Prejudice has long preceded the debate about illegal immigration in the United States, though to be fair, prejudice is very much a natural by-product of human cognitive systems.

Human beings are hardwired – so to speak – to regard those who are different from us as unfavorable, and even if we may have no explicit prejudices against a minority group or those who belong to another ethnicity, there are uncontrollable, unconscious, implicit prejudices within us toward certain races that can affect our emotions and reflexive reactions. Only when explicit prejudices are consciously verbalized or otherwise acted upon that they become the most damaging.

Immigration, for millions of people since the country was founded, has been a wholly legal process and a source of great pride to those who achieved the ability to live and work permanently in America by rightful means. Illegal immigration, meanwhile, has led to much discrimination against ethnic groups, and unfortunately, often legal immigrants within those groups also unfairly receive harsh treatment by other Americans – as some of them insist, “true Americans” – for the offenses of those who did not follow the law. Clearly, this is an ugly aspect of immigration for America.

Immigration for America also may lead to instances of discrimination with regard to the mere skin color of those who come to the United States. Lamentably, in some people’s frustration over the persistence of illegal immigration in this country, they will insist on using shady practices and racial slurs against ethnic groups like Mexicans. Though this cannot be implied of all employers of illegal aliens, some may relish in the opportunity to pay their workers less based on racial prejudice and not just economics.

In addition, unlawful immigration to the United States may potentially prompt the use of negative stereotypes by employers and everyday people alike. As a result, the stereotypes attributed to all Mexicans – however unfounded – may have been shaped unfairly by adversaries of illegal Mexican immigrants, even though they have a job and are hard workers.

Why Does Prejudice Towards Illegal Immigrants Exist?

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of illegal immigrants in many countries around the world. This has led to a lot of controversy and debate, with many people expressing strong opinions on both sides of the argument. One thing that is clear from this debate is that there is a lot of prejudice towards illegal immigrants. But why does this prejudice exist? In this article, we will explore some of the reasons behind prejudice towards illegal immigrants.

What is an Illegal Immigrant?

Before we discuss the reasons behind prejudice towards illegal immigrants, it is important to first define what an illegal immigrant is. An illegal immigrant is a foreigner who enters a country without the necessary legal documents, such as a visa or work permit. Some illegal immigrants may also overstay their visas, or enter the country illegally by crossing the border without permission.

Reasons for Prejudice Towards Illegal Immigrants

There are many reasons why people may harbor prejudice towards illegal immigrants. Some of these reasons are based on misconceptions, while others are based on genuine concerns. Let us take a closer look at some of the most common reasons for prejudice towards illegal immigrants.

Job Stealing

One of the most common reasons for prejudice towards illegal immigrants is the belief that they are taking jobs away from local workers. Many people believe that illegal immigrants are willing to work for much lower wages than locals, which makes them more attractive to employers. This can lead to a situation where locals struggle to find work, while illegal immigrants are easily able to find jobs.

However, this belief is not supported by the evidence. Research shows that the impact of illegal immigrants on the job market is generally small and insignificant. Most studies have found that illegal immigrants actually have a positive impact on the economy, as they contribute to the workforce and pay taxes.

Crime and Violence

Another common reason for prejudice towards illegal immigrants is the belief that they are more likely to commit crimes. This belief is fueled by stories in the media about illegal immigrants committing violent crimes such as murder and rape. However, the evidence does not support this belief. Studies have shown that immigrants, including illegal immigrants, are actually less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.

Inequality

Another reason for prejudice towards illegal immigrants is the sense of inequality that some people feel. Many people feel that illegal immigrants are receiving benefits that they do not deserve, such as access to healthcare and education. This can lead to a sense of resentment towards illegal immigrants, and a belief that they should not be allowed in the country.

However, the reality is that most illegal immigrants do not have access to these benefits. Many are unable to access healthcare because they do not have insurance, and their children may be unable to attend school because they do not have the necessary documentation.

Fear of Losing Culture

Another reason for prejudice towards illegal immigrants is the fear of losing cultural identity. Many people believe that illegal immigrants bring with them foreign customs and traditions that are incompatible with the native culture. They fear that if too many immigrants are allowed into the country, the native culture may disappear.

However, this fear is largely unfounded. Most illegal immigrants are simply looking for a better life for themselves and their families. They may bring with them their own customs and traditions, but this does not necessarily mean that they will supplant the native culture.

False Beliefs

Finally, prejudice towards illegal immigrants is often fueled by false beliefs. For example, some people believe that illegal immigrants are responsible for the spread of diseases, or that they receive more government benefits than they pay in taxes. These beliefs are unfounded, and often serve to reinforce existing prejudices rather than providing a factual basis for them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why people may harbor prejudice towards illegal immigrants. Some of these reasons are based on genuine concerns, such as the fear of losing jobs or cultural identity. However, many of these beliefs are unfounded, and are not supported by the evidence. It is important that we separate fact from fiction when discussing the issue of illegal immigration, and that we work towards understanding and acceptance of those whose only crime is seeking a better life for themselves and their families.