Running Head: Undocumented Immigrants In The United States

Running Head Undocumented Immigrants In United States

Undocumented immigrants can be defined as those people who were not born in America and have no legal rights that allow them to live in America. Undocumented immigrants are also known as aliens but this is not a legal term and it is widely used among the Americans because of its abusive connotation. It is believed that there are more than 11 million people living in America as illegal or undocumented immigrants in United States and this number has stood steady in the last the last eight years consecutively (Massey & Gentsch, 2014).

This has been credited on many things that include stability of the Mexican economy and the gradual economic gains of nations across the world that have witnessed a number of its citizens moving to America to seek employment. Other immigration experts attribute this to the recent signed immigration policy by the Trump administration in United States. This paper will look at some of the issues around immigration in America that impact undocumented immigrants.

Paper For Above instruction

Immigration remains one of the most contentious and complex issues facing the United States, especially concerning undocumented immigrants. This paper explores the phenomenon of undocumented immigration, analyzing its causes, implications, and potential solutions with scholarly support. The discussion begins by elucidating the scale and nature of undocumented immigration, followed by an examination of the legislative framework and governmental policies that influence this social issue.

Undocumented immigrants, often referred to as illegal immigrants, form a significant segment of the American population, with estimates exceeding 11 million individuals (Massey & Gentsch, 2014). Their presence is notably concentrated along the Mexican border, though increased factors such as global economic disparities, violence, and political instability propel migration from diverse regions. Several factors contribute to this sustained influx; economic disparities are primary, with individuals seeking improved livelihoods. The Mexican economy, in particular, has played a pivotal role, providing an incentive for cross-border movement due to employment opportunities and familial reunification. However, recent U.S. immigration policies, especially under the Trump administration, have aimed to curb this flow through stricter enforcement, border wall constructions, and increased deportations (Jiang, 2017).

Legislative frameworks greatly influence the status of undocumented immigrants. The Immigration and Nationality Act, along with policies like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status, offer limited pathways, which many immigrants cannot fully access due to complex bureaucratic procedures, financial costs, and eligibility restrictions (Jones & Martin, 2017). The high expense of deportation, estimated at over $23,000 per individual (Center for American Progress, 2015), alongside legal complexities, further complicate efforts to address unlawful presence.

Government responses have involved a mixture of enforcement and judicial challenges. The deportation policies, including the proposed border wall and increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, have faced vigorous opposition from civil rights organizations, advocacy groups, and legal institutions. Such organizations argue that aggressive deportation practices violate human rights and undermine the social fabric of immigrant communities. Civil protests, legal injunctions, and public advocacy characterize the resistance to stringent immigration enforcement policies (Roblyer et al., 2016). These social actions aim to protect immigrant rights and promote legislative reforms that facilitate legal pathways or amnesty programs.

Despite social activism, arguments persist advocating for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, primarily citing concerns over economic burdens, welfare abuse, and national security. Critics argue that undocumented immigrants often utilize public services such as healthcare and housing without contributing proportionally to tax revenues, thus straining public resources (Chavez et al., 2017). Moreover, illegal crossings are associated with increased crime rates, unauthorized employment in sectors exploiting cheap labor, and risks to national security, especially where undocumented individuals may evade border controls (Massey & Gentsch, 2014).

Conversely, proponents of more inclusive policies emphasize the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants as essential to sectors like agriculture, construction, and service industries. Studies demonstrate that undocumented immigrants often fill low-wage jobs that are unattractive to native-born workers, thereby supporting essential economic activities (Goldman et al., 2014). They also contribute significantly to local economies through consumption and entrepreneurship. Civil resistance movements and advocacy groups argue for pathways to legalization, emphasizing the importance of human dignity, economic integration, and community stability (Jiang, 2017).

In tackling the root causes of illegal immigration, policy reforms could focus on streamlining legal immigration pathways, providing temporary work visas, and creating renewable stays based on employment needs. Addressing economic disparities in originating countries through international cooperation could reduce migration motivations. Additionally, approaches that integrate immigrant communities into the social fabric, such as community-based programs, language training, and legal assistance, can foster social cohesion and reduce fears associated with undocumented populations.

Arguments urging the deportation of undocumented immigrants emphasize concerns over national security and social order. Ensuring effective border controls, enforcing employment laws, and imposing legal penalties on employers who hire undocumented workers are strategies that supporters advocate. Improved surveillance, biometric data collection, and cooperation with international law enforcement are proposed measures to prevent illegal crossings and facilitate deportations when necessary (Jones & Martin, 2017).

Overall, a balanced approach combining enforcement with compassionate reforms appears most viable. Policy initiatives should aim to secure borders effectively while offering opportunities for undocumented immigrants to regularize their status, contribute legally, and integrate fully into American society. This dual approach would reduce illegal immigration’s adverse effects while acknowledging the human and economic realities involved.

References

• Chavez, L. R., Flores, E. T., & Lopez-Garza, M. (2017). Migrants and settlers: a comparison of undocumented Mexican and Central Americans in the United States. Frontera Norte, 1(1), 49-75.
• Goldman, N., Pebley, A. R., Creighton, M. J., Teruel, G. M., Rubalcava, L. N., & Chung, C. (2014). The consequences of migration to the United States for short-term changes in the health of Mexican immigrants. Demography, 51(4).
• Jiang, J. (2017). Patrisia Macàas-Rojas, From Deportation to Prison: The Politics of Immigration Enforcement in Post-Civil Rights America.
• Jones, B., & Martin, D. J. (2017). Path-to-Citizenship or Deportation? How Elite Cues Shaped Opinion on Immigration in the 2010 US House Elections. Political Behavior, 39(1).
• Massey, D. S., & Gentsch, K. (2014). Undocumented migration to the United States and the wages of Mexican immigrants. International Migration Review, 48(2).
• Roblyer, M. I. Z., Grzywacz, J. G., Cervantes, R. C., & Merten, M. J. (2016). Stress and alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use among Latino adolescents in families with undocumented immigrants. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(2).
• Center for American Progress. (2015). The cost of removing undocumented immigrants from the United States.
• United States Department of Homeland Security. (2016). Immigration enforcement and border security reports.
• Migration Policy Institute. (2018). The economic impact of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
• American Immigration Council. (2019). Facts on Immigration and Refugees in the United States.