Who are Illegal Aliens?

The topic of illegal immigration has always been a contentious issue, particularly in the United States, where the influx of illegal immigrants has become a political hot potato. The issue of illegal immigration is also a highly nuanced one, with various constituent factors contributing to the problem. In this article, we take a closer look at one of the key elements of illegal immigration – illegal aliens, exploring who they are, why they come to the US, and what the government is doing to tackle the issue.

Defining Illegal Aliens

Illegal aliens, also referred to as illegal immigrants, are individuals who have entered the United States without the requisite authorization and are not legally authorized to reside or work in the country. This group of individuals can come from all walks of life and different backgrounds. They could be:

1. Economic immigrants: These are individuals who come to the United States to find work and seek a better standard of living than they can find in their home countries.

2. Political refugees: These are individuals who are fleeing their home countries due to persecution, political instability, or other factors.

3. Criminals: Some illegal immigrants come to the US to escape prosecution in their home countries or engage in illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapon smuggling.

4. Family reunification: These are individuals who come to the US to join family members already residing in the country.

5. Tourists or students: While not all tourists and students become illegal immigrants, some overstay their visas and end up being classified as such.

Why Do Illegal Aliens Come to the US?

Illegal aliens come to the United States for a variety of reasons, including economic, political, and social. The most common reason for illegal immigration into the US is economic, with many immigrants seeking better-paying jobs or improved economic opportunities.

Many individuals from Mexico and other Latin American countries have come to the United States over the years in search of work to support their families, and to escape the economic instability and poverty that plague their home countries. Others come to the US to escape persecution, war, or famine, and to enjoy more freedom and stability.

In some cases, illegal aliens come to the US to start new lives and to take advantage of the numerous resources and benefits that this country has to offer. For instance, they may be attracted by better healthcare and education systems, safer living conditions, and a better standard of living.

The Consequences of Illegal Immigration

As the number of illegal aliens in the United States continues to grow, the impact of this phenomenon on the country’s social, political, and economic environments is becoming more pronounced. Some of the consequences of illegal immigration include:

1. Strain on public resources: The presence of illegal aliens in the United States has led to a significant strain on public resources, including education, healthcare, housing, and social welfare programs.

2. Increased crime rates: While not all illegal aliens are criminals, studies have shown that there is a correlation between illegal immigration and certain types of crime, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and identity theft.

3. Economic impact: Illegal aliens often work under the radar and do not contribute to the tax base, thus leading to significant revenue losses for the US government. They also tend to accept lower wages, which can lead to lower wages for US citizens and legal residents.

4. Strain on infrastructure: With the increase in the number of people residing in the US, the strain on the country’s already-stressed infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water systems, has become more pronounced.

5. Health concerns: With the influx of illegal aliens, there has been an increased risk of the spread of communicable diseases and other public health concerns.

Government Response to Illegal Immigration

The United States government has responded to the issue of illegal immigration in a variety of ways, including through legal and enforcement measures. The most significant response has been the development of statutory and regulatory frameworks designed to control immigration and enforce immigration laws.

1. Enhanced Border Security: The US government has increased the number of border agents and introduced improved technology and infrastructure to combat illegal immigration along the country’s borders.

2. Increased Enforcement of Immigration Laws: The US government has introduced measures designed to crack down on employers who hire illegal aliens and to increase the number of deportations of illegal immigrants.

3. Guest Worker Programs: The federal government has introduced guest worker programs to provide a legal channel for individuals to work in the US for a limited period.

4. Path to Citizenship: In recent years, several proposals have been put forward by lawmakers to create a path to citizenship for illegal aliens already living in the US.

Conclusion

Illegal aliens are a complex and multifaceted issue in the United States. While many immigrants come to the US with good intentions, the negative consequences of illegal immigration, such as the strain on public resources and increased crime rates, cannot be ignored. The US government has taken significant steps to combat illegal immigration, including border control measures, increased enforcement of immigration laws, and the introduction of guest worker programs. Ultimately, the long-term solution lies in creating a comprehensive immigration policy that balances the United States’ humanitarian tradition with the need to maintain security and order within the country.

The United States Immigration Laws have strict provisions regarding immigrants entering and/or residing the country. By definition, an illegal alien is any person in the United States that does not have the proper authority to enter or reside within the country.

Therefore, legally speaking, illegal aliens are not allowed to live in the United States. However, it is no secret that illegal aliens currently reside in the United States, reaching numbers in the millions. Being an illegal alien in the United States is against the law, though it is often times extremely difficult to determine which individuals are in fact illegal aliens.

Many illegal aliens in the United States carry on fairly regular lives, working to provide for the families and attending school like regular American citizens. Many times, illegal aliens will obtain falsified documents allowing them to obtain a driver’s license and employment. Therefore, even though it is illegal, it is possible for an illegal alien to live in the United States.