Illegal immigration - Essay Example

Proponents usually argue for illegal immigration stating various benefits that are received by the US while the others bring forth arguments on how it affects many sectors by adversely shaping the social, economic and political landscape (Ledbetter 46). It is important though to consider why immigrants leave their countries in the first place. There is no doubt that illegal immigrants benefit US in a variety of ways while also having negative effects; however, the issue lies in the net effect where the negatives far outweigh the positives.

According to the Commission on Civil Rights (U.S.) there are roughly 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States with Hispanic population taking 80% of total (28). On the other hand the total number of immigrants, legal and otherwise is more than 38 million meaning that the illegal ones hold a third. The same statistics show that by 2060 and at the current rate of immigration, the US will have an alarming total population of 470 million (49). Considering these numbers, it is important to appreciate some facts that form the basis of migration into the United States.

Poverty from native countries. It is true that many people who risk travelling to the United States illegally aim at living a better life. The basis for this is poverty and most of these immigrants are from poor families in Mexico, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe (LeMay 114). The global poverty situation is wanting and many developing countries contribute to mass immigration to the United States. What these people look for mostly are jobs which are in some countries terribly scarce whether one is well educated or not.

Profit motive for US companies. Illegal immigrants due to their lack of work permits become quickly absorbed into industries and companies that offer them low wages in return. These industries do so to reduce on remuneration expenditure and offering of benefits like insurance which would otherwise