Many of the developed countries of the world are experiencing a huge influx of immigrants in recent years. The main issue with most of these countries is not that immigration should be abandoned, but rather how many immigrants can their country reasonably assimilate. Today, people migrate to the developed world primarily for two reasons: either they are trying to escape violence in their home country, or they are looking to better their lives economically.

As to the United States, we are home to 20% the world’s migrants. (Moslimani) A “migrant” is general term for a person that moves from one country to another country. An “immigrant” is a term for a person that attains residency in a country other than their country of birth.  

In 2023 the immigrant population of the U.S. reached nearly 48 million, which represented 14.3% of the U.S. population. This is the second highest percentage of immigrants since 1890 when it reached 14.8%. The majority of those immigrants entered the U.S. since 1990. Of the total, about 12.3 million are unauthorized immigrants. (Moslimani) The exact number of unauthorized (illegal) immigrants is uncertain. A Yale study revealed that the number of illegal immigrants could be double the current estimates. (Dinan) Most studies estimate there are currently 11–13 million illegal immigrants.  Unauthorized/illegal immigrants have overstayed their visas, failed to meet their required court appearances, or are “gotaways” who entered the country without screening by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Incidentally, the Center for Migration Studies estimated that 42% of all illegal immigrants are from visa “overstays” and that they outnumber those from illegal border crossings. (Gonella)

Our population has increased from 203 million in 1970 to 335 million in 2023. About 36% of that increase is due to immigration. During those 53 years, we have had an average rate of immigration of about 720,000 people per year. The five countries with the highest percentage of U.S. immigrants were: Mexico (23%), India (6%), China (5%), Philippines (4%), El Salvador (3%). (Moslimani)

A Brief Review of Our Immigration History 

Our country, originally comprised of native Americans, was settled by Spanish and French in the 1500’s, grew rapidly in the 1600’s and 1700’s with English and Dutch colonists fleeing Europe for religious freedom or economic opportunity, and was vastly augmented with the importation of over 500,000 slaves from western Africa. (History)

A large wave of immigration occurred between 1880 and 1920, when about 25 million immigrants came to the U.S. (Shmoop) Originally, most of those immigrants came from northern and western Europe and were based on a quota system according to census figures. (Center)

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, immigration laws banned various undesirable groups (criminals, paupers, prostitutes, polygamists, “lunatics,” and illiterate adults). The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 excluded Chinese workers for fear that they would undercut the wages of American workers. Immigration laws also banned Japanese and most Asians. (Orrenius) During the 1930’s, and again in the 1950’s, thousands of Mexicans were deported primarily for economic reasons.

In 1965, legislation shifted our immigration policy from a quota system based on nationality to a system based on family reunification. This “family-based immigration” permitted large quotas to family members of U.S. citizens and smaller quotas to skilled and low-skilled workers. This policy produced large quantities of immigrants from Mexico and Asia and led to an increase in the flow of illegal immigration due to “the lack of employment visas for low-skilled workers.” (Orrenius)

The most recent major immigration reform took place in 1986 with the passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. The most important provisions made it illegal for employers to hire illegal immigrants and granted a path to citizenship for those who illegally entered the U.S. prior to 1982. Unfortunately, due to weaknesses in enforcement on employers and the inability to garner a more complete participation by illegal immigrants (only about 3 million of 5 million participated), the law was not very successful. Our illegal population of 5 million doubled during the next 20 years. (Moffet)

Instead of detailing all immigration policies under Presidents Trump and Biden, I will summarize the main outcomes.  President Trump greatly decreased the number of legal immigrants, especially Green Card holders and non-immigrant visas. However, there is little evidence that the number of illegal immigrants was reduced. (Nowrasteh) During President Biden’s term, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that about 4.2 million immigrants entered the U.S. (about 2.6 million released pending immigration court hearings and about 1.6 million “gotaways” (those that escaped any processing at the borders). (Robertson) Several Republican sources estimated the total number of immigrants to be considerably higher during the Biden Administration than those quoted by DHS.

During President Trump’s second term, he is already showing vigorous deportation of illegal immigrants, especially those that have committed crimes in their home country or in the U.S. and members of the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gangs. He has stated a willingness to deny federal funding to “sanctuary cities” that fail to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Major Arguments for More Immigration

 There is a concern among economists and others that the vastly increasing number of retirees, and the lower number of workers, will soon overwhelm our Social Security and Medicare programs. By 2030 we will have 35 retirees for every 100 workers. The ratio was 19 retirees for every 100 workers in 1980. (Cassidy) Moreover, the large number of working-age immigrants during the last 40 years was not sufficient to keep pace with declining birth rates. Population replacement requires a fertility rate of 2.1. It is only 1.6 today.

Reducing retirement benefits for the less needy, increasing Social Security and Medicare taxes, and keeping more seniors in the work force longer are all possibilities. However, a more viable option might be to increase immigration, especially among younger workers. “Almost all economists agree that immigration raises G.D.P. and stimulates business development by increasing the supply of workers and entrepreneurs.” (Cassidy)

The U.S. does not have enough high-skilled workers necessary to fuel a dynamic society. To meet our employment needs in the future we need to train and educate more Americans, as well as increase the immigration of high-skilled workers through our H-1B visa program and employment-based green cards. There is currently a bill in Congress to raise the cap on these programs. (Griswold) 

Major Arguments for Less Immigration and Opposing Arguments

The principal arguments for less immigration are that immigrants take jobs from Americans, increase crime rates, and add to our welfare rolls. Another argument for less immigration, legal and illegal, is the burden placed on native taxpayers to fund the health and educational needs of these immigrants. 

A large number of immigrants are employed in agriculture, housekeeping, gardening, and construction. Many Americans are reluctant to take these jobs. Furthermore, highly skilled immigrants—such as physicians, engineers, and scientists— are filling jobs where we a have shortage of trained Americans. 

According to the Cato Institute, “illegal immigrants are 47% less likely to be incarcerated than natives and legal immigrants are 78% less likely to be incarcerated than natives.”  Nevertheless, the horrific death of Laken Riley and others by illegal immigrants has cast a significant negative public response to all undocumented immigrants. 

As to the cost to taxpayers, “the gap between immigrants and natives in terms of their fiscal burden has narrowed over the last two decades in the United States as immigration education has risen in absolute terms as well as relative to the native born.” Second generation immigrants (the children of legal and illegal immigrants) on average have higher levels of education, higher levels of income, and pay more in taxes than native Americans. (Blau) Incidentally, illegal immigrants are barred from receiving public benefits; legal immigrants do qualify for federal benefits after 5 years of residency. (Smith) 

The “Wall”

The U.S. border with Mexico is 1954 miles long. Pedestrian and vehicular barriers cover 654 miles. (Shoichet) The remaining border is separated by rivers, desert terrain, or mountainous regions. The initial border “wall” began in 1929 with a crude fence separating Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico. (Miller) 

President Trump spent $5.2 billion ($1.6B from congressional appropriations and $3.6B taken from various Pentagon projects) to spend on barrier improvements, border patrol and surveillance technology, and new stretches of the wall. During March of President Trump’s second term a contract was issued for a seven-mile wall in Hidalgo County, Texas in “an area of high-illegal entry.” (CBP) 

There has been considerable controversy about the effectiveness of the border wall and the message that it creates. In a perfect world, where there is a free flow of responsible people who obey the laws of the countries they are visiting, walls would not be necessary. We do not know how effective the border wall has been or will be with the planned improvements and extensions. 

Approximately 77 countries maintain some type of border wall.  (USA Today) The number of border walls has grown in recent years “arising in response to the growth in spontaneous international migration.” (Migration Policy Institute.)

What Happens at the Border?

Many migrants arrive at one of the 50 U.S. Ports of Entry along our southern border with Mexico seeking asylum from the violence and poverty in their home country. A limited number are allowed entrance and are either placed in holding facilities, or released to family members, while the long application process winds its way through the immigration courts.

Some migrants, aware of the long waiting lines, cross the border illegally and are either caught or voluntarily turn themselves over to Border Agents. They are then placed in processing facilities where they are screened for health issues and given background checks. Many of these facilities are overcrowded and occupants are held much longer than the 72-hour maximum stay. (AP News) If these migrants have no documentation (Border Crossing Card, passport, or visa) they may be deported immediately. It is a misdemeanor to enter the country illegally. 

Handling all of those seeking entry at our southern border is a complicated business. There have been some serious issues with separation of children from parents, and severe overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in our holding facilities. We need to be as judicious and humanitarian as possible in enforcing our immigration policies. All Americans should be humbled by the fact that so many migrants want to come to the U.S. It is a definite indication that these migrants view the U.S. positively. 

Sanctuary Cities

A “sanctuary city” could apply to any jurisdiction (city, county, state, etc.) The definition of a sanctuary city varies, but it refers to a legal jurisdiction that places limits on local authorities from cooperating fully with federal immigration officials. There are over 500 sanctuary cities in the U.S. (Lusted) 

There is a great deal of controversy concerning sanctuary cities. Some believe local law enforcement should not prioritize catching unauthorized immigrants. Some police chiefs say enforcing immigration laws may discourage immigrants from working with police or reporting crimes.  

Some believe sanctuary cities must enforce federal law and work with immigration officials. There is the belief that these jurisdictions fail in protecting the public by harboring undocumented immigrants and not reporting those that are held in local jails. (Lind)

Open Borders

There are advocates that argue for open borders, believing that such a policy would be more humanitarian and productive to our social and economic environment than our current immigration policies. They reason that open borders would save billions of dollars on border security and enforcement.  More immigrant workers would increase our tax revenues and even promote the influx of higher-skilled workers by lessening the barriers to entry. Additionally, return migration would increase as immigrants are more likely to return to their home of origin if they know they are allowed to re-immigrate. (Miron)

Several research studies support the argument that more migration would reduce the rates of world poverty. Yet, it is unreasonable to believe that U.S. and other countries can presently assimilate the vast number of people that wish to migrate. A Gallup poll revealed that nearly 900 million people would like to migrate, mostly for jobs. Of that number, 160 million would like to move to the U.S. (Pugliese)

 The U.S. Visa Program

The citizens of 43 countries can enter the U.S. without a visa, needing only a passport and a valid Electronic Service Travel Authorization form for the purpose of business or travel for up to 90 days. All other travelers must obtain a visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. (visa)There are over 50 categories of immigrant visas (in process of becoming permanent residents) and nonimmigrant visas (here on a temporary basis for study, work or as visitors). 

Green Cards are ID’s that give a more permanent status (usually for 10 years) to work and live in the U.S. Most Green Card holders are here as family-based immigrants. Approximately 1 million people receive Green Cards annually. (Krogstad) Green card holders might have initially arrived by way of immigrant visas or nonimmigrant visas.

There were about 11 million visas issued by the U.S. in 2023 (10.4 million Nonimmigrant, .6 million Immigrant). (Report) About 80% of Nonimmigrant visas are for Visitor Visas. 

Concluding Statements

The U.S. needs to revise our current immigration policy. That will require considerable compromise within our executive and legislative branches. This should not be solely a political consideration but should be based on what is best for the U.S. and what is fair for the immigrants wishing to reside here and obey our laws. Most Americans realize that a practical and fair immigration policy is a necessary goal for the U.S. The following statements might be a good starting point for discussion when devising a new and more relevant immigration policy:

1. Immigration quotas should be established that provide a more realistic allotment for family reunifications, high-skilled and low-skilled workers, and a humanitarian approach for refugees fleeing from violence in their home countries.
2. We should cooperate with our Central American neighbors, and other countries with severe out-migrations, in reducing the violence and poverty within those countries, thereby reducing the flow of migration from those areas. 
3. We need better tracking of those who receive nonimmigrant visas to reduce the number of visa “overstays.” We also could benefit from a thorough investigation as to the most efficient methods of border security. Obviously, to make our immigration program fair and effective we must curtail the flow of illegal immigration. 
4. Many of the illegal immigrants could better serve our country by securing a path to citizenship. That might require a reasonable penalty (in the form of a fee or service) for violating our laws by entering illegally, adherence to the standard process of becoming a citizen (proving length of residency, passing a basic English and civics test, taking the Oath of Allegiance, etc.). The failures of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 highlight important lessons to be learned.
5. Few of us have any leniency toward illegal immigrants that have committed a violent crime in their country of origin or within the U.S. Rapid and thorough deportation or imprisonment of these individuals is reasonable and necessary for our security. 
6. Our immigration policy needs to be reviewed at least every 2-3 years and adjusted for new socio-economic realities. There is a wide disparity between administrations on the issue of immigration. Our nation could benefit if Congress, despite its deadlock, took a greater role in this area. The appropriate level of due process for individuals facing deportation is still undecided.

Bibliography

Bedard, Paul. 158 million migrants want to move to the US, world’s top pick. December 10, 2018. Retrieved 10/20/2019. www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/158-million-migrants-want-to…

Blau, Francine D. and Donehower, Gretchen. Do Immigrants Cost Native-Born Taxpayers Money? July 26, 2017. Retrieved 11/29/2019. Econofact.org/do-immigr.

Cassidy, John. Why the United States Needs More Immigrants. June 22, 2018. Retrieved 11/25/2019. www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/why-the-united-states-needs-more-immigrants

CBP (U.S. customs and Boder Protection). “CBP awards first border wall contract of President Trump’s second term.” Retrieved 4/28/25. www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp…

Center for Immigration Studies. Historical Overview of Immigration Policy. Retrieved 7/29/2019. https://cis.org/Historical-Overview-Immigration-Policy.1

Dinan, Stephen. Yale Study: Illegal immigrant population likely double, possibly triple previous estimates. September 24,2019. Retrieved9/15/2019.https://www.washingtontimes.com/nbews/2018/sep/24/yale-study-finds-us-illegal-immigrant-population-s/.

FackCheck. Has the Border Wall Begun? April 13, 2018. Retrieved 9/21/2019. https://www.factcheck.org/2018/04/has-the-border-wall-begun/.

Griswold, Daniel. Reform and Expand the US Visa System for High-Skilled Workers. May 22, 2019. Retrieved 11/25/2019. www.mercatus.org/publications/trade-and-immigration/reform-and-expand-us-visa…

Gonella, Catalina. Visa Overstays Outnumber Illegal Border Crossings, Trend Expected to Continue. Updated March 7, 2017. Retrieved 11-18-19. www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/visa-overstays-outnumber-illegal-border-crossing…

History. U.S. immigration Before 1965. Updated May 16, 2019. Retrieved 9/16-2019. https://www.history.com/topics/immigration/u-s-immigration-before-1965.

Krogstad, Jens Manuel and Barrera, Anna Gonzalez. Key facts about U.S. Immigration policies and proposed changes. May 17, 2019. Retrieved 9/15/2019. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/15/17/key-facts-about-u-s-immigration-policies-and-proposed-changes/.

Lind, David. Sanctuary cities, explained. Mar 8, 2018. Retrieved 9/23/2019. https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/3/8/17091984/sanctuary-cities-city-state-illegal-immigration-sessions.

Lusted, Marcia Amidon, editor. (2019). Sanctuary Cities, Opposing Viewpoints Series. New York, NY: Greenhaven Publishing.

Miller, Michael E. Pancho villa, prostitutes and spies: The U.S.-Mexico border wall’s wild origins. January 10, 2019. Retrieved 9/16/2019. www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/01/10/pancho-villa-prostitutes-spies-US…

Miron, Jeffrey.  Forget the wall already, it’s time for the U.S. to have open borders.USA Today. Retrieved 11/20/2019. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/07/31/open-borders-help-economy-combat-illegal-immigration-column/862185002/

Moslimani, Mohamad and Passel, Jeffrey S. “What the data says about immigrants in the U.S.” September 27, 2024. Pew Research Center. Retrieved 4/28/25. www.pewresearch.org/…20/facts-on-u-s-immigrants. 

Moffett, Dan. The Immigration reform and Control Act of 1986. Retrieved on 11/20/2019. www.thoughtco.com/immigration-reform-and-control-act-1986-1951972.

Nowrasteh, Alex. “President Trump Reduced Legal Immigration. He did not Reduce Illegal Immigration.”

January 20, 2021. Retrieved 4/28/25. www.cato.org/president-trump-reduced-legal…

Orrenius, Pia M. and Zavodny, Madeline. (2010).Beside the Golden Door: U.S. Immigration Reform in a New Era of Globalization. Washington, D.C., AEI Press.

Pugliese, Anita and Ray, Julie. “Nearly 900 million Worldwide Wanted to Migrate in 2021.” January 24, 2023. news.galluup.com/poll/468218/nearly-900-million…

Report. “Report of the Visa Office 2023.” Retrieved 4/28/25. Travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa…

Robertson, Lori. “Breakind Down the Immigration Figures.” February 27, 2024. Fackcheck. Retrieved 4/28/29. www.fackcheck.org/2024/02/breaking-down-the…

Shmoop. Immigration in the 1920’s. Retrieved 9/17/2019. https://www.shmoop.com/1920’s/immigration.html.

Shoichet, Catherine E. and Sands, Geneva. This is how much of the border wall has been built so far. January 19, 2019. Retrieved 9/20/2019. https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/19/politics/us-mexico-border-wall-numbers/index.html.

Smith,Kate. The facts on immigration: What you need to know in 2019. February 4, 2019. Retrieved 11/26-2019. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-on-immigration-topics-likely-2019-state-of…

USA Today. From 7 to 77: There’s been an explosion in building border walls since World War II. May 24, 2018. Retrieved on 9/21/2019. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/05/24/border-walls-donald-trump-wall/5532500027.

Visa. “Visa Waiver Program.”  Retrieved 4/28/25. travel.state.gov/…visa-waiver-program.htmi.

By Ron Ohlhausen

December, 2019

Updated May, 2025