What are the solutions to illegal immigration in America?


Illegal Immigration ProCon.org presents facts, laws, and pro and con statements on questions related to illegal immigration in the United States. For the best overview of this website, start with the three boxes below: 1-Minute Overview, Top 10 Pros and Cons, and fun facts in Did You Know?


About this Topic

The issue of illegal immigration, with its broad sub-issues ranging from mass deportation to general amnesty to the building of a 700-mile wall, have not only sparked intense controversy recently, but have been debated since the country's founding. As legal and illegal immigrant populations continue to climb, the issue has taken on a new importance and focus. This site gives readers an overview of the debate offering "pro" and "con" responses to central questions in the words of the actual proponents and opponents of the debate.

PRO Legalization and/or CON Deportation CON Legalization and/or PRO Deportation

PRO: Proponents believe that illegal immigration benefits the US economy through additional tax revenue, expansion of the low-cost labor pool, and increased money in circulation. They argue that undocumented immigrants perform jobs that keep American society running smoothly. They believe immigrants bring good values, have motivations consistent with the American dream, and that opposition to immigration stems from racism.

CON: Opponents of illegal immigration believe that aliens broke the law by crossing the borders without proper documentation or by overstaying their visas, and therefore deportation is the appropriate option. They regard illegal aliens as criminals, potential terrorists, and social and economic burdens. They argue that undocumented immigrants should not have the right to change their legal status because such lenience will encourage more illegal immigration.


Last updated on: 4/13/2009 12:52 PM PST


1-Minute Overview Top 10 Pros & Cons Did You Know?


For more information browse the left column resources, read pros and cons in the issues below, or visit our notices section for our most recent content.


Pros and Cons by Issue
Immigration Definitions and Background Illegal Immigration
Legal Immigration
Immigration Quotas
Refugees

Illegal Immigration and Economics The Economy
Public Services
Taxes
Labor Market

Amnesty & Deportation Amnesty Debate
Deportation Debate

Borders Military Involvement
The Minutemen
Mexican Border

Illegal Immigration and Law Enforcement Federal Immigration Law Enforcement
State and Local Law Enforcement
Crime
Terrorism
Driver's License and Identity Theft

Current Legislation 2007 SAVE Immigration Act
2006 Kennedy-McCain Immigration Act
2006 President Bush's Secure Border Initiative
2005 Sensenbrenner-King Immigration Act
2000 Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act

Historic Considerations and Legislation 1996 IlRIRA Immigration Act
1994 Californian Proposition 187
1990 IMMACT Immigration Act
1986 Simpson-Mazzoli Immigration Act
1965 Hart-Cellar Immigration Act
1952 Mc Carran-Walter Immigration Act
1943 Magnuson Immigration Act
1924 Johnson-Reed Immigration Act
19th & 18th Centuries Milestone Legislation


ProCon.org Notices (archived after 30 days)
4/14/2009 - UPDATED: Are American workers harmed (such as through job displacement or lower wages) by an illegal alien workforce?

4/10/2009 - UPDATED: In the News - 113 mainstream media--the most recent including Washington Post, Guardian, and CBS News--have referenced ProCon.org’s websites.

4/10/2009 - UPDATED: How Schools Are Using ProCon.org – 411 schools (73 elementary and middle schools, 148 high schools, and 190 colleges and universities) in 45 states and 11 countries use ProCon.org content in their classrooms.

Archived Notices (archived after 30 days)


[Editor's Note: Throughout this website the term "illegal immigration" refers to our general topic. The term "alien" refers to all non-U.S. nationals and to all non-U.S. citizens. The term "immigrant" refers to an alien with lawful permanent resident status who has been granted the right by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to reside permanently and to work without restrictions in the United States. The term "illegal alien" will be used for aliens who have entered the United States without authorization and who are deportable if apprehended, or who entered the United States legally but who have fallen "out of status" and are deportable also.]


Last updated on 5/4/2009 9:38 AM PST


http://immigration.procon.org/viewtopic.asp