Illegal Immigration Across the U.S. - Mexico Border

Legal immigrants have been welcomed to the United States for centuries. At the same time a high rate of illegal immigration from Mexico has been tolerated for many years. After the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 however, the number and countries of origin for illegal immigrants coming to America from Mexico has raised concern for our national security and the safety of our citizens. The question being debated in Congress is how to gain better control of U.S. borders and stop the flow of illegal immigrants. There are basically two sides of the debate: those favoring closed borders and absolute control of all immigration as more important than the economy; and those favoring controlled access, but more open borders to allow foreign workers into the U.S. economy to provide for a perceived labor shortage. This paper provides research and information concerning the current issues of legal and illegal immigration from Mexico, why it is important, the forces for and against more stringent immigration controls, and the impact on U.S. and Mexican government relationships.