Illegal Immigration in America
The economic impact of illegal immigrants is a challenging field to quantify, it leaves room for varying methodologies of study, and so the definitive results of the economic impact can change.
Without definitive evidence against illegal immigration, the problem remains divided, with facts in favour of opposing sides.
Pro
Con
Mutual goals
Verified
Unlawful immigrant households impose a net fiscal burden
Con
Unlawful immigrant households impose a net fiscal burden
Con
There are approximately 3.7 million unlawful immigrant households in the U.S. These households impose a net fiscal burden of around $54.5 billion per year.
Children in unlawful immigrant households receive heavily subsidized public education. Many unlawful immigrants have U.S.-born children; these children are currently eligible for the full range of government welfare and medical benefits.
In 2010, the average unlawful immigrant household received around $24,721 in government benefits and services while paying some $10,334 in taxes. This generated an average annual fiscal deficit (benefits received minus taxes paid) of around $14,387 per household.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Richwine, Jason. “The Fiscal Cost of Unlawful Immigrants and Amnesty to the U.S. Taxpayer.” The Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org/immigration/report/the-fiscal-cost-unlawful-immigrants-and-amnesty-the-us-taxpayer.
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Illegal immigrants can contribute to school crowding
Con
Illegal immigrants can contribute to school crowding
Con
Immigrants on average tend to have larger families than those in the U.S. This difference can strain the resources of local school districts. Moreover, illegal immigrant families are poorer on average than U.S. households, which can burden schools.
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, of all public school students in poverty nationwide, 29 percent are from immigrant households. In California, as much as 60 percent of public school students in poverty are from immigrant households. In Arizona, that figure is nearly 43 percent; in Nevada, it’s almost 42 percent.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
McDonald, Michael. “10 Ways Illegal Immigration Affects You Financially.” GOBankingRates, Sections Best Brokers 2018, 31 Oct. 2018, www.gobankingrates.com/making-money/jobs/10-ways-illegal-immigration-affects-financially/.
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Undocumented immigrants pay taxes
Pro
Undocumented immigrants pay taxes
Pro
Immigrants who are authorized to work in the United States pay the same taxes as US citizens. And, contrary to the persistent myth, undocumented immigrants do in fact pay taxes too. Millions of undocumented immigrants file tax returns each year, and they are paying taxes for benefits they can’t even use.
The most recent IRS data, from 2015, shows that the agency received 4.4 million income tax returns from workers who don’t have Social Security numbers, which includes a large number of undocumented immigrants. That year, they paid $23.6 billion in income taxes.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Campbell, Alexia Fernández. “How Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes, Explained.” Vox.com, Vox Media, 25 Oct. 2018, www.vox.com/2018/4/13/17229018/undocumented-immigrants-pay-taxes.
Ryan, et al. “The Economic Contribution of Unauthorized Workers: An Industry Analysis.” NBER, NBER, 11 Nov. 2016, www.nber.org/papers/w22834?utm_campaign=ntw&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ntw.
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Unauthorized immigrants contribute to the growth of the economy
Pro
Unauthorized immigrants contribute to the growth of the economy
Pro
There is little doubt that unauthorized, that is, illegal, immigration has made a significant contribution to the growth of our economy. Between 2000 and 2007, for example, it accounted for more than a sixth of the increase in our total civilian labor force. The illegal part of the civilian labor force diminished last year as the economy slowed, though illegals still comprised an estimated 5% of our total civilian labor force.
The economic contribution of unauthorized workers to the U.S. economy is substantial, at approximately 3% of private sector GDP annually, which amounts to close to $5 trillion over a 10-year period.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
“Testimony of Dr. Alan Greenspan Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security.” 2009, pp. 1–3. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/greenspan_testimony_04_30_09.pdf
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Unverified
Immigration has a negative effect on workers without a college degree.
Con
Immigration has a negative effect on workers without a college degree.
Con
Immigration has a negative effect on workers without a college degree. That's especially true in agriculture and construction. In 2014, immigrants held 43 percent of agricultural jobs. Twenty percent were documented, according to the Pew Research Center. In building and grounds maintenance, 35 percent of the jobs were taken by immigrants. Nineteen percent were documented. In construction, 27 percent of the jobs went to immigrants, and 12 percent were documented.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Amadeo, Kimberly. “How Does Immigration Affect You?” The Balance Small Business, The Balance, www.thebalance.com/how-immigration-impacts-the-economy-4125413.
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Immigrants often can’t compete with Americans for communication skills.
Pro
Immigrants often can’t compete with Americans for communication skills.
Pro
Newly arrived immigrants have one thing in common that reduces their ability to compete with native-born workers. They generally don't speak English as well. That means they are less likely to take jobs that require strong communication skills. For example, natives in management and media don't face a lot of competition from newly arrived immigrants.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Amadeo, Kimberly. “How Does Immigration Affect You?” The Balance Small Business, The Balance, www.thebalance.com/how-immigration-impacts-the-economy-4125413.
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Verified false
A Path to Legal Status but Not Citizenship
Pro
A Path to Legal Status but Not Citizenship
Pro
A more pragmatic solution would be to offer a path to legalization that stops short of citizenship. That would meet the humanitarian imperative to keep families together. But it would also hold those who have violated immigration laws accountable for their actions. This would apply only to undocumented workers who were of legal age when they entered the United States; those who were not of legal age should be given a citizenship path identical to the one that is available to legal immigrants.
Except for those who were born on American soil, citizenship is not a right. It's a privilege.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Nowrasteh, Alex. “The 14 Most Common Arguments against Immigration and Why They're Wrong.” Cato Institute, 2 May 2018, www.cato.org/blog/14-most-common-arguments-against-immigration-why-theyre-wrong.
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Immigrants are a major source of crime
Con
Immigrants are a major source of crime
Con
Immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated for violent and property crimes and cities with more immigrants and their descendants are more peaceful. Some immigrants do commit violent and property crimes but, overall, they are less likely to do so.
In 2015 in Texas, there were 1,794 convictions against natives per 100,000 natives, 782 convictions of illegal immigrants for every 100,000 illegal immigrants, and only 262 convictions of legal immigrants per 100,000 of them. For all but four crimes that accounted for 0.18 percent of all criminal convictions in Texas in 2015, there were fewer convictions against illegal immigrant than against natives.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Nowrasteh, Alex. “The 14 Most Common Arguments against Immigration and Why They're Wrong.” Cato Institute, 2 May 2018, www.cato.org/blog/14-most-common-arguments-against-immigration-why-theyre-wrong.
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1 weeks ago
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Verified
Undocumented immigrants pay taxes
Pro
Undocumented immigrants pay taxes
Pro
Immigrants who are authorized to work in the United States pay the same taxes as US citizens. And, contrary to the persistent myth, undocumented immigrants do in fact pay taxes too. Millions of undocumented immigrants file tax returns each year, and they are paying taxes for benefits they can’t even use.
The most recent IRS data, from 2015, shows that the agency received 4.4 million income tax returns from workers who don’t have Social Security numbers, which includes a large number of undocumented immigrants. That year, they paid $23.6 billion in income taxes.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Campbell, Alexia Fernández. “How Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes, Explained.” Vox.com, Vox Media, 25 Oct. 2018, www.vox.com/2018/4/13/17229018/undocumented-immigrants-pay-taxes.
Ryan, et al. “The Economic Contribution of Unauthorized Workers: An Industry Analysis.” NBER, NBER, 11 Nov. 2016, www.nber.org/papers/w22834?utm_campaign=ntw&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ntw.
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1 weeks ago
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Unauthorized immigrants contribute to the growth of the economy
Pro
Unauthorized immigrants contribute to the growth of the economy
Pro
There is little doubt that unauthorized, that is, illegal, immigration has made a significant contribution to the growth of our economy. Between 2000 and 2007, for example, it accounted for more than a sixth of the increase in our total civilian labor force. The illegal part of the civilian labor force diminished last year as the economy slowed, though illegals still comprised an estimated 5% of our total civilian labor force.
The economic contribution of unauthorized workers to the U.S. economy is substantial, at approximately 3% of private sector GDP annually, which amounts to close to $5 trillion over a 10-year period.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
“Testimony of Dr. Alan Greenspan Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security.” 2009, pp. 1–3. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/greenspan_testimony_04_30_09.pdf
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1 weeks ago
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2 weeks ago
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Unverified
Immigrants often can’t compete with Americans for communication skills.
Pro
Immigrants often can’t compete with Americans for communication skills.
Pro
Newly arrived immigrants have one thing in common that reduces their ability to compete with native-born workers. They generally don't speak English as well. That means they are less likely to take jobs that require strong communication skills. For example, natives in management and media don't face a lot of competition from newly arrived immigrants.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Amadeo, Kimberly. “How Does Immigration Affect You?” The Balance Small Business, The Balance, www.thebalance.com/how-immigration-impacts-the-economy-4125413.
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Jimmy Arbus
1 weeks ago
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2 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
Verified false
A Path to Legal Status but Not Citizenship
Pro
A Path to Legal Status but Not Citizenship
Pro
A more pragmatic solution would be to offer a path to legalization that stops short of citizenship. That would meet the humanitarian imperative to keep families together. But it would also hold those who have violated immigration laws accountable for their actions. This would apply only to undocumented workers who were of legal age when they entered the United States; those who were not of legal age should be given a citizenship path identical to the one that is available to legal immigrants.
Except for those who were born on American soil, citizenship is not a right. It's a privilege.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Nowrasteh, Alex. “The 14 Most Common Arguments against Immigration and Why They're Wrong.” Cato Institute, 2 May 2018, www.cato.org/blog/14-most-common-arguments-against-immigration-why-theyre-wrong.
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1 weeks ago
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2 weeks ago
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Verified
Unlawful immigrant households impose a net fiscal burden
Con
Unlawful immigrant households impose a net fiscal burden
Con
There are approximately 3.7 million unlawful immigrant households in the U.S. These households impose a net fiscal burden of around $54.5 billion per year.
Children in unlawful immigrant households receive heavily subsidized public education. Many unlawful immigrants have U.S.-born children; these children are currently eligible for the full range of government welfare and medical benefits.
In 2010, the average unlawful immigrant household received around $24,721 in government benefits and services while paying some $10,334 in taxes. This generated an average annual fiscal deficit (benefits received minus taxes paid) of around $14,387 per household.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Richwine, Jason. “The Fiscal Cost of Unlawful Immigrants and Amnesty to the U.S. Taxpayer.” The Heritage Foundation, www.heritage.org/immigration/report/the-fiscal-cost-unlawful-immigrants-and-amnesty-the-us-taxpayer.
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1 weeks ago
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Illegal immigrants can contribute to school crowding
Con
Illegal immigrants can contribute to school crowding
Con
Immigrants on average tend to have larger families than those in the U.S. This difference can strain the resources of local school districts. Moreover, illegal immigrant families are poorer on average than U.S. households, which can burden schools.
According to the Center for Immigration Studies, of all public school students in poverty nationwide, 29 percent are from immigrant households. In California, as much as 60 percent of public school students in poverty are from immigrant households. In Arizona, that figure is nearly 43 percent; in Nevada, it’s almost 42 percent.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
McDonald, Michael. “10 Ways Illegal Immigration Affects You Financially.” GOBankingRates, Sections Best Brokers 2018, 31 Oct. 2018, www.gobankingrates.com/making-money/jobs/10-ways-illegal-immigration-affects-financially/.
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1 weeks ago
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2 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
Unverified
Immigration has a negative effect on workers without a college degree.
Con
Immigration has a negative effect on workers without a college degree.
Con
Immigration has a negative effect on workers without a college degree. That's especially true in agriculture and construction. In 2014, immigrants held 43 percent of agricultural jobs. Twenty percent were documented, according to the Pew Research Center. In building and grounds maintenance, 35 percent of the jobs were taken by immigrants. Nineteen percent were documented. In construction, 27 percent of the jobs went to immigrants, and 12 percent were documented.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Amadeo, Kimberly. “How Does Immigration Affect You?” The Balance Small Business, The Balance, www.thebalance.com/how-immigration-impacts-the-economy-4125413.
Fact added by
Jimmy Arbus
1 weeks ago
Body text edited by
Jimmy Arbus
2 weeks ago
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2 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago
Verified false
Immigrants are a major source of crime
Con
Immigrants are a major source of crime
Con
Immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated for violent and property crimes and cities with more immigrants and their descendants are more peaceful. Some immigrants do commit violent and property crimes but, overall, they are less likely to do so.
In 2015 in Texas, there were 1,794 convictions against natives per 100,000 natives, 782 convictions of illegal immigrants for every 100,000 illegal immigrants, and only 262 convictions of legal immigrants per 100,000 of them. For all but four crimes that accounted for 0.18 percent of all criminal convictions in Texas in 2015, there were fewer convictions against illegal immigrant than against natives.
Community poll
Is this claim factual?
YesSomewhatNoIt's misleadingI don't knowYes
(88%, 18,957
No
(5%, 1077)
Somewhat
(2%, 431)
It's misleading
(1%, 215)
I don't know
(4%, 861)
Total Voters: 21,542
Vote to see the results
Topic Comments
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?
It was a much bigger problem before 2008. Hundreds of thousands of people were coming across illegally every year since the early 1990s. But since the recession the illegal population has actually declined a bit thanks to a poor job market and harsh enforcement under Obama and now Trump.
In the late 90s and early 2000s there was over a million apprehensions per year, with a peak of 1.6 million in 2000. Apprehensions being who was caught, not who crossed. In 2018 we are still at 400,000 per year. We still have a gigantic illegal immigration problem, even if it isn't at the ridiculous levels it used to be.
Nowrasteh, Alex. “The 14 Most Common Arguments against Immigration and Why They're Wrong.” Cato Institute, 2 May 2018, www.cato.org/blog/14-most-common-arguments-against-immigration-why-theyre-wrong.
Fact added by
Jimmy Arbus
1 weeks ago
Body text edited by
Jimmy Arbus
2 weeks ago
Fact added by
Jimmy Arbus
2 weeks ago
Fact added by
Jimmy Arbus
3 weeks ago
Fact added by
Jimmy Arbus
3 weeks ago
Fact added by
Jimmy Arbus
3 weeks ago
General discussion
If you have a large segment of the population that's illegal, it leads to problems. I'm not calling illegal immigrants immoral, or criminals. But not being able to contact law enforcement for fear of deportation, creates a perfect environment for organized crime and victimization.
That's what I worry about-- a large population of immigrants alienated from the larger society-- a true underclass. While I dislike illegal immigration and hate the designation of "Sanctuary City," I agree with nearly all the policies that come with so-called sanctuary status, especially the protections for undocumented victims.
Perhaps we should stop criminalizing them so they can report crimes without fear
If you have a large segment of the population that's illegal, it leads to problems. I'm not calling illegal immigrants immoral, or criminals. But not being able to contact law enforcement for fear of deportation, creates a perfect environment for organized crime and victimization.
Is illegal immigration as big of a problem in the US compared to Europe (where it is often considered to be the biggest issue)?