The problem of illegal immigration has been one of the most critical topics for debates recently. Its disadvantages and advantages have not been ultimately proved; therefore, its influence on society and economics is not determined. There are many reasons for people to leave their homes and seek a better life in countries with developed economies. However, due to the immigration policy, many of them cannot obtain a permit for work, so they cross the border illegally. Even though undocumented immigrants are the primary source of cheap labor, and they are more profitable for employment, the public disapproves of the violation of their human rights.
It is uneasy to estimate the exact number of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Several anti-immigrant committees were established to control and eliminate this issue (Profile of the Unauthorized Population – US). Among the reasons for illegal immigration is the flexibility of discriminatory acts of U.S border, licensed companies, and corporation of employment. According to the Profile of Unauthorized Population in 2019, there were detected over 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States (2020). More than a half comes from Mexico, and others are from Asia, South and Central America, Europe, and Africa (Profile of the Unauthorized Population – US). However, the exact figure of undocumented immigrants is much higher, since it is almost impossible to estimate it. More than 20% of unauthorized immigrants have been living in the U.S. for over twenty years (Profile of the Unauthorized Population – US). Therefore, the real number can be much more significant than calculations.
Many reasons affect foreigners’ decision to immigrate to countries with developed economies like the United States. Among those reasons are poverty in their home countries, political oppression, war, etc (Nevárez et. al., 2019). However, obtaining an authorized entry for those people is hard, so decide to come illegally. However, both legal and illegal immigrants face discrimination of their social status, mistrust, and social injustice (Nevárez et. al., 2019). Authorized immigrants are protected by the law to some extent, whereas illegal ones do not have a way to deal with it.
Undocumented immigrants often have to deal with injustice and discrimination. First of all, they do not have access to health care (Gulbas et. al., 2015). Since their entry to the country was illegal, they also do not possess a social security number; thus, they can be caught and deported back to their country (Gulbas et. al., 2015). Whether it is a usual cold, injury, or severe sickness, illegal foreign nationals cannot seek medical advice. This issue is also connected to the work exploitation of their labor. If they get an injury at the workplace, it would not only be impossible to see a doctor but also would be denied any compensation. It is another problem of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Companies and corporations often use illegal labor and undervalue it (Gulbas et. al., 2015). For example, for the same type of work, a citizen would be paid three times more than an undocumented person. However, the employer pays taxes for an employed citizen, but illegal workers get their payment under the table, which excludes tax deductions (Gulbas et. al., 2015). Therefore, unauthorized immigrants should receive a higher salary, whereas they are being used for their social status.
Both illegal immigrants and the society they integrate into face negative and positive consequences of this issue. For undocumented, it is deportation, social injustice, or undervalued labor (Gulbas et. al., 2015). The treatment that immigrants in detention face is also unjustified. Many illegal immigrants have children that were born on the territory of the U.S., which makes them U.S. citizens (Gulbas et. al., 2015). However, since undocumented persons must be deported, they have their children taken away, since they are citizens of the United States (Gulbas et. al., 2015). It is a brutal violation of their rights as human beings. On the other hand, there is a negative impact on society at large. Illegal immigrants occupy the workspace, and many employers prefer to hire an undocumented worker since it is cheap and does not require any paperwork.
Illegal immigrants occupy the workspace, and many employers prefer to hire an undocumented worker since it is cheap and does not require any paperwork. This also negatively influences the economy of the U.S. – since the salaries of the unauthorized workers are very law, their contribution to the taxpaying system is insignificant (Esses et. al., 2011). However, they receive some benefits from the government program focused on the homeless and impoverished population (Esses et. al., 2011). Therefore, this issue can be considered as a negative appearance in society. However, there also is a positive tendency toward unauthorized immigration. For example, undocumented take jobs that citizens do not want to do or consider not well-paid (Esses et. al., 2011). From this perspective, it benefits both society and the economy, since cheap labor makes production more affordable, thus can influence the decrease in prices for American citizens.
The rate of illegal immigration to the United States has caused in implementing immigration policies to control this issue. One of them is the Immigration Policy of president Trump, which he introduced during his election campaign in 2016 (Immigration, 2020). The main promise was to build a substantial wall at the U.S. border with Mexico. This policy was a response to the increase in unauthorized entry by Mexican citizens, which escalated the number of undocumented persons in the country (Immigration, 2020). This policy was met with encouragement among the public; however, it has not proved its efficiency yet, since the rate for unauthorized entry has not decreased.
In recent years the number of people who support anti-immigrant policies has significantly decreased. The rise of movements in support of human rights and social equality had a positive impact on public opinion. People no longer see undocumented persons as a threat to the economy or the society, but rather support their right to equal treatment. Moreover, the public see the undervaluation of immigrants’ labor as a violation of human rights. Therefore, the main idea of the social opinion about unauthorized employers is more focused on supporting their social status rather than mistreating them.
The government needs to find a solution to this problem that would benefit society and exclude the violation of human rights for immigrants. The government should implement more policies for immigrants since their influence on the economy is more favorable than unfavorable (Nevárez et. al., 2019). As it was mentioned above, immigrants usually take jobs that citizens do not want; therefore, it can be beneficial for the public as well. Moreover, the government should work on solving the undocumented problem without deportation (Nevárez et. al., 2019). Furthermore, one of the most significant benefits of immigration is cultural diversity, which can be a source of cultural and economic growth.
In conclusion, the issue of undocumented people is crucial for American society. Although some people cross the border illegally, every human has a right to be respected and has an opportunity to provide for their families. The economy needs to deal with the problem of unauthorized entry; however, people cannot be blamed for trying to live a better life. Moreover, developed countries should support less fortunate ones to achieve equality in the world.
References
Esses, V. M., Brochu, P. M., & Dickson, K. R. (2011). Economic Costs, Economic Benefits, and Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration. Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 12(1), 133–137. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-2415.2011.01269.x
Gulbas, L. E., Zayas, L. H., Yoon, H., Szlyk, H., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., & Natera, G. (2015). Deportation experiences and depression among U.S. citizen-children with undocumented Mexican parents. Child: Care, Health and Development, 42(2), 220–230. doi: 10.1111/cch.12307
Immigration. (2020). Web.
Messing, A. J., Fabi, R. E., & Rosen, J. D. (2020). Reproductive Injustice at the US Border. American Journal of Public Health, 110(3), 339–344. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2019.305466
Nevárez, C. R., Castañeda, X., Rodriguez, M. A., & Reynoso, J. (2019). Policy Solutions Are Needed for a Strong Latino Immigrant Workforce. American Journal of Public Health, 109(7), 995–997. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2019.305029
Profile of the Unauthorized Population – US. (2020). Web.