Tap to Read ➤

Pros and Cons of Illegal Immigration

Kundan Pandey
Immigration is one of the most controversial topics in the social and political sphere of the US. Illegal immigration, particularly, has been one of the most debated topics. Immigration is a reality in the US and has various pros and cons.
In the quest to live the great American dream, millions of people from all across the globe immigrate to the United States every year. Illegal migrants are people who trespass the international borders and enter the US to earn a better livelihood and in search of greener pastures.

Pros and Cons of Illegal Immigration

Why would people leave their country and illegally enter another country thereby risking their lives? Well, though this is a good question, it does not demand some great comprehension ability to understand that people leave their countries mostly due to economic reasons and unemployment.
Illegal migration, in strictest sense, is millions of people, entering and working in another country without the permission of the state/country authorities.
Entering the country legally but violating the terms and conditions of the visas and passports and staying there for more than the legally allowed time frame, also accounts to illegal immigration. There are different schools of thought when it comes to debate on this topic.

Illegal Immigration: Pros

According to some people, groups and scholars, following are the pros of illegal immigration.
  • The economy is balanced as the demand for the low wage laborers is always fulfilled.
  • The life conditions of poor immigrants improves thus, providing them the freedom to life and liberty.
  • Various spheres of market open up for customers of diverse income ranges.
  • Illegal immigrants contribute to the tax system by paying sales taxes.
  • Illegal immigrants who have real estate properties, pay real estate taxes.
  • Agents and brokers generate commission from the real estate deals with the immigrants.
  • Illegal immigrants also enjoy the banking services of the country and so they pay interests and dividends to the banks.
  • Financial and auto insurance loans contribute to the national income.

Illegal Immigration: Cons

Here is what people opposed to illegal immigration say about various illegal immigration problems.
  • Judicial problems, in case if immigrants commit a crime and escape the country.
  • Overcrowding and increased burden on public transport, parks and places of public interest.
  • Increased crime rate among the population.
  • Problems related to financial burdens on schools.
  • Concerns of unbalanced ethnic diversity, leading to the dominance of one language or culture.
  • Increased risk of cases related to human trafficking.
  • Increasing population causing burden on the country.
As we can see, the 'illegal immigrants: pros and cons' both are justified when viewed relatively. So, where to demarcate the line for the illegal migrations? There is a world of difference between legal and illegal immigration. Legal immigrants who completely adhere to the rules of the law, are entitled full liberty to pursue their dreams. However, the complexity related to illegal immigrants is immense.
No doubts, the immigrants are worthy of sympathy, love and compassion, as most of them immigrate solely to get rid of the shackles of poverty and unemployment. Finding new havens of settlements, that one can feed a family is an inherent nature of human species however, conflicts arise when the country's socio-economic balance and laws come under serious threat. While sympathy and concern for others are essential, laws and rules can't be taken for granted.
One of the facts about illegal migration is that millions of people are immigrating using illegal ways, without being detected or stopped. There must be some weakness in the state system which is failing to counter check paths of illegal immigration. While we have to respect the poor and needy, there is no depth in the argument, that it is fair to break laws if it is for good reasons. US has always been a cradle of dreams and success. Every day millions of dreams are achieved and million others kiss the dust.
Since hundreds of years, US has been a home to diverse cultures and races. So, what is the solution to illegal immigration? How can the world community and the US cooperate to decrease the poverty levels and hence, reduce immigration levels? For some, immigration has been a harbinger of success and for some cause of problems. When viewed in the light of 'illegal immigration: pros and cons', some may arrive at partial truth, but there will always be conflict of thoughts. So, does the debate end here? No, it continues...