Critics against illegal immigration often argue that undocumented immigrants are stealing jobs from Americans and legal immigrants. However, it’s essential to recognize what type of jobs they are occupying; many but not all work as field workers, in construction or in service. However, in recent years they have begun to work in more professional related jobs. In a study conducted from 2007 to 2012, Jeffrey Passel a demographer for the PEW Research Center found that the number of unauthorized immigrant workers in management or professional related jobs grew by 180,000, while the number working in construction or service fell by 475,000. This data proves that undocumented immigrants are becoming more educated and excelling in higher end jobs. While this information breaks the “illegal immigrant farm worker” stereotype, it also reflects on the current issue in the labor force. This issue is related to the initial argument that illegal immigrants are stealing jobs from Americans and legal immigrants and not paying taxes. However, this is a hasty generalization because according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, in 2013 undocumented immigrants paid $11.6 billion in taxes. Therefore, the government should be more attentive on this issue and make sure everyone who is in the workforce is paying taxes. By doing so undocumented immigrants will have …show more content…
Regardless, there are those who believe illegal immigrants are beneficial to the economy because they do the hard work others don’t want to for less and they produce on average 1.2 jobs, however, there are also those who oppose illegal immigration because of popular beliefs that they cost too much money to host or are taking advantage of the opportunities this country offers in a negative way. It is essential to evaluate and formulate an opinion based on the hard evidence that has been reported about illegal immigration in the past. The reality of the issue is that most illegal immigrants relocate to this country in hopes of a better life, away from the violence and poverty they’ve experienced in their home country. Of course there are illegal immigrants who come into the United States for the wrong reasons and commit violent crimes; however, it is just to assume the majority come to better themselves. Nonetheless, illegal immigration is an issue that has both negative and positive effects on the country and it is vital to address this problem in a way that doesn’t violate the foundation this country was built on and one that targets the issue straight