Arguments Against Undocumented Immigrants

America is the nation founded from the desire of wanting to represent freedom, a country where all are welcomed. It was formed to be a safe haven for migrants to escape religious persecution, poverty, disease, and to achieve a better life. Despite this notion, individuals migrating from foreign countries are seen as a threat to the United States. A political controversy stands due to the high amount of illegal immigrants in the country. The two viewpoints on this issue are either against illegal immigration and favor deportation, or in favor of giving immigrants a pathway to citizenship. Because of these polarized opinions, many individuals are influenced by the stigmas assigned to illegal immigrants. Many fail to realize that illegal immigrants

These hindrances affect them in several ways, including working conditions, medical care, and even general safety. For instance, in an Atlantic news article, “injured immigrant workers have a chance of not being able to receive compensation from their employer” (Semuels, May 2015, 6). Because immigrants are undocumented, the work force can take advantage and even abuse them. Undocumented immigrants fear to defend themselves because of the threat of being deported, and continue being abused. According to an article, undocumented workers fail to stand up for their rights due to the fear of the police or immigration becoming involved (Cho, March 2013, 1). If an undocumented individual is threatened with deportation, he or she will have limited rights. Immigrants as well are hesitant to have the

Most undocumented workers pay taxes and help strengthen the economy, however are prohibited from benefiting from taxes. The institute on Taxation and Economic policy discovered that “on estimate 8.1 million of 11.4 million undocumented working immigrants paid more than $11.8 billion in state and local taxes in 2012” (Pianin, April 2015, 1). Taxpayers that are undocumented immigrants abide to the law the same way as ordinary citizens. These immigrants however, are not acknowledged for paying their taxes. According to ITEP, “ at least 50 percent of undocumented immigrant households currently file income tax returns using Individual Tax Identification Numbers, and those who do not file income tax returns still have taxes deducted from their paychecks… these immigrants are paying billions of dollars in local, state, and federal taxes (Ewing, April 2015, 1). If undocumented immigrants are given citizenship, he or she can provide higher tax contributions. The US government found that on estimate half of undocumented immigrants pay income tax and payroll taxes. In 2015, the illegal immigrants population was believed to contribute around $12 billion to the federal government, and at least $10.6 billion to state and local governments (Hoffman, April 2015, 2). Undocumented immigrants pay taxes, however are prohibited from these taxpayer-funded programs. A Vice article states,