Illegal Immigration across the US-Mexico Border - Research Paper Example

?Illegal Immigration across the U.S.-Mexico Border Introduction The United s is one of the most populous and diverse countries in the world. Will, George notes that, with the exception of the Native Americans, everybody residing in the U.S. came as either immigrants or slaves more than 400 years ago (6). According to a study, foreign-born persons constituted about 75% of American population by the late 17th century, according to Frum (269). This is attributable to the fact that the United States has welcomed legal immigration into the country for centuries. However, the U.S. has also witnessed rising number of illegal immigrants into the U.S. since the late 19th century an issue, which has triggered a strong debate in American politics. The illegal immigration of Mexicans into the U.S. has particularly been very controversial throughout history. This is because of the security threats posed by the illegal immigrants from Mexico. The concerns have been catalyzed by the September 11 terrorist attacks that left many Americans dead and scores injured. This has seen the border between the two countries being closed and reopened several times due to a number of reasons, according to Frum (270). The Mexican workers have contributed significantly to the development of the economy and prosperity of the U.S. Mexican workers have been regarded as efficient and strong. Additionally, unlike the Native Americans and other immigrants, they were willing to accept low wages in inhumane conditions. Despite the positive contribution of the Mexican immigrants to the U.S. economy, they have also impacted negatively both on the U.S. and Mexico, as well. The debatable question in Congress pertains to how to gain better control of the U.S. borders in order to stop illegal immigration. This paper discusses the history of the Mexican immigrants into the U.S. This will then be followed by the various strategies that can be employed to solve the issue of illegal immigrants from Mexico. Finally, the paper will explore the possible consequences if something is not done to resolve the immigration issue from the Mexican-U.S. border. History of illegal Immigration from Mexico To begin with, immigration refers to the act of settling or moving into another country either permanently or temporarily. Immigration occurs for a number of reasons most of which are economical, according to US Immigration Support (2). The living expenses and wage rates differ significantly from one country to another. For instance, the living standards in poor third world countries are far below that of developed countries. As a result, individuals from poor underdeveloped countries find it prudent to move to other countries, which they believe have better living standards than their own countries. This has seen many people from underdeveloped countries immigrate in their numbers into developed countries such as the United States. Mexican citizens are a classical example of poor individuals who are yearning for a far higher living standard, as in the U.S., observed Grayson (par.2). The economic pressure for the poor Mexican is so high to the extent that when legal means is restricted, they find it prudent to immigrate illegally, according to US Immigration Support (4). This has seen the number of illegal Mexican immigrants increase significantly over the years, something that has been a controversial issue for the Americans. The history of Mexican immigration into the U.S. dates back to 1850s, when the first Mexican immigrant came into the U.S. The number of Mexican immigrants into the U.S. increased since then and by 1880’s about 55,000 Mexican workers had immigrated to the U.S. to work in farms that had belonged to Mexico, according to Dinan (par.5). At this time, the Mexican workers institution in the U.S. was well established in the mining industry, commercial agriculture, and railroad and light industries. The Mexican poor had a extremely poor working conditions and low remuneration. Dinan reveals that the presence of the Mexican workers began with the railroad construction between Mexico and the United States (par.6). Their number grew significantly between 1880 and 1890. This saw Mexican constitute approximately 60% of railway workers at this time, according to Dinan (par.6). A couple of years later, in 1910, the Mexican Revolution took place. The revolution made it difficult for the Mexican government to improve the living standards of its people. By around 1930s, the Mexican farms were harvesting smaller bounties. In addition, employment became a problem in Mexico. This prompted Mexicans to begin looking for the U.S. as the right destination for survival, claims Grayson (par.8). Apart from the economic reasons, World War I was also another factor, which contributed greatly to the immigration of Mexicans to the United States. Grayson notes that the World War I provided a splendid opportunity for the poor Mexicans to move into the U.S. and work in industries and service fields since much of the U.S. labor force were engaged in foreign countries fighting the war (par.10). Report shows that agencies in Mexico recruited many Mexicans to work in the U.S. agricultural and railway industries (Flynn par.3). In order to be allowed to move to the U.S., Mexican immigrants had to sign a contract formulated in 1920 by the Mexican government. The contract gave Mexican workers certain rights enumerated in the Mexican Political Institution. According to contract, the U.S. ranchers were required to allow Mexican workers to come with their families for the contract period. No individual Mexican was permitted to move into the U.S. without the contract, which stated the work schedule, rate of pay, and place of employment among other working conditions. The contract marked the first de facto Bracero Program between Mexico and the United States. In 1924, the U.S. created a border patrol officers to protect its border with Mexico. It I reported that the Mexican workers failed to realize the impact that the creation of Border Patrol would have on their lives at the time. Americans did not immediately view Mexicans as ‘illegal aliens instead the law now stated that unregistered workers were now fugitives, according to Grayson (par.12). The implementation of the Border Patrol led to the birth of illegal alien. The U.S. also introduced another control measure on Mexican immigrants’ workers during the depression period. The control measures included visa denial to all Mexicans who could not prove having secured employment in the U.S. Such individuals were deported back to Mexico and warned not to return as the breach would amount to outlaw. It appears that whenever the U.S. found a reason for closing its borders for Mexican immigrants, something always happened that forces it to reopen it again. This was witnessed when the U.S. plunged into World War II. During World War II, most American work force engaged in the war prompting the U.S. government to reopen its border for Mexican immigrant workers. Research indicates the millions of Mexican laborers were imported into the U.S. between 1942 and 1964 as ‘braceros” under the Bracero Program to work temporarily in the U.S. farms and ranches, according to Flynn (par.5). Despite the attempt by the U.S. government to increase border patrol, the number of Mexican immigrants continued to increase. Of the 11.1 million illegal immigrants in the U.S., according to the 2010 report, 58% hails from Mexico. The high number of illegal Mexican immigrants into the U.S. has also been attributed to its proximity of Mexico and the U.S. The immigration of Mexicans into the U.S. has mainly been an issue to the U.S. citizens and politicians because it poses a security threat to the country. This has particularly been so since September 11 terrorist attacks that left many Americans dead and scores injured. Therefore, it has become necessary for the U.S. government to control its border with Mexico through which many illegal immigrants find their way into the country. The Mexican illegal immigration into the U.S. has also been an issue since it increases illegal activities into the country such as drug trafficking and smuggling of goods (Flynn par. 7). There are many cases where the U.S. has had to battle with illegal Mexican immigrants trafficking drugs into the U.S. These poses a serious threat to the U.S., a matter that has been of great concern to the country. Additionally, the current economic situation of the United States does not allow it to accept illegal immigrants into the country, notes Flynn (par.10). Currently the U.S. is facing the problem of unemployment to its citizens. As a result, the government deems it necessary to prevent illegal crossing of its border with Mexico as a way of ensuring that illegal immigrant are not allowed into the country that might compete for the few job opportunities available for its citizens. Part 2 Proposed Strategies for solving the illegal immigration issue Legal immigrants have been welcomed in the U.S. for centuries now. However, as earlier indicated, the number of illegal immigrants coming to America from Mexico has been of great concern to the U.S. security since September 11 terrorist attacks. In this regard, there is a need of controlling the border between the U.S. and Mexico to bar illegal immigrant from flowing through the borders into the U.S. This can be achieved by implementing the strategies discussed hereunder. Closed borders and Strict Law enforcement The closing of borders between the U.S. and Mexico accompanied by the enforcement of strict laws on immigration is one the best strategies that can help solve the problem of illegal immigrants from Mexico. In this regard, constructing 2,000-mile fence already proposed Duncan Hunter, the chairperson of the House Armed Services Committee, would certainly curtail the movement of illegal immigrants from Mexico into the U.S. (Kasper par.1). Skinner argues that the project will involve putting up of multi-layered barrier at the border between the U.S. and Mexico (6). The fence will consist of a ditch, coiled barbed wire and a sensor that would help in detecting infringement. This will help in putting a check at any breach at the border thereby curtailing illegal immigration into the U.S. from Mexico. Additionally, the barrier should be covered with a smooth sand strip for detecting footprints as proposed by Hunter, according to Orndorff (par.5). The illegal immigration will also be prevented by installing TV cameras on the fence, as well as motion detectors. Skinner claims that the 14-mile California fence has successfully reduced the number of illegal immigrants significantly. This shows how successful the construction of a barrier fence will be in preventing illegal crossing from Mexico into the United States. However, since barrier fence will make illegal immigrants shift their point of entry to the end of the fence, border patrol will have to be improved to ensure that every possible point of entry is put under 24-hour surveillance (Higgins par.7). In addition to closing the border between the two countries, there is also need to enact tougher laws on illegal immigration. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) in partnership with Byron Dorgan (D-ND), for instance once introduced a bill aimed at strengthening the U.S. border protection and enforcement by ensuring that more immigration officers, prosecutors and judges are hired to speed up the ‘processing’ of immigrants (Skinner 7). For example, between 2005 and 2006, border patrol officer detained 46,058 non-Mexican immigrants crossing the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Therefore, the law needs support from both the Congress and House of Representatives to resolve the problem of illegal immigration to the United States through its borders. When tougher laws are in place, illegal immigrants will be scared of the consequences when caught trying to cross the border illegally, notes Plumer (par. 9). This will help reduce or illuminate the problem of illegal immigration through the U.S.-Mexico border. Elimination of Job magnet and benefits for illegal immigrants The second effective strategy of resolving the immigration is by eliminating or reducing employment opportunities for illegal immigrants in the country (Cornelius 779). Reducing the number of available job opportunities in the country reduces the incentive for illegal immigrants to remain in the country. As earlier stated, a majority of Mexicans immigrated into the U.S. because the better living standards and job opportunities available in the U.S. However, as things stand now that the economy of the U.S. is dwindling following the financial crisis there has been a problem of job opportunity in the country (US Immigration Support 6). This has effectively prompted many illegal immigrants from Mexico and other countries to return to their own countries, which are growing economically. Cornelius observed that the number of illegal Mexican immigrants have reduced significantly in recent years since the economy of the U.S. began depressing (779). This is because of lack of job opportunities, which has been created by the depression. This is a clear indication that reducing or eliminating employment opportunity for illegal immigrants will effectively help solve the immigration issue. Additionally, the U.S. government should do away with the jobs magnet, and stop awarding illegal immigrants taxpayer sponsored social service benefits. No Amnesty There has been an increased advocacy and proposal for granting amnesty to illegal immigrants in the country. However, granting amnesty that gives illegal immigrants legal permission to remain in the U.S. is not doing any suitable for the country. Granting amnesty only encourages illegal immigration into the country, which should be stopped, according to Roche (par.6). For over 200 years now, the U.S. has been granting illegal aliens in individual cases but did not grant blanket amnesty to a large number of immigrants until 1986. This was the year the U.S. Congress passed an Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), which legalized all illegal immigrants that satisfied certain criteria (Swaine par.2). This saw a close to 2.8 million illegal immigrants being admitted as legal immigrants. Despite the fact that the amnesty needed only to be granted once, six other followed such as The Amnesty of 1994, The Extension Amnesty of 1997, the NAS-CARA amnesty of 1997, and the Life Amnesty of 2,000 among others (Swaine par.2). Currently, more amnesty is being proposed, even though they have proved ineffective as far as preventing illegal immigration is concerned, notes Swaine (par.4). Therefore, avoiding granting amnesty to illegal immigrants into the country is one of the surest strategies of solving the socio-economic and population problems associated with illegal immigration. Reducing the number of illegal immigrants in the country Statistics indicate that about ten to twenty million people are currently living in the U.S. illegally, according to Orndorff par.(8). As earlier indicated, about 58% of all the illegal immigrants come through the Mexican border with the U.S. Despite the contribution they make to the U.S. economy, encouraging more immigrants into the country also impacts negatively on the country. It is an acknowledgeable fact that there is a need to reduce and control illegal immigration in the country. Even though mass deportation appears unrealistic, deportation of illegal immigrants need to be carried in groups to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in the country. Therefore, I strongly support the plan to reduce the illegal immigrants in the country as outlined in a paper titled ‘Attrition through Enforcement,’ which is very cost-effective, according to Roche (par.9). Screening and tracking all foreign visitors The problem of illegal immigration can be solved through a thorough screening and tracking of all immigrants. This is because some immigrants come into the country through legal means but overstay their visas. This poses a enormous threat to the U.S. security and economy, according to Grayson (par.4). Therefore, there is the need to ensure that all foreigners visiting the country are subjected to comprehensive screening and background checks. This will help in tracking their whereabouts and monitor what they are up to while still in the U.S. Allowing them into society as has been the norm in the past is not in the best interest of the country’s security. Preventing landlord from renting illegal immigrants The problem of illegal immigration can also be solved by making it illegal for property owners to rent people suspected to be illegal immigrants. This strategy can be very effective since every person whether legal or illegal immigrant require a house to live. Therefore, preventing property owners from renting illegal immigrants will certainly discourage illegal immigration into the U.S., according to Jacoby (303). However, in order for the measure to be effective, heavy fines must be imposed on property owners who are found renting illegal immigrants, as well as denying such companies business permits that provide jobs to such individuals. This proposal is similar to that of the City Council of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, reveals Jacoby (304). Part 3 Future considerations What might happen in the future if nothing is done Failing to establish a resolution to the problem of illegal immigration through the Mexico and U.S. border might prove very costly to the U.S. in the future. As we all know, the U.S. has remained a targeted country by tourists for a long time now. The terrorist might also take advantage of the porous border between the U.S. and Mexico to enter the U.S., something that can be so disastrous to the country. For instance, the September 11 terrorist attacks took place since the U.S. security agencies failed to protect the country’s borders and airports, which made it easy for terrorists to enter the country and hijack a plane (Mac Donald, par.4). The same might happen if nothing is done to control the illegal immigration through its border with Mexico. The failure by the U.S. government to abate the problem of illegal migration from Mexico might result in the rise of illegal cartels. As earlier indicated, the U.S. has been battling with the problem of drug trafficking through its border with Mexico. Mac Donald reveals that illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and bhang have been finding their way into the country through its border with Mexico (par.5). The drugs are sneaked by illegal immigrants mainly from Mexico. This implies that failure by the U.S. government to ccurb illegal immigration from Mexico might increase trafficking of illegal drugs into the country. Additionally, allowing illegal immigrants from Mexico into the country might increase the smuggling of goods and weapons through the borders. This might jeopardize the U.S. security and economy if allowed to continue unstopped. The United States is currently struggling with revamping its economy following the recession. The recession resulted in millions of job lost as many companies lay off their workers to cut down costs. The economic downturn has also made it difficult for the government to create jobs for its jobless population. Therefore, allowing illegal immigrants from Mexico and other countries in the country will only increase the rate of unemployment for American citizens in the future, claims Malanga (par. 2). This is because the immigrants will begin competing with American citizens for the few available job opportunities. This is not suitable for the country since it will increase the poverty index, which is already at an alarming rate. Failing to do something might also impact negatively on the U.S. workforce and the economy, according to Malanga (par.3). Illegal immigrants are mainly individuals with little informal education. As a result, they lack the expertise to do certain jobs that are required to spur economic growth. As a result, they take low paying jobs, which effectively hold down wages of low skilled and middle class Americans according to Corwin (par.4). This impact negatively on the living standards of Americans and the economy at large. What might happen in the future, if something is done Terrorism has been a serious threat to the U.S. since the events of September 11 terrorist attacks on the world trade center. The attack left several people dead and scores injured plus property worth billions of dollars destroyed. Therefore, doing something towards controlling illegal immigrants from entering the country will help reduce the threat of terrorism in the country. This is because terrorists will not be able to find their way into the country without being noticed. Terrorists often look for porous borders as a point of entry into the country. Therefore, tightening security at the borders and ensuring 24-hour surveillance on the border between the U.S. and Mexico will make it difficult for terrorists and drug traffickers from entering the country, according to US Immigration Support (12). Doing something such as reducing the number of illegal immigrants in the country will help create more job opportunities for the U.S. citizens that are currently unemployed for lack of enough job opportunities. There are many illegal immigrants in the U.S. with jobs that are supposed to be taken up by the unemployed U.S. citizens, claims Flynn (par.11). Therefore, deporting illegal immigrants to their own countries will see many vacancies being created to be filled by the legal U.S. citizens. This will help improve the living standards of the U.S. citizens. What might happen in the future if the issue is resolved completely. Based on the problems posed by illegal immigrants in the country, resolving the immigration problem entirely will boost the security of the country. The reason for this is that the country will become safer than it is today. In addition, resolving the issue will possibly impact positively on the economy of the country since it will result in the elimination of unskilled laborious that have flocked the U.S. job market. Conclusion The United States is often considered to be a country of immigrants. Nevertheless, more than 203 years after independence, the United States still continue to struggle with the national immigration policy. This follows the threat posed by the illegal immigrants that continue to flock the U.S. Today the U.S. has more than 11.1 illegal immigrants, a majority of whom comes through Mexico border. The main concern to the U.S. pertains to the threat posed by the illegal immigrants. The U.S. is currently exceeding vigilant on its security matters especially after suffering at the hands of terrorists in 2001. Therefore, there has been a need to control the U.S. borders in order to prevent terrorism and illegal activities that might be brought by immigrants through its borders. Resolving the immigration problem from Mexico requires the use of certain strategies. Some of the strategies that might help resolve the immigration issue include securing its orders through border patrol, erection of a barrier fence, elimination of job magnet and benefits for illegal immigrants and enforcement of strict laws among others. Resolving the immigration issue will be of immense benefits to the country, as it will help boost safety of Americans. In addition, resolving the immigration problem will help abate trafficking of illegal drugs and smuggling of goods at the border. Further, it will help secure the few job opportunities available to the U.S. citizens. Works Cited Cornelius, Wayne. "Controlling 'Unwanted' Immigration: Lessons from the United States, 1993-2004." Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 31.4 (2005): 775-94. Print. Corwin, Ronald G. “How Immigration is Impacting The U.S. Social Economy.” Web. 22 June 2013. http://www.socialissues.us/16301.html. Dinan, Stephen “Congressional battle over border security begins,” The Washington Times, 17 Nov 2005; available from http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20051117-103247-4094r; Internet, accessed 19 Nov 2005 Flynn, Michael. “Global Migration Coursing Through Mexico,” 25 December 2005. Web. 23 June 2013 http://globalpolitician.com/articleshow.asp?ID=1503&cid=7&sid=88. Frum, David . How We Got Here: The '70s. New York, NY: Basic Books. pp. 268–269.. Grayson, George W. “Mexico’s Forgotten Southern Border - Does Mexico practice at home what it preaches abroad?”, Web 23 June 2013, http://www.cis.org/articles/2002/back702.html, Higgins, Peter. "Open Borders and the Right to Immigration." EBSCOhost. 19 Mar. 2008. Web. 23 June 2013, . Jacoby, Tamar. "Debating Immigration." National Review 37.4 (2005): 302-05. Kasper, Joe. “Hunter Proposal for Strategic Border Fencing Passes House,” December 15, 2005, Web. 23 June 2013, http://www.house.gov/hunter/; Internet; accessed 7 Jan 2006. Mac Donald, Heather. “The Illegal-Alien Crime Wave.” City Journal. The Manhattan Institute, 2004. Web. 23 June 23, 2013, Read More