Reasons for Illegal Immigration

Illegal immigrants come from all corners of the globe, for various reasons. Statistically, China, Mexico, and the Middle East countries make up the majority of illegal immigrants in US. 

Illegal Immigrants coming from China

Chinese illegal immigrants principally come from small villages off Chinas’ coast. The average USA wage is 20 times the average wage in Shanghai, China, and presumably, Chinese come to the US with thoughts of becoming rich. To illegal immigrants, the end justifies the means. For example, due to poor language skills and the need for employment, these illegal aliens are willing to risk being smuggled into the country , or overstaying their visa durations to accept a low paying job with unsatisfactory working conditions, for 90 hours weekly. Simply because for them, it is a situation that permits for a higher quality of life in the end. 

In some areas of China, immigration into another country, particularly to the United States, is viewed as the only possible way for an individual to be successful. The money a Chinese person can send home to support their family in China is inspiring to others in China.

Illegal Immigrants from Middle Eastern countries

Middle Easterners are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in America. An estimated 1.5 million, legal and illegal, immigrants from the Middle East are living in The United States. (2000) Estimates of 114,818 illegal immigrants from the Middle East region were captured and deported in 2000.

Middle Eastern illegal immigrants are one of the most highly educated groups in America today. The easy access to different categories of visas, such as student and H-1 work visas is available to them, in spite of the devastations of 9/11, giving permission for employment in the US. It is predicted that many of the Middle Eastern illegal immigrants are overstaying their visas and currently on an illegal status. Additionally, many of these illegal aliens entered the US on tourist or student visas, and likewise, overstayed their visa. There have also been known cases of smugglers who have forged alliances with corrupt Mexican immigration officers to smuggle illegal aliens from Mexico into the United States. California, Texas, Florida, and Virginia are among the leading States for Middle Eastern population of illegal immigrants.

Illegal Immigrants from Mexico

Millions of Mexicans risk their lives to come into the United States as illegal immigrants annually. The amount of Mexican immigrants in the United States labor force doubled between 1990 and 2000(according to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau Report). Presently, there are 33.1 million known foreign-born people living inside U.S. borders; roughly, one third is Mexican.  The classic illegal Mexican immigrant is an honest worker striving for a better life for themselves and their family.

Illegal Immigrants come to the United States from all countries around the globe. It is alleged that these illegal aliens come into USA ‘the financial power of the world’ to earn higher wages. Opinions and statistics vary on the subject.