Illegal Immigration Debate - Are They A Blessing Or A Menace?

Illegal Immigrants - The problem only gets bigger

How does one define an illegal immigrant? A person who does not possess a legal permit to live in a specific country and does so illegally, is called an illegal migrant or an undocumented worker. These people may enter the country by unlawful means, may enter the country legally and then overstay their permitted tenure or may even violate set terms on their permanent resident card. Illegal immigration is a very serious issue which plagues many countries and in particular the USA. Most countries have very strict laws and legal proceedings when it comes to illegal immigrants, and spend huge amounts of money to tackle the problem. For instance, the USA has sanctioned 600 million dollars to improve security along the USA-Mexico border, but still finds it hard to contain the issue. In the States alone, it is believed that there are at least ten million illegal immigrants already in the country and at least half a million new people to add to these numbers who come every month. Automatic citizenship given to children who are born in the States as well as better living and working conditions are just a few of the reasons why people go to great lengths to cross over to America.

Crossing Over Illegally

How does an illegal immigrant cross over to a new country? Well that depends entirely on the country's surroundings and location. In the States for instance, many cross over directly from Mexico or even attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean in crude boats. Sometimes, they may also hide themselves in trucks which contain goods or other heavy material, in the hope that they can cross the border undetected. Most of the times, there is also a middle man involved who takes a fee for getting people across the border or for providing fake documents, even if there is a huge risk involved in getting them across safely. It may seem illogical to take such drastic measures in the hope of a better life, but it's important to remember that most illegal immigrants flee their home country because of varying reasons. It could be due to the lack of opportunities, to give their children a better life, they may be wanted in their country for crimes committed or because their own lives are at risk. In countries like France, it is against the law to help an illegal immigrant enter the country and if a person wants to get French citizenship, there are certain procedures which have to be followed once the person turns 18.

Are they a blessing or a menace?

In the States alone, there are mixed reactions with regard to illegal immigrants. Many such immigrants turn to low skilled jobs in sectors such as construction, hospitality and other domestic services in an attempt to survive one way or the other. While there is a general feeling that these immigrants take away jobs that belong to American citizens, it is also true that some end up with jobs that are usually rejected by others. For instance, in Arizona alone where stricter laws are being enforced to deport such immigrants; farmers claim that they rely on illegal immigrants a great deal especially during harvest time. In other words, if not for the long hours of back breaking labor put in by these immigrants; fresh fruits and vegetables would take longer to end up in most kitchens across America. Work regulations in the States actually prohibit employers from hiring such illegal immigrants so that citizens get the bulk of the jobs. While some employers may hire such individuals out of sympathy, most of them cheat such immigrants by making them work in unsafe conditions for pay that is much lower than the industry standards. The fear of deportation back to where they came from, makes illegal immigrants put with such harsh suffering in silence.

On the other hand, many citizens feel that illegal immigrants openly flout a country's laws, do not always show respect for culture, are more involved in unlawful activities like smuggling, drugs, arms trade etc and often set a bad example for society. The fact that many immigrants also do not pay taxes, means that they are in a way living off taxpayers. Illegal immigration is a controversial topic which has been around for centuries, but such immigrants deserve to be treated with a certain degree of respect and fairness, no matter where they are from.

Illegal Immigration Debate - Are They A Blessing Or A Menace?

By: S. George

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