Some Thoughts on Illegal Immigration

Keith B
Let me say upfront that I oppose illegal immigration. However, there are a few points that I would like to make.

1. I'm not sure why the majority of American oppose illegal immigration so fiercely. For most Americans illegal immigration is probably actually beneficial. It keeps the prices of low skill labor extremely cheap and, by extension, the price of produce, etc. Also, illegal immigrants are probably "tax neutral" when all factors are considered. While it's true that many (but not all) of them work under the table and thus don't pay income tax, they really can't avoid paying "hidden taxes", such as gas and sales tax. Also, the accounts of them abusing social programs and government welfare are, at least from my experience, extremely exaggerated. Most illegals can't get welfare because of the lack of a state I.D. As for education, in most states money for schools is mostly taken from property taxes, which illegals pay via their monthly rent.

2. Most of the opposition behind illegal immigration is Xenophobia and racism. If you can't see this, look online at the comments to any story about illegal immigration and see how many times the word "Mexican" or "Latino" is thrown around in connection with illegal immigration.

3. Illegal immigration is still wrong, however, because it a) creates a "lower" class of people inside the United States b) artificially deflates wages for the uneducated segments of the population c) is unfair to legal immigrants who jumped through all of the hoops.


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