Illegal Immigration
History of Immigration Pre 1880- Most Immigrants came from Northern and Western Europe 1880-1920- Nearly 24 million people came from South and Eastern Europe 1980’s to Today- Most immigrants come from Asia, and MEXICO
How has U.S. been able to accommodate so many Immigrants U.S.A. is a Nation of Immigrants Toleration of different religions/traditions Historically Strong Economy Two Party System
How have we NOT been so accommodating? Nativism- favoring interests of people born in America of those of immigrants Chinese Exclusion Act 1882- Prevented Chinese from becoming U.S. citizens Quota System- Allowed only certain #’s of Immigrants from each country
Chinese Exclusion Act
The Facts on Illegal Immigration 11 million Illegal Immigrants in U.S. Approximately 1.1 million per year come Most Illegals come from Mexico Most work in unskilled labor fields: Agriculture, Construction, Restaurant/hotel
Where do the Immigrants Go? 1.California 2. Texas 3. New York 4. Illinois 5. Florida
Why Do Illegal Immigrants Come to the U.S. JOBS- 25% Unemployment rate in Mexico Population has exploded in past 50 years Mexican Average wage is 1/10 of American Wage -A migrant worker picks strawberries… FAMILY- many come to live with family already in U.S.
Many Mexican workers toiled on farms on the West Coast until they got construction jobs several years ago. But building jobs dried up in October.
WHO GETS IN LEGALLY? 150,000-200,000 Mexicans immigrate legally each year (Naturalization Process) Preferences given to: Close relatives of a legal U.S. resident Skilled workers or professionals ***Many come illegally because the legal naturalization is backlogged
U.S.-Mexico border is 1952 miles long Crossing the Boarder U.S.-Mexico border is 1952 miles long
Motorists must be careful of people crossing the border near major highways…
Crossing The Border “Coyotes” help smuggle many illegal aliens into U.S. Very Dangerous Practice If caught illegals are not brought to trial (catch and release)
A group of Illegal Aliens are caught by the U.S. Border Patrol