Illegal Immigration Essay -- Immigration History

Illegal immigration is a grave issue that affects everyone in the world. Illegal immigration is the process of an alien, or non-citizen, who has entered a country without government permission or stayed beyond the termination date of a visa (Free Online Law Dictionary). The flow of illegal immigrants is almost entirely from countries of lower socioeconomic levels to countries of higher socioeconomic levels. Basically, foreigners tend to migrate from undeveloped countries to developed countries. Many from Africa, an undeveloped continent, illegally migrate to Europe, a developed continent, in search of opportunities. Similarly, many Mexicans illegally cross the American border every month in search of the American dream (The Telegraph, 2004; White, n.d). Each person has his way in how to immigrate to their new homes. For instance, in Africa, few decide to bribe the cops to show a blind eye to their actions, others pay about 3000 euro to trafficking organizations, and others decide to secretly get on commercial trucks and into Europe. Regardless of how immigrants get to their new homes, they decide to take a huge risk and leave their old home in search for a better life (Cornelius, et al., 1994). As a result, many leave or lose loved ones and possessions. Some immigrants leave their home country due to political or economic reasons; generally, choosing to immigrate to countries that are more technologically advanced, have abundant resources, and that offer more opportunities. Others that have a more futuristic perspective migrate to give their children better lives. In a few countries, such as the United States, children of illegal immigrants are automatically given citizenship. Eventually, once in a foreign country, illegal immigr... ...the crime rate in countries that harbor illegal immigrants has increased. In the US, for one, about 30 percent of all inmates are illegal immigrants (Illegal Immigration, 2008). Overpopulation is another issue that has resulted from illegal immigration. Overpopulation is now a growing issue because of illegal immigration (Cendrowicz, 2011). Annually, many illegal immigrants are crossing borders into countries around the world; mainly into the US and Europe (considered developed nations). This is a rising issue that should be prevented because overpopulation will become â€Å"the plague of the 21st century† (Wooldridge, 2003). As Arun Gandhi said (2003), â€Å"If massive population is so good, why is India so poor?† As a society, we should try to bring a halt to this increasing issue of illegal immigration and help our citizens by providing the best services and all we can.