1 of 27

Write now Article Tools

Thousands of people try to escape troubled lives in Mexico or South America every day by crossing illegally into the US. They may have successfully made the tough journey across Mexico and the US border without being caught, but their troubles are not over. They may be just beginning.

The moment they step onto US land, they have committed a criminal act, no matter how honest and sincere they are about starting new lives. Most have already lost what little money they had paying the the greedy border-crossing guides, called coyotes, or to the banditos, who take their money and other possessions at gunpoint.

The immigrants are not familiar with the language nor much of anything in the strange new land. They are at the mercy of anyone and everyone. They're often crammed like human sardines into trucks that may crash while attempting to escape from the law. Additionally, if they make it to their first living quarters in the US, they're crowded into small rooms for days or weeks. They must also be prepared to encounter US law enforcement, and if caught, face the humiliation of being treated like criminals.

As US agents manage to close up some border crossing points, the immigrants must find other ways to enter the promised land. In many situations when law enforcement blocks roads, the immigrants often must go through barren desert areas, thus endangering their lives to the heat and exposure. They face other dangers because drug dealers often join immigrant groups as cover when delivering their goods to US buyers. Territorial fights between smuggler gangs are frequent and deadly.

The illegal immigrants need work to feed their families, and when they do get jobs, they're once more ripped-off by people in the US who prey on the vulnerable families. Whatever money the immigrants can earn by doing menial work, such as picking crops, cleaning houses or day labor, is considerably less than what the lowest paid US worker gets. They have no benefits, no medical insurance, no legal rights. In many cases, they must pay kickbacks to their bosses or the agents who get jobs for them.

The illegal immigrants live in fear of discovery and deportation, even after five or ten years living in the US, and with decent living quarters and children in US schools. Many of those who are caught and deported will cross over again, and again. And each time they do, they must again deal with the same coyotes, banditos and US authorities.

Of course, illegal immigration is bad for illegal immigrants. But thousands are willing to do it every day.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Why illegal immigration is bad for illegal immigrants?
We want to hear your view. Write now!