"The Effects of Illegal Immigration"
COMPOSITION by: AARYA SHETH ✦ CANADA
Introduction
Illegal immigration is a situation that has unsettled the political, economic, and social world with heated opinions both for and against it. Undocumented immigration refers to the movement of people across international borders without the corresponding permits. This type of immigration has favorable and unfavorable consequences for the receiving country, the immigrants, and their countries of origin. This narrative tries to achieve its objective by debating illegal immigration by drawing from the perspectives from its economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions.
II. Economic Impacts
Undocumented immigration has a large impact on the economy of a nation or region, bringing both positive and negative impacts. Typically, undocumented immigrants fill the need for low-skilled, labor-intensive jobs within such industries as agriculture, construction, and food services. For example, the U.S. The Department of Agriculture estimates that more than 50% of farmworkers in the United States are unauthorized immigrants¹. Their contributions enhance economic efficiency in these sectors by lowering operational costs for employers and reducing prices for consumers. Moreover, many illegal immigrants pay taxes, including sales, consumption, and payroll taxes, usually using forged Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration reports that unauthorized workers contribute about $12 billion a year to the Social Security system but receive little or no return in long-term benefits, such as retirement². This paradox underlines the ambiguity of their economic role: they contribute to public coffers while being excluded from many public benefits.
Public services like health, education, and social welfare have greater demand where there are high levels of undocumented immigrants. For example, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) of 1986 requires hospitals to provide emergency medical care regardless of legal status³. The cost for providing such medical treatment often is absorbed by the taxpayers or healthcare institutions. Likewise, the Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision of 1982 dictates that all children, regardless of immigration status, are guaranteed an education through public schools⁴. This places a drain on educational budgets in communities that have large numbers of immigrants. Despite these costs, it is important to realize that undocumented immigrants also pay into the tax system. In 2017, ITEP estimated that undocumented immigrants pay approximately $11.7 billion annually in state and local taxes, which complicates the argument that these costs fall solely on legal taxpayers⁵. These contributions offset some of the financial demands placed on public services. Critics often claim that such adverse economic impacts outweigh any economic gains, particularly in the case of resource-poor regions.
On the contrary, available evidence from studies indicates that undocumented immigrants majorly fill labor market jobs that native-born workers are unlikely to seek. For instance, a 2013 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research reports that unauthorized immigrants often take jobs in manual labor and low-skill sectors⁶. This creates a complementary effect, allowing native-born workers to move into higher-skilled positions. Competition for jobs in the unskilled labor market does exist; however, it is usually short-term, as native-born workers adapt to market changes by pursuing different opportunities. Nonetheless, undocumented immigrants often face systemic barriers to economic mobility, perpetuating cycles of poverty and income inequality. This inequality primarily reflects broader disparities between the high- and low-income classes rather than direct competition between undocumented workers and native-born citizens. Corporate practices and labor exploitation exacerbate these disparities.
For instance, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 intended to prevent unauthorized employment by sanctioning employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers; however, gaps in enforcement have allowed abusive practices to continue, often at the immigrant worker's expense⁷. Such economic dynamics are best responded to through comprehensive immigration reform. Offering ways to attain legal status and employment authorization, various policies under consideration have the potential to improve wage equality and working conditions for undocumented immigrants, thus minimizing their exploitation and maximizing their economic contributions.
III. Social Effects
Socially, the effects of illegal immigration are deeply intertwined with economic effects. On one hand, illegal immigration may foster diversity and lead to cultural enrichment since immigrants bring with them diverse traditions, foods, and ideas that add to a country's cultural wealth. For example, cities like Los Angeles and New York, which host highly diverse immigrant populations, have become the epicenters of cultural exchange, as immigrant communities have become crucial in food, arts, and community revitalization. Such cultural contributions might spark innovation and connect different ethnic groups together. However, illegal immigration can also be a source of social tensions, especially in those areas where rapid demographic shifts are occurring.
A notable example is the competition for resources such as jobs, housing, and public services. This is likely to raise resentment among native populations. For example, critics often cite school systems as one of the many public resources that have been stretched thin due to the presence of immigrant children. Policies such as the Plyler v. Doe (1982) Supreme Court decision, which guarantee access to public education in the U.S. for all children regardless of legal status, have raised controversies over resource distribution in some communities⁸. This is usually fed by misinformation and stereotypes regarding the immigrant population. For example, studies show that unauthorized immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits, challenging the stereotype that they are a drain on public resources.
Referring back to the 2017 report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy that undocumented immigrants collectively contribute an estimated $11.7 billion annually in state and local taxes; this, rhetoric of "stealing jobs" and "burdening systems" fuels xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. Social integration is another important problem related to illegal immigration. Not knowing the language well, not having access to education and job training programs, and fear of deportation create conditions that are not good for full adaptation of unauthorized immigrants into their local community. Programs put in place to help combat these barriers, like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program under the Obama administration in 2012, allowed undocumented individuals who arrived as children to be eligible for receiving work permits and avoiding temporary deportation⁹.
Even programs like DACA do not resolve the broader challenges of legal concerns or social isolation. The separation into isolated immigrant enclaves, also known as "shadow communities," is another result of poor integration. These enclaves may limit opportunities for self-realization and economic improvement, as indicated by the fact that unauthorized immigrants are more likely than others to work in low-paying jobs with limited prospects for mobility. Laws such as the IRCA of 1986, placing sanctions on employers hiring undocumented workers, had the purpose of steering off such exploitation but so far have mixed results. These social impacts require addressing through policies that balance enforcement with integration. Comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship and expanded access to education and job training, could mitigate tensions and promote cohesion in communities with significant immigrant populations.
IV. Political Impacts
Illegal immigration is a very contentious issue that characterizes much of the political debate and policy-making in many parts of the world. It is a difficult balance between closed-border policies and humanitarian considerations, which further creates divisive debates on immigration laws and strategies for enforcement. Illegal immigration has turned into a core issue in elections for many countries, influencing party platforms, voter behavior, and the political discourse.
The polarizing nature of immigration reform in the United States is highlighted by debates over policies, such as border wall construction, amnesty programs, and sanctuary cities. For example, construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall became one of the main issues pursued during the Trump administration: supporters argued it was a national security imperative and vital for reducing illegal immigration. This posture was also based on positions, such as the Secure Fence Act of 2006, authorized for construction of physical barriers on the southern border¹⁰. Those critics would charge that this wall represented both an unnecessarily expensive yet utterly ineffective initiative to utilize funding better served in implementing an all-rounded solution towards causes of immigration. Amnesty programs are also the top talk in immigration policies.
The IRCA of 1986 granted legal status to about 2.7 million undocumented immigrants who met certain criteria and was one of the most extensive amnesties to this date in U.S. history. Whereas supporters argue that these programs offer humane solutions for immigrants who have lived in the host country and built a life, opponents indicate that such programs encourage further illegal immigration by sending a message of leniency. Sanctuary cities, which limit local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, further underscore the contentious nature of immigration policy. Indeed, supporters of sanctuary policies argue that they engender trust between immigrant communities and local governments, ensuring greater public safety.
On the other hand, opponents assert that such policies undermine federal immigration enforcement and jeopardize national security. This debate has been exacerbated by legislation such as California's SB 54 (California Values Act), which designates California as a sanctuary state and limits state resources used for immigration enforcement¹¹. The politicization of illegal immigration also bears broader international implications. Indeed, many countries enter multilateral and bilateral agreements dealing with migration flows, human trafficking, and the return of unauthorized immigrants. As an example, the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration tries to pursue international migration challenges by forging cooperation among nations. In most cases, however, poor relations between host and source countries complicate such endeavors. The policies of the U.S. government toward deportation provide a clear example¹². In exchange for cooperation on repatriation, the U.S. provides foreign aid under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with countries such as Guatemala and Honduras, aiming to address the root causes of migration, which include poverty and violence. However, these agreements are usually plagued by tensions between deportation quotas and conditions on aid¹³. Advocates for the strict application of immigration laws insist that permissive policies erode respect for the rule of law and imperil national security.
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 tried to reinforce immigration enforcement through tougher sanctions against undocumented immigrants and by accelerating procedures for their removal¹⁴. Yet, critics say punitive measures alone do little to deal with the causes of migration: poverty, corruption, and violence in the source countries.
They also argue that such measures have often resulted in human rights violations, as evidenced by reports of mistreatment in detention centers and family separations under the Zero Tolerance Policy implemented during the Trump administration¹⁵. In the light of these challenges, the debate on illegal immigration continues to reflect deep divisions over national identity, economic priorities, and humanitarian obligations. A balanced approach incorporating both enforcement and pathways to legalization, while dealing with root causes in source countries, may offer a more sustainable solution to the contentious issue of illegal immigration.
V. Cultural Effects
Illegal immigration contributes significantly to the dynamic evolution of cultural identities in host societies. Immigrants introduce new languages, religious practices, and artistic expressions that can broaden societal horizons and challenge ethnocentric worldviews. For example, in the United States, immigrant communities have had a profound impact on cuisine, music, and traditions. Mexican-American influence on Tex-Mex cuisine and the popularity of Caribbean-inspired music genres such as reggaeton exemplify how immigrant cultures enrich national identity. Over time, these cultural contributions often become integral to the broader societal fabric.
However, cultural integration is not without its challenges. Host communities may perceive unauthorized immigrants as a threat to their cultural norms and values, particularly if immigrants maintain strong ties to their homelands or form insular communities. For instance, debates over bilingual education programs, such as those addressed in Proposition 227 (California, 1998), reflect tensions between preserving cultural heritage and promoting cultural assimilation¹⁶. Although Proposition 227 sought to limit bilingual education in public schools, it was later repealed, signaling a shift toward recognizing the value of linguistic diversity.
Cultural conflicts can also arise when immigrant communities are perceived to resist assimilation. This has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment in certain regions, with rhetoric often focusing on the preservation of "traditional" cultural norms. For example, opposition to the construction of mosques in Europe and the U.S. reflects resistance to perceived cultural shifts introduced by Muslim immigrant communities. Such conflicts highlight the delicate balance between embracing diversity and addressing fears of cultural erosion.
Illegal immigration also brings ethical debates on inclusion and exclusion to the forefront. Societies are often forced to weigh their moral obligations against legal restrictions, grappling with questions of humanity and fairness. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 14) recognizes the right of individuals to seek asylum from persecution, highlighting the ethical imperative to protect vulnerable populations, regardless of legal status¹⁷.
In the United States, programs like the previously mentioned Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) exemplify the tension between legality and humanitarianism. DACA provides temporary protection to undocumented immigrants who arrived as children, allowing them to work and study without fear of deportation. Critics argue that such policies undermine immigration laws, while supporters emphasize the ethical necessity of protecting individuals who have grown up and contributed positively to their communities.
Moreover, sanctuary policies in cities and states across the U.S. reflect the legal versus humanitarian debate. For example, back to the California's SB 54 (California Values Act) limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. Supporters of such policies argue that they uphold ethical standards by preventing family separations and protecting vulnerable populations. Opponents, however, contend that these policies undermine the rule of law and national sovereignty.
These debates underscore the complex interplay between cultural evolution, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations. While immigrants enrich host societies with their cultural contributions, addressing the challenges of integration requires thoughtful policies that balance enforcement with inclusion. In doing so, societies can navigate the legal and humanitarian dimensions of illegal immigration while fostering cultural cohesion.
VI. Effects on Home Countries
The effects of illegal immigration are not limited to the host nations alone but also extend to the countries of origin. On the positive side, remittances from illegal immigrants support the vital needs of the families and communities in their homelands. This money could strengthen local economies, raise living standards, and even alleviate poverty in society.
On the other hand, the exodus of tens of thousands of citizens-especially those in their productive or working age-bring about a brain drain and labor shortages in the country of their origin. This is particularly disturbing in developing countries where doctors, engineers, teachers, and other skilled professionals leave to seek opportunities elsewhere because of limited prospects at home. The best example of the consequences of illegal immigration in the country of origin is observed in the case of Mexico. According to The Baker Institute, remittances coming from Mexican migrants in the United States were more than $40 billion, an important source of income for millions of families and significant support for the economy¹⁸. The Journal of Developmental Studies then points out the negative effects of emigration, especially in rural areas, since communities suffer from labor shortages and a loss of qualified personnel, such as teachers and medical workers. This resulted in gaps in basic services and reliance on external financial support, which created a cycle of economic and social dependence.
The loss of human capital due to migration slows economic development, increases social inequalities, and creates a vicious cycle of dependence on remittances from nationals and foreign aid. The families left behind often face severe emotional and social problems, especially when children grow up without one or both parents.
VII. Conclusion
The impacts of illegal immigration cut across economic, social, political, and cultural domains both in the host and source countries.Unauthorized immigrants can add significant value to the country's economy by productive activities, cultural diversities, and financial stability for their homelands, but their presence may also bring greater demands on public resources, social cohesion, and respect for the rule of law.
Because illegal immigration poses significant challenges and opportunities, the balance between enforcement and compassion can only be achieved with nuanced and evidence-based policies. Governments must collaborate to tackle the root causes of immigration; they must enhance legal pathways for entry and promote social integration. The ultimate goal should be to develop systems that respect human dignity while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
FOOTNOTES
1. Usda Ers, Crops (Mar. 11, 2023), https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-labor/.
2. Stephen Goss, Alice Wade, J. Patrick Skirvin, Michael Morris, K. Mark Bye, and Danielle Huston,"Effects of Unauthorized Immigration on the Actuarial Status of the Social Security Trust Funds", #151 (April 2013).
3. Emergency medical treatment & labor act, 522185 N.D. T.E.X. (CMS 1986).
4. Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202, (1982).
5. "Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants", https://itep.org/undocumented-immigrants-taxes-2024/.
6. Ryan Edwards and Francesc Ortega, "The Economic Contribution of Unauthorized Workers: An Industry Analysis", National Bureau of Economic Research, (November 2016).
7. Immigration Reform & Control Act, H.R. CONF. REP. No. 1000, 99th Cong., 2d Sess. 87 (1986).
8. See Ibid. Footnote 4.
9. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, 8-CFR 236.21 - 236.25, (July 16, 2021).
10. The Secure Fence Act, Public Law 109–367,
§3, (2006).
11. California values act, S.B. 54, (2017).
12. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, The United Nations, (July 2018).
13. "EEOC, DOL and Other Federal Agencies Sign Memorandum of Understanding with El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission", https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-dol-and-other-federal-agencies-sign-memorandum-understanding-el-salvador-guatemala, (2022).
14. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, Pub. L. No. 104-208, div. C, 110 Stat. 3009-546, (1996).
15. Office of the Attorney General, Memorandum for Federal Prosecutors Along the Southwest Border: Zero-Tolerance for Offenses Under 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a) (April 2018).
16. Proposition 227, English Language in Public Schools, 1998 Cal. Legis. Serv. Prop. 227 (West) (codified as amended at Cal. Educ. Code §§ 300–340).
17. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, G.A. Res. 217 (III) A, art. 14, U.N. Doc. A/810 (December 1948).
18. An Economic Lifeline? How Remittances From the US Impact Mexico’s Economy, Baker Institute https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/economic-lifeline-how-remittances-us-impact-mexicos-economy.