Final answer:
Immigrants often choose illegal means to enter the United States due to dire circumstances such as violence, poverty, or lack of legal pathways. Despite the risks, the U.S. attracts undocumented immigrants who are often confined to low-paying jobs. Public support exists for reform, promoting pathways to legal residency or citizenship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many immigrants choose to enter the United States through illegal means rather than legal channels due to various compelling factors. These include endemic violence, extreme poverty, or climate change in their home countries, which push them to seek safety and better conditions. The illegal immigration process often involves danger, as evidence suggests many migrants face death or go missing along perilous migration routes.
The United States has historically been seen as a land of opportunity, attracting a significant number of undocumented immigrants. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were approximately 10.8 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. as of 2010, with the majority originating from Mexico. Despite the risks and challenges, many undertake this journey due to lack of economic opportunity, political oppression, or the unavailability of legal immigration pathways.
Once in the U.S., undocumented immigrants are often confined to low-paying jobs with few prospects for advancement. There is broad public support for immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship or legal residency without fear of deportation. Additionally, the U.S. benefits from both low-wage earners and highly skilled immigrants, who contribute to economic growth.