The Burdens of Illegal Immigrants and Illegal Immigration

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The Burdens of Illegal Immigrants and Illegal Immigration The United States was formed by the immigration of many people from all over the world. Americans take pride in knowing that we are a people of vast ethnic backgrounds and culture. However, at the present time, the flow of illegal immigration, as well as a large influx of other legal immigrants is placing a strain on our land of "huddled masses." Legal immigration to the United States can easily be handled and is welcomed by most Americans. However, the flow of illegal immigrants, especially from Mexico, must be stemmed, due to the strain it is placing on the government, (at the local, state and federal level), as well as the general population. Illegal immigrants are costing the United States over 24 billion dollars a year in taxpayers money (National Review 12.13.93). Something must be done to reduce the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. The focus of this paper will be the problems caused by and possible solutions to the problem of illegal immigration. The United States is admitting more than 800,000 legal immigrants a year, with at least 200,000 more illegal immigrants settling permanently as well (National Review 12.13.93). This figure can also be bolstered by the "commuter" immigrants, illegal immigrants which cross the border for a period of time to work in low-paying, labor intensive jobs. These immigrants are creating one of the biggest burdens facing the government of the United States today, unemployment. Competing for jobs against native Americans, immigrants are not only using valuable government resources from welfare and other programs, but they are also increasing the rate of unemployment. True, the jobs immigrants are tak... ... middle of paper ... ...e number of Immigration and Naturalization officers as well as adding increased fines for employers with illegal workers. Without these or other solutions, the loss of money and jobs will continue. If the loss of these resources continues, the U.S. might become the land of "closed doors," thereby ending the dream of many legal immigrants and shutting the books on the most open and free country in the world. Works Cited Borjas, George J. "Tired, Poor, an Welfare." National Review December 13, 1993. Fierman, Jaclyn. "Is immigration Hurting the U.S.?" Fortune August 9, 1993. Francese, Peter. "An Aging America Needs Forign Blood." Wall Street Journal March 27, 1990. Internet, "Workplace Laws Indequate." AP March 3, 1995 clari.news.immigration. Kuttner, Robert. "Illegal Immigration: Would a National ID Card Help?" Business Week August 26, 1991.

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