“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…” George Washington

Illegal Immigration

Who are America’s undocumented immigrants? Top 5 origins of undocumented immigrants Mexico 52.7% Central America 15.3% Asia 13% South America 5.8% Europe/Canada 5.4% Changing face of American’s illegal immigrants

How do illegal immigrants enter the U.S.? Two main ways of illegal immigration: Overstaying a visa Crossing the border Trend since 2007 Why do illegal immigrants enter the U.S.?

What jobs do illegal immigrants fill when they are in the U.S.?

Assumptions about illegal immigrants. Immigrants abuse government resources and programs. Immigrants are a drain on the economy. Immigrants steal our jobs. Immigrants are prone to crime and pose a risk for terrorism.

Immigrant effect on government resources.

Illegal Immigrants and their effects on the economy. Multiple studies show immigrants have a net benefit overall on the economy. Some state/local economies may be slightly negatively affected, but the contribution overall nationally is generally positive.

Do illegal immigrants steal American jobs? Studies show many illegal immigrants have skill sets that compliment the native workforce, oftentimes pushing native workers into more skilled better paying positions.

Immigrants and crime and terrorism. From 1975-2015 for all foreign-born terrorists on U.S. soil, the annual chance of being murdered in a terrorist attack is one in 3.6 million.  Almost 99 percent of those murders occurred on 9/11 and were committed by foreigners legally here with visas and student visas, not illegal immigrants.

Solutions? Build the wall deter some of the illegal border crossings. Pathway to citizenship or legal residency for current immigrants. Reformed green card, visa, and temporary worker permits for immigrants to work/study in the US. More resources for proper background checks. Can be done faster and more thoroughly. Streamlined system for immigrants to arrive legally. Legal ways will limit illegal attempts.

One View of the Wall