Illegal ImmigrationIllegal Immigration

History of ImmigrationHistory 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 How has U.S. been able to accommodate so many Immigrantsaccommodate so many ImmigrantsU.S.A. is a Nation of ImmigrantsU.S.A. is a Nation of ImmigrantsToleration of different religions/traditionsToleration of different religions/traditionsHistorically Strong EconomyHistorically Strong EconomyTwo Party SystemTwo Party System

How have we NOT been so How have we NOT been so accommodating?accommodating?

NativismNativism- favoring interests of people - favoring interests of people born in America of those of immigrantsborn in America of those of immigrants

Chinese Exclusion Act 1882-Chinese Exclusion Act 1882- Prevented Prevented Chinese from becoming U.S. citizensChinese from becoming U.S. citizens

Quota System-Quota System- Allowed only certain #’s of Allowed only certain #’s of Immigrants from each countryImmigrants from each country

Chinese Exclusion ActChinese Exclusion Act

The Facts on Illegal ImmigrationThe Facts on Illegal Immigration

11 million Illegal Immigrants in U.S.11 million Illegal Immigrants in U.S.Approximately 1.1 million per year comeApproximately 1.1 million per year comeMost Illegals come from MexicoMost Illegals come from MexicoMost work in unskilled labor fields: Most work in unskilled labor fields:

Agriculture, Construction, Restaurant/hotelAgriculture, Construction, Restaurant/hotel

Where do the Immigrants Go?Where do the Immigrants Go?

1.California 2. Texas 3. New York 4. Illinois 5. Florida

Why Do Illegal Immigrants Come to Why Do Illegal Immigrants Come to the U.S.the U.S.

JOBSJOBS-- 25% Unemployment 25% Unemployment

rate in Mexicorate in Mexico Population has Population has

exploded in past 50 exploded in past 50 yearsyears

Mexican Average wage Mexican Average wage is 1/10 of American is 1/10 of American WageWage

-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?WHO GETS IN LEGALLY?

150,000-200,000 Mexicans immigrate 150,000-200,000 Mexicans immigrate legally each year (Naturalization Process)legally each year (Naturalization Process)

Preferences given to:Preferences given to:Close relatives of a legal U.S. residentClose relatives of a legal U.S. residentSkilled workers or professionalsSkilled workers or professionals

***Many come illegally because the legal ***Many come illegally because the legal naturalization is backloggednaturalization is backlogged

Crossing the BoarderCrossing the Boarder

•U.S.-Mexico border is 1952 miles long

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

Crossing The BorderCrossing The Border

““Coyotes” help smuggle many illegal Coyotes” help smuggle many illegal aliens into U.S.aliens into U.S.

Very Dangerous PracticeVery Dangerous Practice

If caught illegals are not brought to trial If caught illegals are not brought to trial (catch and release)(catch and release)

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