The United States of America has always been an attraction to the world because of the opportunities it offers. Many people realize their career dreams everyday in the US, but some people choose to reside illegally in the hope to build a better future for them. These undocumented residents stay in the country and then utilize the social services as well. Even though the expert view suggests that illegal immigration is bad for the country’s system, the economic perspective states that illegal immigration is actually beneficial for the country and thus such immigrants should be allowed social benefits. This essay aims at examining the perks that are enjoyed by illegal residents and to provide support for the mentioned argument.
Illegal immigration is a widely known subject around the US. There are numerous families and people who have settled illegally in the country. The reasons for such immigration may include escape from criminal activity or political situation of the country, in search of job or medical aid. The general opinion about illegal residents is that these people are living off of the taxes of legal residents and receiving social services for free. Such services include medical care, food stamps, welfare etc. But are they actually receiving these benefits for no cost at all?
Illegal immigrants may not be paying the taxes but they do contribute in the economic system of the country. Unlike the legal residents, illegal immigrants are always looking for work and economic changes. The moment there is a rise in economy, especially in labor based work there is a large flow of immigrants. This influx results in cheaper workforce, which reduces the labor cost. In addition, this labor has become much more skilled over the period. A report was presented by Brooklyn Institution to analyze the role of immigrants in the US.
The findings of this research demonstrate that "In the year 1980, 19 percent of illegal immigrants in the age bracket of 25 to 64, had a bachelor’s degree and around 40 percent did not even had high school education. But in 2010, 30 percent immigrants held a college degree and only 28 percent lacked high school degree.”. This shows that in the recent years, the immigrants have comparatively become more skilled and more educated. The current scenario in the country is in dire need of a kick-start and it would be a great boost to the economy if we allow illegal immigrants to become a part of the state legally. In return for their skills, it is fair bargain to let them enjoy a few benefits and social benefits.
Illegal immigrants may seem to be enjoying the benefits provided by the state but their skills and the benefits they bring to the economy are much more dominant. With the help of the Immigration Reform and a proper system of making immigrants legal, we can ensure profit hike and allow them to justify their social service utilization as well.
Works Cited:
David W. Haines, Karen Elaine Rosenblum. Illegal Immigration in America: A Reference Handbook. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1999.
LeMay, Michael C. Illegal Immigration: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 2007.
Levy, Janey. Illegal Immigration and Amnesty: Open Borders and National Security. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2010.
Lyons, Charlton. Illegal Immigration: The Consequence of Misplaced Trust. Bloomington: Thinkstock, 2012.
Yoshida, Chisato. Illegal Immigration and Economic Welfare. Heidelberg: Physica-Verlag , 2000.
