1. Illegal Immigration

2. History of Immigration
Pre Most Immigrants came from Northern and Western Europe
Nearly 24 million people came from South and Eastern Europe
1980’s to Today- Most immigrants come from Asia, and MEXICO

4. 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

7. How have we NOT been so accommodating?
Nativism- favoring interests of people born in America of those of immigrants
Chinese Exclusion Act Prevented Chinese from becoming U.S. citizens
Quota System- Allowed only certain #’s of Immigrants from each country

8. Chinese Exclusion Act

9. 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

11. Where do the Immigrants Go?
1.California 2. Texas 3. New York 4. Illinois 5. Florida

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. WHO GETS IN LEGALLY?
150, ,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

15. U.S.-Mexico border is 1952 miles long
Crossing the Boarder
U.S.-Mexico border is 1952 miles long

17. Motorists must be careful of people crossing the border near major highways…

18. 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)

20. A group of Illegal Aliens are caught by the U.S. Border Patrol