Challenges under Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration, also known as undocumented immigration, presents one of the most significant and politically divisive challenges in Western democracies. It refers to the entry of foreign-born individuals into a country without proper documentation, overstaying temporary visas, or violating terms of admission. Most common challenges faced by Immigrants are:
1. Media Influence on Discourse: The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and policy debates surrounding illegal immigration. Scholars often criticize the media for instilling moral panic regarding the scope and repercussions of undocumented immigration.
2. Statistical Trends: In the United States, the number of illegal immigrants peaked at 12.2 million in 2007, constituting 4% of the overall population. By 2016, estimates suggested a decrease to 10.7 million, comprising 3.3% of the total population. These statistics highlight the fluctuating nature of illegal immigration over time.
3. Global Origins of Unauthorized Immigration: Unauthorized immigration stems from diverse regions worldwide, including Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, historically, the largest source of unauthorized migrants in the United States has been Mexico.