported.

            Immigration is not a negative thing; it is what makes our nation unique and youthful. We have and always will be a nation of immigrants. However illegal immigration has been and continues to be a serious problem, though easier said then done. In my humble opinion we need to figure out a way to keep the hard working, diligent illegal (or undocumented) immigrants who benefit our country, and send back the law-breaking criminals.   

Chart of the estimate percent of illegal immigration in 1980

Chart of Mexican illegal immigration in the U.S.

A cartoon depicting an Illegal Immigration

A political cartoon representing Lady Liberty figuratively stirring up citizenship with equal rights 

A chart showing the amount of illegal immigration in different countries and the increase or decrease over the years. Also notice how it is titled "Unauthorized Immigrants" instead of "Illegal Immigrants."

Sources:

• This website taught me about the controversy over the word "illegal immigrant" and the appropriate substitutions for the word.
• This website was helpful because it gave me insight on the current actions being put into action.
• This website was helpful because when I usually think about Immigrants I tend to have the negative outlook, but this website focused on all the positives and benefits Immigrants bring.
• Pew Research was helpful because I like to know the facts, and this is what this website focused on.
• This website was helpful because it gave me a lot of facts and statistics of crimes pertaining to Illegal Immigration.
• This website taught me the progression of the different laws and acts about Immigration.