How can we decrease the amount of illegal immigrants we have now?
     The amount of illegal immigrants has grown to dangerous numbers and is growing by the day. I believe it is a top priority to make U.S. citizenship something to be earned and to do this the government must crack down on immigration. Unfortunately, illegal immigration has almost become a part of our culture so enforcement against it is almost nonexistent. To stop the problem, we must first plug the loopholes that are allowing the immigrants through the system. There are two many delays in the court system regarding immigrants. We have to speed up the process and get them out as fast as we can. Security everywhere has to be revamped in order to set up a wall against illegal immigrants. Also, I am puzzled at the fact that illegal immigrants get benefits once they get over the border. Why are they not getting punished.  Take away the welfare programs, stop giving them citizenship, make any form of helping or assisting immigration a more punishable offense, and most importantly, deport them! Existing programs of prevention also have to be expanded. Add more artillery to the Border Control Program and put together more programs in communication with the National Security Council. In conclusion, to reduce the amount of illegal immigrants we must crack down and become more strict. 


What is the punishment for hiring illegal immigrants?
        There are civil and criminal penalties for hiring illegal aliens. Sec. 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and 8 U.S.C. 1324a, makes it unlawful for any person knowingly to hire, recruit or refer for a fee any alien not authorized to work. An employer that violates these laws can face penalties of: $250 to $2,000 fine for each unauthorized individual; $2,000 to $5,000 for each employee if the employer has previously been in violation; $3,000 to $10,000 for each individual if the employer was subject to more than one cease and desist order;The employer could also be fined $100 to $1,000 for each individual “paperwork” violation;The criminal penalties for a pattern and practice violation can be up to $3,000 for each unauthorized alien, imprisonment up to six months, or both. For more major of an offense an employer can face up to 25 years in prison. These punishments are important in providing a reason for employers not to hire these illegal workers. They may be cheap labor, but they are here illegally and are taking away from jobs for Americans. I think the fines should be increased and jail sentences should become more common.


How does illegal immigration hurt the economy?
       First off, illegal immigrants are obviously here illegally so their employers have to find a way to pay them without being caught. So they pay them in cash. This means that each immigrant does not pay taxes like the rest of our country. On top of that, they're a huge cost because we still have to pay their medical expenses and for programs to get them out of our country. You think someone who is here illegally would do their best to support the country they want to be a part of. Most importantly, illegal immigration affects employment. Although it would not affect the middle class educated Americans, it would benefit people like high school drop outs who don't have many skills, but are desperate for a job. Illegal immigrants come in and work for next to nothing, so that ruins the job competition. In conclusion, by coming to the United States illegal immigrants hurt the economy by taking away jobs and not not giving back to the country they are taking back from.