Overview
The tripling of the United States undocumented citizen population throughout the past thirty years has sparked intense controversy, swayed elections, and altered public perception about the United States migrant population. A 2017 estimate released by the Office of Immigration Statistics presumed an undocumented immigrant population of roughly 10.5 million currently residing in the United States. Although this number is lower than the estimated 12 million migrants in the United States during 2015, it is estimated that roughly 70,000 additional undocumented migrants will enter the United States this year (Kamarck).
The United States immigration dilemma spans far beyond the immediate crisis on the Mexican-American border, but festers constantly in the lives of the ten and a half million migrants who must work to avoid capture from border patrol. President Biden has recognized the need for the United States to address immigration issues in a multifaceted manner, and has proposed legislation that would allow undocumented migrants currently residing in the United States a path towards citizenship.
Do I think This Is a Good Idea?
For years, astronomically high expectations have been set for those seeking citizenship and asylum in the United States. Migrants who become citizens of the United States are expected to work particularly hard and contribute just as any American citizen would. One of the primary condemnations of illegal immigration is the fact that undocumented migrants are not forced to pay taxes and engage in the social constructs that are expected of citizens.
The problem with this perception is it ignores the fact that just about any attempt by an undocumented migrant to explicitly engage in what is expected of American citizens could result in a swift deportation, or years of grueling detention or separation. The expectation for undocumented migrants to act as American citizens and the realization of their failure to do as such makes light of the extreme risks that come with getting identified by the federal government as illegal.
Despite these flawed expectations, an estimated minimum of 8 million undocumented migrants were actively engaging in the United States workforce, whether that be under the table employment or working for a private companies/households. One of the most popular statistics that describe the role that undocumented migrants play in the United States workforce is the fact that “Undocumented migrants make up approximately 3.2 percent of the U.S. population, but 4.4 percent of the countries workforce” (release).
With these statistics considered, it is true that migrants currently living in the United States are capable of contributing to the United States workforce. Providing the opportunity for citizenship will benefit both the country and the migrants themselves, making them capable of paying taxes, and relieving the constant stress that comes with hiding from Border Patrol.
Many border cities like El Paso, Texas already recognize the importance of allowing migrants a platform to feel safe in order to enable increased contribution. Schools like the University of Texas in El Paso (UTEP) work closely with migrant families to provide undocumented students an education and a path towards a degree. The school, along with other universities like South Texas College, are committed to “helping others achieve the American dream” through education and interaction (UTEP).
I think that the best evaluation of the undocumented community comes by looking at border cities like El Paso, whose community is built around hardworking migrants. Because of this, I am in full support of a path to citizenship for undocumented families and individuals.
Prerequisites In Order to Obtain Citizenship
Of Course, the path to citizenship for undocumented migrants will be intensive and holistic, considering one’s ability to pay taxes, gain employment, and uphold the safety and security of the United States. President Biden has already clearly stated his intention for deep background checks to be performed prior to the beginning of citizenship proceedings, as well as any records of employment/tax participation both prior to and during one’s time in the United States.
The emphasis on background checks already described by President Biden comes in response to public reservations about crime stemming from immigration. In a study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science evaluating crime rates between Undocumented migrants and Legal-Born U.S. citizens, US citizens are two times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes, and over 4 times more likely to be arrested for property crimes. Undocumented migrants also have the lowest felony arrest rates when looking at all four crime types (PNAS). Despite these statistics, there still remains a relatively strong stigma that labels undocumented migrants as “illegal aliens”. President Biden will likely be pressured to make background checks strict, intensive, and unforgiving if he is to win any ounce of bipartisan support in his mission to provide citizenship
Works Cited
Kamarck, Elaine, and Christine Stenglein. “How Many Undocumented Immigrants Are in the United States and Who Are They?” Brookings, Brookings, 27 Oct. 2020, www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/how-many-undocumented-immigrants-are-in-the-united-states-and-who-are-they/.
“RELEASE: Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Are Essential to America’s Recovery, New Report Shows.” Center for American Progress, www.americanprogress.org/press/release/2020/12/02/493404/release-millions-undocumented-immigrants-essential-americas-recovery-new-report-shows/.
Light, Michael T., et al. “Comparing Crime Rates between Undocumented Immigrants, Legal Immigrants, and Native-Born US Citizens in Texas.” PNAS, National Academy of Sciences, 22 Dec. 2020, www.pnas.org/content/117/51/32340.
“UTEP Partners in New National Effort to Help ‘DREAMers’ Obtain Career-Ready College Education.” UTEP Partners in New National Effort to Help “DREAMers” Obtain Career-Ready College Education – UTEP News Archive, news.utep.edu/utep-partners-in-new-national-effort-to-help-dreamers-obtain-career-ready-college-education/.