People naturally seek better lives, and illegal immigration has been a longstanding and difficult issue in the United States for decades. How to handle it has caused ongoing domestic debate. By 2020, the U.S. had accumulated approximately 30 million undocumented residents, and the number continues to grow. In 2018, 520,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended, but many escaped detection, estimated at least 1 million, bringing the total annual increase to around 1.5 million.

One viewpoint insists that all illegal entrants should be deported to their countries of origin. However, enforcement is extremely costly; implementing such measures could require hundreds of billions of dollars, making it financially unfeasible. Historically, the U.S. has not adopted an overly harsh stance. Those who have stayed in the country for many years often find legal loopholes and eventually obtain lawful status. For example, in 1986, the U.S. legalized over 3 million long-term undocumented residents through an amnesty program.

Eighty percent of undocumented immigrants come from Mexico, with a 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border, making it impossible to fully prevent crossings despite increased patrols. Others come from Central America, and a small portion comes from Asia, predominantly Fujian province in China. Historical incidents include the 1993 “Golden Venture”: 286 Chinese immigrants attempted to enter the U.S. illegally by ship; 10 drowned, 6 disappeared, and the remaining 270 were rescued and detained. Eventually, around 220 remained in the U.S., with some obtaining asylum or legal status. In 2006, in Seattle, 22 Chinese immigrants from Shanghai arrived safely in a shipping container after a 14-day voyage. Undetected entries are likely even more numerous.

Undocumented residents often work in low-wage sectors such as agriculture, construction, restaurants, and meatpacking, accounting for 20–25% of workers in some industries, sometimes more. They also utilize public services: children attend free K–12 schools, and they generally work “off the books” without paying taxes. The government spends on average over $3,000 per undocumented family per year, creating a perceived unfairness for U.S. taxpayers. Many send money back home. Mexican undocumented immigrants send an average of $300–400 per month, benefiting 20% of Mexican households. Total annual remittances from the U.S. to Mexico reach around $30 billion. Fujian immigrants often remit even more, and local authorities in China generally turn a blind eye.

Excessively strict enforcement can trigger social backlash and protests. The U.S. must balance legal enforcement, fairness, and humanitarian concerns while considering economic needs for labor. Practical solutions are necessary.

Illegal immigration in the U.S. is a long-standing issue involving law, humanitarian concerns, economics, and international relations. Full deportation or total prohibition is unrealistic. Many long-term undocumented residents gradually achieve legal status. Illegal immigration is closely tied to labor market demands, public service usage, remittances, and societal attitudes, and remains an enduring governance challenge for the United States.