Immigration Articles

Based on estimates, there are approximately 20 million illegal immigrants in the US, and majority of them cross the US-Mexico border by various illegal and oftentimes inhumane means. Since there is a difficulty in tracking down the number of illegal aliens, the number can be more than what was estimated. What does this mean to Americans? The perception will vary depending on political leanings and affiliations, as well as the tendency to look at racial issues with an open mind.

The issue is not just about branding immigrants as legal or illegal as there are far more underlying issues than just labelling.

We’ve heard anti illegal alien groups lobby against illegal immigrants, citing various reasons, primary of which is the draining of tax-based resources being used by these immigrants. They also highlight how this “drain” cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually. Another issue they raised is that of the perceived effects on the working class as the illegal immigrants take away job opportunities from the middle class since the former are willing to accept low wages. The list goes on and some of the reasons are already hinting on issues that may be misconstrued as racist remarks. It would be difficult to say where the proponents of anti illegal immigration are getting their facts and if their facts are free from emotional attachments and sentiments bordering on bigotry and racism.

Given that they laid down the possible cons that incite Americanism (or perhaps patriotism), we would be hard-pressed to present the illegal immigrants pros and even more difficult to sway others into believing that there are still benefits that this other type of immigrant can bring, without them consciously knowing that they contribute something good to the country.

Barring stereotyping and profiling, illegal immigrants contribute to the economic activities of the country. They are walking the streets undetected with only their physical features being the indication that they are not Americans, in its strictest sense. But they are part of the country and as such, they buy products and services, ultimately contributing to the economic cycle of the US as consumers. This means that with over 20 million of them spread out all over the country, the money they spend translates to millions and even billions of dollars worth of consumption. This spending drives up the economic numbers thereby making the growth statistics favorable in the eyes of investors. Adding to the illegal immigrants pros, which is related to spending, is the fact that illegal aliens also pay sales tax and real estate taxes. They also drive up savings because they do open bank accounts that earn interest. Moreover, many of these immigrants pay their taxes, contrary to popular belief that they don’t.

While there are clear negative effects of illegal immigrants, there are also illegal immigrants pros that Americans should be aware of so that they don’t quickly pass judgment based on some unsubstantiated claims.

Educating Americans on this issue is very important especially in the light of the new stringent Arizona law that requires all immigrants to carry their registration documents wherever they go. This is so racial profiling is prevented and lawmakers from other states can look past race when devising illegal immigrant laws.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Illegal-Immigrants-Pros—What-Most-Americans-Are-Not-Aware-Of&id=4573216