Are Illegals Helping Or Hurting America?

From a liberal Democrat perspective, the presence of undocumented immigrants, often termed as “undocumented workers” or “unauthorized immigrants,” is seen in a light of empathy, human rights, and economic pragmatism. Here’s an overview of their perceived benefits:

Benefits attributed to undocumented immigrants:

Undocumented immigrants have significant economic contributions. They often take on critical roles in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and construction, and some believe these industries might struggle without their labor. These immigrants also contribute by buying goods and services, which drives demand and supports businesses. It is worth questioning where the money they spend comes from, and whether it’s from welfare.

Tax-wise, many undocumented immigrants, despite not having formal status, pay taxes. They do so through sales taxes, property taxes (either directly or through rent), and sometimes income taxes using the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Their contributions amount to billions across local, state, and federal levels. Moreover, it’s estimated that they’ve added tens of billions to Social Security, even if they might never benefit from it.

Cultural diversity and enrichment are also seen as benefits. The U.S. has thrived on immigration and the melding of cultures. The richness in food, art, music, and traditions brought by immigrants is valued. Embracing such diversity resonates with global values of acceptance, unity, and respect.

Another dimension is the demographic contribution. As the U.S. demographic ages, younger undocumented immigrants help support systems like Social Security and Medicare. These younger groups, including the undocumented ones, are viewed as catalysts for innovation and entrepreneurship, vitalizing the economy.

From a humanitarian viewpoint, many undocumented immigrants seek refuge in the U.S. from violence, persecution, or extreme hardship. Offering them sanctuary is seen as aligning with the American ethos of refuge and compassion. Moreover, supporting such immigrants can thwart the heartbreaking separation of families.

Discussing a pathway to citizenship, it’s believed that offering one to undocumented immigrants can promote better integration, societal coherence, and justice. It would enable them to step forward, fully participate in societal functions, and access legal protections.

Finally, from a law enforcement perspective, building trust between undocumented communities and local law enforcement means these communities would more likely report crimes and cooperate. However, it raises the query if crime rates increased due to their presence in these communities. Directing resources towards serious criminals rather than those primarily seeking a better life is also a favored approach.

It’s vital to remember that views on immigration, even within the Democratic Party or among liberal Democrats, are diverse. Nonetheless, these points represent some common beliefs regarding the advantages of undocumented immigrants from a liberal or progressive lens.

Challenges attributed to undocumented immigrants:

In terms of labor, the argument goes that an influx of undocumented workers can push down wages, especially in low-skilled occupations, due to an increased supply of labor willing to work for less. This may lead employers to keep wages low. The introduction of these workers into the job market also heightens competition, potentially taking positions that could have been held by native-born citizens. Critics suggest that the jobs taken by undocumented workers are often roles that domestic workers don’t take up mainly because the wages are suppressed by the availability of cheaper labor. Furthermore, the increase in undocumented workers could amplify the informal, “underground” economy, where jobs don’t offer formal protections and may not be taxed. Skeptics often point to scenes outside home improvement stores where day laborers, presumed to be undocumented, gather, as evidence of this underground economy.

Concerns extend to public services and resources. Undocumented children, by law, can attend public schools, potentially leading to additional educational costs, especially in areas with high undocumented populations. The language barrier, as many undocumented immigrants may not be fluent in English, can result in added expenses for translators in schools. In healthcare, the limited access that undocumented immigrants have might push them to use emergency services, causing strains on emergency departments and leading to costs of uncompensated care. There’s also a prevailing perception that even limited use of public services by undocumented immigrants strains resources. Reports from cities, such as New York, highlight substantial costs linked to the undocumented population. In terms of infrastructure, areas with high concentrations of undocumented immigrants might witness an uptick in the use and subsequent wear of public facilities, like roads or public transport.

Legal and security aspects are also frequently debated. The presence of undocumented immigrants, by definition, indicates a breach of immigration laws, prompting some to argue that this challenges the respect for legal structures in the country. Some claim that by allowing undocumented immigrants to stay, they are, in essence, selecting which laws they adhere to — a privilege not afforded to U.S. citizens. Even though studies generally indicate that undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens, concerns remain about potential criminal activities, including those tied to human trafficking and drug smuggling. Fears also linger regarding national security and the potential for individuals with harmful intentions entering the U.S. through porous borders.

Finally, issues of integration and societal cohesion emerge. Without formal paths to citizenship or permanent residency, undocumented immigrants might remain isolated, leading to pockets of separated communities. Language barriers could further this isolation, posing challenges in the workplace and broader societal interactions. Additionally, without legal status, undocumented immigrants remain excluded from some civic activities, such as voting, which can create feelings of alienation or lack of representation in government decisions.

It’s important to stress that these challenges, as perceived by different individuals or groups, can differ in intensity and authenticity, depending on regional differences, specific communities, and evolving economic or societal situations.