The Burden of Illegal Immigrants and Illegal ImmigrationThe United States was formed by the immigration of many people from all over the world. Americans take pride in knowing that we are a people with a broad ethnic and cultural background. However, currently, the flow of illegal immigration, as well as the large influx of other legal immigrants, is taking a toll on our land of “huddled masses.” Legal immigration to the United States can be handled easily and is welcomed by most Americans. However, the flow of illegal immigrants, especially from Mexico, must be stopped, due to the pressure it is placing on the government (at the local, state and federal levels), as well as on the general population. Illegal immigrants cost the United States more than $24 billion a year in taxpayer money (National Review 12/13/93). Something must be done to reduce the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. The focus of this document will be the problems caused and possible solutions to the problem of illegal immigration. The United States admits more than 800,000 legal immigrants per year, with at least 200,000 additional illegal immigrants settling permanently (National Review 12.13. 93). This figure may also be bolstered by “commuter” immigrants, illegal immigrants who cross the border for a period of time to work in low-wage, labor-intensive jobs. These immigrants are creating one of the greatest burdens facing the U.S. government today: unemployment. By competing for jobs against native-born Americans, immigrants are not only using up valuable government resources from welfare and other programs but are also increasing the unemployment rate. . True, jobs are being taken away from immigrants… middle of paper… the number of immigration and naturalization officials, plus the addition of higher fines for employers with illegal workers. Without these or other solutions, the loss of money and jobs will continue. If the loss of these resources continues, the United States could become the land of “closed doors,” thus ending the dream of many legal immigrants and closing the books on the most open and free country in the world. Works Cited Borjas, George J. "Tired, Poor, on Welfare." National Review, December 13, 1993. Fierman, Jaclyn. “Is Immigration Hurting the United States?” Fortuna 9 August 1993. French, Pietro. “An aging America needs foreign blood.” Wall Street Journal, March 27, 1990. Internet, “Inadequate Workplace Laws.” AP March 3, 1995 clari.news.immigration.Kuttner, Robert. “Illegal Immigration: Would a National Identity Card Help?” August working week 26, 1991.