Chapter 1: How Serious a Problem Is Illegal
Immigration?
Chapter Prefae 6
Illegal Immigration Is a Serious Problem
Illegal immigration Is a Serious Problem by Lawrence E. Harrison 17
illegal immigrants from Latin America bring harmful cultura values,
such as an overemphasis on the family, excessive individualism, and
negative attitudes toward work, Because of these values, and because
they resist assimilation, illegal immigrants are impeding America's
economic progress, and they should be stopped at the border.
Illegal Immigration from Mexico is a Serious Problem 25
by Daniel James
increasing illegal immigration into the United States from Mexico has
caused corresponding increases in drug trafficking, crime, and bur-
dens on U.S. education and welfare systems. Illegal immigrants harm
American workers and create a foreign underclass.
Illegal Immigration hrough U.S, Airorts is a Serious Pobl em 32
by Iira H. Mehiman
Growing numbers of illegal immigrants are passing through U.S.
international airports. Lenient asylum policies and inadequate
resources have hindered the Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS) from detaining or deporting them.
Illegal Immigration from China Is a Serious Problem by Jim Mann 41
An increasing number of Chinese illegal immigrants are being
shipped to the United States by criminal smuggling rings, Immigrants
are charged huge sums of money and are often forced into indentured
servitude, drug dealing, and prostitution to pay off their debt.
Illegal Immigration Is Not a Serious Problem
Illegal Immigration Is Not a Serious Problem by Francis Fukuyama 46
American cultural values have been undermined by forces in the
white community, not by recent immigrants from the Third World.
Immigration, accompanied by assimilation, does not harm America.
Objections to Illegal Immigration Are Exaggerated 55
by Los Angeles Times
Contrary to popular sentiments, illegal immigration is not out of
controlt There are reiatively fewer immigrants today than a century
ago. inimrigrants do not harm U.S. workers, nor do they take advan-
tage of welfare. The challenges posed by illegal immigration can be
eased through iscal measures, policy reforms, and increased trade
with sending countries.
Sjectlons to Illegal Immigration Are Misdirected 59
bIy Stephen Chapman
Opposition to immigraims is a response to a declining U.S. economy.
Rather than burdening the government and taking jobs illegal immi-
grants actullaly benefit society.
Racism Exaggerates the Problem of Illegal Immigration 62
by John Anner
Growing opposition to illegal immigration is part of a wave of racist
sentiment in America. Racists make illegal inmmigrants scapegoats for
America's ecnomrnic problems.
Chapter 2: Does Illegal Immigration Harm the
United States?
The Effects of illegal Immi.gration: An Overview 67
hb Mark Gabrish Conlan
Inmmigration opponents contend that illegal immigrants exploit U.S.
jobs and social services while paying few or no taxes. Immigrant
advocates argue that illegal immigrants are unfairly blamed for U.S.
problems, and that illegal immigrants stimulate the economy by
taking low-wage jobs that citizens do not want.
Yes: llegal Immigration Harms the United States
Illegal Immigration Threaten American Society 72
by Humiphrey Dalton
Massive numnbers of illegal immigrants from the overcrowded Third
World are invading America. These iAligrants hurt the United States
by straining the economy, committing crimes, and ignoring traditional
values,
Ilhegal Immigrants Drain U.S. Social Services by Danie James 80
ncnsiste t psoicies and law is have enabled illegal immigrants to take
adv mntage of the U,S. welfare, education, and health care systems.
Taxes paid by illegal immigrants do not compensate for the benefits
they rece ive.
Ille al Immigration Harms U.S, Workers by Robert N. Dunn Jr 87
In recent years, the wages of low-skilled U.S. workers have declined
dramaticady, while the average American inco  has increased. This
income inequality is caused by illegal immigrants, who depress the
wages of iow-skilled U.S. workers by providing an abundance of
cheap labor.
Illegal Immigration Threatens U.S. Security by Allan C Brownfeld 90
Lax asylum laws and ineffective immigration control procedures al
low easy entry for illegal aliens, some of whom are terrorists who
pose a security risk for the United States.
Illegal Immigrants Burden the U.S. Education System 93
by Centerf r imm igration Studies
In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that illegal immigrant children have
the right to free public education. These students, many of whom do
not speak English, burden teachers and schools, reduce the quality of
U.S. education, and cost taxpayers money.
No: Illegal Immigration Does Not Harm the United States
Illegal Imngrants Are Unfairly Blamed for U.S Problems 97
by Sara Diamond
Anti-immigrant sentiment is racist. Illegal immigrants are easy targets
for hate groups and ight-wing politicians, who blame them unfairly
for U.S. social and economic problems.
Illegal Immigrants Do Not Hurt the U.S. Economy by Sergio Munoz 104
Reports that undocumented immigrants are a drain on Los Angeles's
social services are distorted and exaggerated. Blaming undocumented
immigrants for the city's financial crisis has hurt the Latino image.
Illegal immigration Does Not Harm U.S. Workers 107
by George I. Borjas
Claims that illegal immigrants displace American workers and
reduce their earnings are founded on false assumptions. Immigrants
contribute to America's economy through their hard work.
llegal Immigrants Do Not Drain U.S. Social Services 113
by Julan L. Simon
Contrary to the claims of immigration opponents, illegal immigrants
do not drain US. social services, and actually pay the government
more in taxes than they receive in public benefits.
Chapter 3: Are Illega Immigrants Treated Fairy?
Chapter Preface 121
Yes: Illegal Immigrants Are Treated Fairly
Illegal Immigrant Workers Are Not Exploited by George J Borjas 122
Contrary to widespread belief, illegal immigrants are not exploited by
U.S. employers. Rather, they voluntarily participate in a black market
labor exchange that benefits both the worker and the employer.
Employer Sanctions Are Fair by Gene McNary 128
The immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 authorized
important sanctions against hiring illegal aliens. These sanctions deter
immigrants from entering the country illegally and protect U.S. jobs
for American workers.
"The Border Patrol is Usually Fair 132
by Sebastian Rotella and Patrick . McDonnell
Border Parol agents face difficut working cndiontns, including as-
saults, poor supervision, inadequate resources, and harsh criticism,
Despite hardships and incidents of misconduct, Border Patrol agents
often perform acts of compassion and heroism.
No: Illegal Immigrants Are Not Treated Fairly
i egal Immigrants Are Treated Unfairly ry C'athi Tchtaquin 138
U.IS. immigration policie have exposed illegal imigrants to abuses
such as labor ights violations exploitation, and job and housing dis-
crimination. Although community groups, labor unions, and inni-
grant advocates are organizing to protect and expand their rights, the
government's economic, foreign, and domestic policies are leading to
greater restrictions and abuses.
Employer Sanctions Are Unfair 145
by National Network fbr Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Employer sanctions have caused violations of labor laws and discrim-
ination against minority workers. For these reasons, employer sanc-
tions should be repealed.
The INS Violates Immigrants' Human Rights by Americas Watch 49
The Immi ation and Naturalization Service (INS)--especially its law
enforcement arm, the Border Patrol-has repeatedly violated the hu-
man rights of undocumented immigrants during arrest and detention
procedures, Abuses include shootings, beatings, verbal abuse, and
sexual assaults.
Chapter 4: How Shold the Government Respond
to Immigration?
Irmigration Policy: n Overview by Thomas :. Muller 157
Some commentators, both liberal and conservative, think greater
immigration controls are necessary to preserve Western culture.
Others favor open border policies consistent with free market
economics. Future U.S. immigration decisions must balance
economic, political, and social concerns.
The Government Should Strictly Control Immigration
The Government Should Not Allow Open lImgration 164
Vy Bruce A. Ramsey
Athough some people support the principles of open imrnmigraiion.
such a policy would lead to a masive influx of newcomers that would
severely disrupt U.S. cultural and economic conditions. Immigration
controls are essential in today's world.
The Government Should Restrict Immigration by John Vinson 169
Massive immrnigration threatens to destroy America. By manipuating
popular sentiments, self-serving interest groups are hindeing immi-
gration control. The government should deploy troops along the U.S.
border with Mexico to stop illegal immigration.
The Government Should Impose a Moratorium on Immigration 178
by Dan Stein
The massive flow of immigration to America since the mid-1960s has
caused cultural fragmentation, ethnic tension, and a decline in the
standard of living. The United States should impose a temporary
freeze on all immigration while the government reevaluates its immi-
gration policies.
The Government Should Use Foreign Aid to Reduce Immigration 181
by Sergio Diaz-Briquets and Sidney Weintraub
The best way to stop undocumented immigrants is to create jobs in
the regions from which most of them come: Latin America and the
Caribbean, The United States should assist these areas to develop
open trade, free markets, increased education, and other advance-
ments in order to stimulate their economies and produce jobs.
The Government Should Ease Its Immigration Controls
The Government Should Allow Open Immigration by Dan Lacey 189
Excessive job protectionism has led most Americans to oppose open
borders. Rather than hurting U.S. workers, however, free immigration
would stimulate the economy by increasing consumption, creating
demand, and providing an abundance of low-wage labor.
The Government Should Legalize Illegal Immigrant Residents 196
by Jorge G. Castaneda
The mass influx of undocumented immigrants from Latin America
and the Caribbean will continue. The current contradictory practice of
enjoying their services while keeping them illegal is unacceptable.
Therefore, they should be legalized.
The Government Should Allow More Legal Immigration 199
by Julian L. Simon
Arguments that immigration has a negative impact on the economy
are unfounded and often disguise racist sentiments. The long-term
economic and political benefits of immigration outweigh the short-
ter costs. Each year, the United States should admit 500,000 more
immigrants than the previous year.