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I want to begin this discussion by addressing the issue with a dose of reason, which seems to be severely lacking within this whole debate. Why do people come to the U.S. illegally? It’s simple; they come to find work because of pervasive poverty in the Global South, or for drug or human trafficking. They are either workers or serious criminals. Most people come here for work, only 1/10 to 1/8 come here to commit a serious crime. Remember, illegal entry is a federal misdemeanor not a felony (unless they are repeat offenders). There are many reasons why people come here. As an Arizona native, I am able to see and attest that the reasons are overwhelmingly economic. And let’s be honest, so long as there is a massive economic disparity between the North and South, there will be illegal immigration. We enjoy the economic benefits of our domination (NAFTA is only one instrument), yet we are up in arms when the side effects show up at our doorstep. Then Americans scratch their heads and ask, “Why don’t they apply for citizenship like everyone else?” Why would they go through the almost decade long process just to work for a few years to send home money for empty stomachs? What a stupid question.
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