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A lot of people are complaining about how illegal immigration is bad for the country the illegal immigrants have entered; but, they don't realize that it is actually harmful to the illegal immigrant.

1) Illegal immigrants are often isolated from their families. They frequently leave their family behind with the hope of later having the family join them or they plan to eventually rejoin their family in their home country. They miss out on family holidays and events like a baby taking it's first steps or first communion. When they do eventually rejoin their family; they have become strangers and are not really family any more. If disaster strikes back home while they are gone; they are not there to help protect their family and they can't just "hop on a plane" and go home to help.

2) Illegal immigrants live in fear. Will today be the day I get caught? Will I accidentally upset someone who will report me? If I go to work today, will I be deported or sent to prison? The stress is tremendous and constant stress can cause them to make mistakes and take stupid chances, as well as damage their health.

3) Illegal immigrants are stolen from and they can't even report the crime. This makes them easy pickings for criminals. Illegal immigrants frequently carry cash because they can't use the banks and if they report being a victim of theft or any other crime; they run the risk of deportation.

4) They are taken advantage of by employers. If they complain, they are fired, so they end up working in dangerous professions for low pay and no real protection. The employer knows they have plenty more illegal immigrants waiting for jobs; so, if the illegal immigrant complains about questionable "deductions" from their pay, sexual advances, working 60 hours for 40 hours worth of pay, or not being paid; they have no legal recourse.

5) Health care is also becoming a problem. Many locations have made it a requirement that immigration status be checked before the person is treated. The illegal immigrant will receive treatment; but, they run the risk of being reported and deported. So, they either do not get the treatment they need or they try to treat themselves and others like them using highly questionable treatments; which can end up being deadly.

6) Transportation - legally they cannot drive; get a driver's license; or get insurance. Because of this, they have not been taught the "rules of the road" in their adopted country and are more likely to end up in an accident, hit and run, or trying to evade the police. This endangers everyone, including the illegal immigrant.

It really is not good for the illegal immigrant, their family, or the country they have illegally entered. Most of the time, the hazards outweigh the dream they are pursuing.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
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