In the Red - The Effect of Illegal Immigration on the Economy, and How We Can Make it Positive

There are many opposing viewpoints on illegal immigration. Some people believe that the illegal aliens need to go back to their home countries, while others believe they should be allowed to stay in the United States and given the benefits of the rest of our citizens. No matter what your beliefs are, there are some facts that must be taken into consideration.

Illegal immigration, as a whole, is a drain on the United States' economy. It is a financial struggle for the government to provide free health care and other social welfare to the immigrants who aren't paying taxes and giving back to the country. This is a fact, and a matter that needs to be addressed.

Legal immigration and illegal immigration are two entirely different things. To much of the public, the legal immigrants are the "good guys" who play by the rules, (1) and illegals are viewed with much less sympathy. Legal immigrants are required to pay taxes, and altogether contribute about $50 billion more than they receive from the government. (4) On the opposite end of the spectrum, households headed by illegal aliens cost the government over $26.3 billion in 2002 and only paid $16 billion back in taxes. This creates a net fiscal deficit of nearly $10.4 billion. (5)

How can we stop the overspending and prevent the downfall of the economy? There are a few options for ways we can improve the situation without a huge cost or a large effort. Something must be done before our economy goes completely downhill.

The criteria for these plans are: a) the probability that it would work, b) the willingness of the public to cooperate, and c) the effort it will take to make it work.

Plan A: Welfare will only be given to legal immigrants who are paying taxes, have held a job for at least six months, and have applied for citizenship.

To become a legal resident of the U.S.A. while already in the country, there are a few steps you must follow (2):

1. The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) must approve an application for you, usually written by an employer or family member.