Every American should be concerned about the illegal immigrants who are already in America and continue to flood in every year. Before I go any further, this is not to be confused with the legal immigration of hardworking men and women who wish to come to this great country to better both their lives and the lives of U.S. citizens. My stance is strictly regarding the estimated 12.5 million illegal immigrants currently in America. An illegal immigrant is defined as anyone who entered the United States without authorization or anyone who unlawfully remains once their authorization has expired.

Illegal immigrants cost the American people upwards of 100 billion in tax dollars every year. That is over 100 billion dollars that could be spent on tax paying, legal U.S. citizens. This money could go towards bettering the American people, such as: better schools, paying off the national debt, or helping retired and wounded veterans. These are just a few ways America could benefit if the illegal immigration problem was sorted out.

I can understand why some illegal immigrants would want to come to the country without going through the proper channels. Immigration to the United States on a temporary or permanent basis is generally limited to three different routes: employment, family reunification, or humanitarian protection. There are many illegal immigrants who simply do not fit into any of these three channels. These routes are highly regulated and only allow a certain amount of immigrants each year. People who wish to come to America to provide a better life for themselves and their family often have to turn to illegal immigration.

Unfortunately, just because hopeful immigrants with good intentions don’t fit the requirements of immigration does not make illegal immigration okay. Immigration to this country is not a right. There are some people in this country who would like to help those who come to this country illegally.  Illegal immigrants in California have quite ridiculous benefits. They are allowed to have a driver’s license, qualify for in-state tuition, and the state will pay for legal fees if an illegal immigrant is arrested. They even receive some welfare benefits, such as receiving US food vouchers for low income women with children. Over 170,000 undocumented children receive government paid health care. It befuddles me as to why people who have entered the country illegally should be given some of the same rights as people who are natural born citizens or have immigrated legally. If America allows certain laws such as immigration laws be broken, what is stopping other laws from being broken? As the old saying goes, “if you give an inch they’ll take a mile.” In order to receive the benefits this country offers, it should be required that the person be a legal citizen. Let’s let Americans be the priority again in this country.  Don’t tolerate illegal immigration any longer.

Thomas Bean

Opinion Writer