Undocumented Immigrants: Facts and Figures, Essay Example

Issues undocumented immigrants and their families face under the present political administration are immense as well as gruesome. The term undocumented immigrants has been a byproduct of illegal immigration. However, when the word illegal immigration is used to describe a situation of the undocumented immigrant the public gets the impression that these people were smuggled into the country illegally arriving here without any legal documents. The truth is that  a great majority of these arrived here with legal documents some visitors and student vistas of America immigrations system is as such, especially, since 9/11 there are no opportunities for people whose visas have expired or their stay within the country given by immigration authorities ended to receive legal residency.

Consequently, in 2014 the homeland security has announced that there are approximately 11 million undocumented people/ immigrants living in United States of America.Mexicans account for 57% numbering an estimated 5.3 million. Twenty-three percent are from Latin American countries and the Caribbean (2.2million). Essentially, another 10% come from Asia, 5% Europe and Canada, and the rest of the world the remaining 5% (Passel, Capps& Fix, 2014).

Being undocumented in United States of America in the twenty-first century meansliving an un privileged life in the country. Access to working legally does not exist because the law states that immigrants must have a work permit. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for work permits. Therefore, if they do work it is illegally and can be deported if found. The people who employ them can be fined and procedure for doing so knowingly. However, further statistics show where in 2014 five percent (5%) of the American labor force consist of undocumented immigrants. The represent some 6 million people who under the Bush administration are eligible form temporary legal status, but are denied that privilege(Passel et.al, 2014).

Besides, in most states undocumented immigrants do not have driving privileges, which means they have no identification neither driver’s licenses.So those who have entered the country legally have to use their passports as identification in states where they are denied such privileges. Also they do not have social security numbers. Of the 6 million people who are in the labor force illegally employer remove social security and taxes from their wages, but are not eligible for any social security neither tax returns (Passel et.al, 2014).

In 2006, a Standard & Poor’s analyst revealed that every year undocumented immigrants contribute $6 – 7 billion dollars to United States Social Security Administration. This is detected when “earnings suspense file; which is an account for W-2 tax forms cannot be linked to a correct social security number. It was concluded overtime that these cases relate to working undocumented immigrants who have fake social security numbers(Passel et.al, 2014).

In relation to taxes undocumented working immigrants; a congressional state budget showed where these undocumented people in Texas contribute 18 billion dollars in federal taxes each year, which tremendously balances the state budget. A Pew study conducted in 2012 actually proved that undocumented workers contribution to social security is highly supportive of Medicare and social security benefits for the elderly in America (Porter, 2005).

In the meantime undocumented immigrants form an underprivileged section within the society. They are accused by American citizens of not paying taxes, draining the economy and taking away their jobs. If convicted of crimes they are held at a special detention center sometimes without access to a lawyer to please their case. Many of them endure maltreatment along with many other forms of abuse. Often it takes years for them to have a trial and be deported form the country. Besides, those who live and make a contribution to the economy derive no benefits form their labors because they are classified illegal. If they live here until age 65 years they will not be eligible for social security benefits. Currently they cannot file taxes and receive tax returns if they do not have a tax ID number (Porter, 2005).

Also, undocumented immigrant children do not have access to certain colleges and if accepted have to pay out of state tuition because their parents broke the law and are here illegally. After graduating high school they either join the undocumented workforce receiving a low pay or try paying high tuition to get through school. Still after graduating college until 2012 when the deferred action was passed by president there were no opportunities to work legally. They are not eligible for health care through government funded healthcare insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid. Therefore, they receive absolutely no benefits from the American societyexcept being here living and working as a no class population (Porter, 2005).

Therefore, in explaining why the US congress has not yet passed Comprehensive immigration Reform is to address the political misrepresentation of undocumented immigrants in America who are accused,especially, by Republican Party members, that they are draining the economy. In the preceding paragraphs evidence proves the economic impact of classified illegal immigration/ undocumented immigrant population. Economically, undocumented immigrants make a vital contribution to America’s economy. Consequently, keeping undocumented people u8ndocuemented is beneficial to the economy. If U.S congress passes comprehensive immigration reform they will lose billions of dollars because these people who are supporting the welfare system in America will have to benefit for their labors(Passel et.al, 2014).

The DREAM act while is some type of relief for the children of undocumented immigrants is an apology to this segment of people living in this country and supporting Americans who do not want to work and strive on welfare system. Undocumented immigrants have to work because they can receive no unemployment; food stamps; cash assistance neither free health care. What does the DREAM act does to the undocumented population in America. It makes them more vulnerable to exploitation since they are labeled DREAM-ers. With the present economic situation in America and animosity towards immigrant populations there are no dreamers any longer. These young people dread their future because they are neither legal residents nor citizens(Passel et.al, 2014).

After spending most of their lives in this country; parents contributing to social security and taxes is all the United States government can offer this segment of the population because their parents broke the law? Allowing undocumented people to continue being illegal is keeping segregation active in America and certain segments of the population imprisoned outside the boundaries of a cell wall. This is the highest form of injustice. Self-righteous republicans are the only ones who did not break the law getting on America’s soil(Passel et.al, 2014).

Precisely, the founding fathers did break moral and ethical laws when they ravished the indigenous peoples; took away their land in declaring American independence, which was further described as a bloody experience. American was declared as one nation under God. Where is God in Jim Crow laws, which are quite active in the immigration policies in America? Where is God in keeping over 11 million people undocumented as a noclass population in America? Where is God in exploiting the poor, minorities to feed the wealthy?(Passel et.al, 2014).

In my opinion the DREAM act is a great insult to the undocumented immigrant population in America. Deferred action is an attempted apology for keeping a productive class in slavery because there is no need to release them as yet. The undocumented immigrant plight in America is no better than when blacks were segregated from whites. Precisely, immigration laws in America are structured to meet the same need of subjugation of man by man. For example, Cubans have a wet-foot dry-foot policy enter into American and becoming citizens immediately. Thisprivilege has not been given to the Haitians and other African nations. There is not desire for such people America. The DREAM act does not give a clear way to legalization for fear that these intellectuals may became great leaders in the nation (Passel et.al, 2014).

Surveys show where some undocumented immigrants migrate to America with visitors’ visas, were employed legally; their contracts were not renewed and they remain in the country.Many of them have degrees and are educated from their country of origin. These degrees are not accepted here except for Cuban, who do not have to have their education accredited. This means that among the undocumented population are not only farm workers, but intellectuals to who a minimal way is paid to perform the job of an American scholar.

In concluding this essay if justice is to prevail America ought to devise fair immigration policies. My comprehensive Immigration Reform would entail legalizing undocumented immigration status for those who have been here over 10 years, with any criminal record and can prove that they have worked to support this economy.

Works cited

Passel, J.  Capps, R., & Fix, M. Undocumented Immigrants: Facts and Figures. Urban Institute. 2014 Print

Porter, Eduardo. Illegal Immigrants Are Bolstering Social Security With Billions.New York Times (April 5, 2005).