Changes

Illegal immigration has become a major issue in the [[United States]] in the 1980s, and continues to be a highly visible issue. Illegal immigrants pay sales taxes and gasoline taxes; most are too poor to pay income taxes. Many use fake Social Security numbers and pay Social Security taxes but are not eligible for any benefits. Many use tax-payer funded services such as health care and schools. Pew estimates about 12 million illegal immigrants lived in the U.S. in 2004.<ref>Higher estimates run to 20 million; [http://immigrationcounters.com/ see high estimate]</ref> However, many are afraid to use available services, such as domestic violence shelters, out of fear of deportation. Many illegals cannot speak English.  

Illegal immigration has become a major issue in the [[United States]] in the 1980s, and continues to be a highly visible issue. Illegal immigrants pay sales taxes and gasoline taxes; most are too poor to pay income taxes. Many use fake Social Security numbers and pay Social Security taxes but are not eligible for any benefits. Many use tax-payer funded services such as health care and schools. Pew estimates about 12 million illegal immigrants lived in the U.S. in 2004.<ref>Higher estimates run to 20 million; [http://immigrationcounters.com/ see high estimate]</ref> However, many are afraid to use available services, such as domestic violence shelters, out of fear of deportation. Many illegals cannot speak English.  

Illegal immigrations is defended, saying that they are simply coming to rake unskilled jobs that better educated Americans avoid, such as picking fruit and lettuce, making hotel beds and working in slaughter houses.  Some come illegally to escape political oppression, as legal channels are not open to them.<ref>http://www.immigration-usa.com/george_weissinger.html immigration Usa</ref><ref>www.uscis.gov Immigration and Naturalization Services</ref><ref>www.dhs.gov Department of Homeland Security</ref>  Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically gain one citizenship.  When Army Spc. Alex Jimenez was captured by terrorists in [[Iraq]], his wife was almost deported by the government.  Strong public opinion allowed her to stay.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/20/national/main2956093.shtml Missing Soldier's Wife Faces Deportation]</ref>

Illegal immigrations is defended, saying that they are simply coming to rake unskilled jobs that better educated Americans avoid, such as picking fruit and lettuce, making hotel beds and working in slaughter houses.  A small percentage come illegally to escape political oppression, as legal channels are not open to them.<ref>http://www.immigration-usa.com/george_weissinger.html immigration Usa</ref><ref>www.uscis.gov Immigration and Naturalization Services</ref><ref>www.dhs.gov Department of Homeland Security</ref>  Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically gain one citizenship.  When Army Spc. Alex Jimenez was captured by terrorists in [[Iraq]], his wife was almost deported by the government.  Strong public opinion allowed her to stay.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/20/national/main2956093.shtml Missing Soldier's Wife Faces Deportation]</ref>

[[Mexico]] is the source of the about half of the recent illegal immigrants to the United States. Most arrive legally and over-stay their visas. Others cross the border mostly through the desert southwest or less often by swimming across the Rio Grande. The United States receives constant criticism from the Mexican government for its efforts to curb illegal immigration.  

[[Mexico]] is the source of the about half of the recent illegal immigrants to the United States. Most arrive legally and over-stay their visas. Others cross the border mostly through the desert southwest or less often by swimming across the Rio Grande. The United States receives constant criticism from the Mexican government for its efforts to curb illegal immigration. And United States officials criticize Mexican officials for passing out handbooks on how to cross the border, saying Mexico is trying to avoid political and governmental reforms at home by encouraging its citizens to leave.  

Illegal entry is a misdemeanor in U.S. law, at the level of speeding. Those who are caught are promptly sent back without penalty. Multiple illegal entries can lead to felony convictions.

Illegal entry is a misdemeanor in U.S. law, at the level of speeding. Those who are caught are promptly sent back without penalty. Multiple illegal entries can lead to felony convictions.