Allowing a flood of undocumented and unvetted migrants to enter the US without visas undermines national security and fosters problems such as crime, illegal drug smuggling, and human trafficking. There are also concerns about potential espionage or terrorism threats, especially now that more migrants are turning up from China, Russia, or the Middle East. However, what the average American experiences daily is the consequence of integrating a large number of desperate people into the economy. This strains taxes, depresses wages, increases unemployment, and raises housing and medical costs.
Around 10,000 migrants enter the United States each day, driven by various reasons. A key factor is their belief that they can enter without facing punishment, deportation, or being banned from returning permanently. Additionally, incentives such as gift cards, money, cellphones, the possibility of a pathway to citizenship, sanctuary cities, and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) encourage them. If the border were better protected or if there were consequences such as being turned away, detained, or banned from reentering, the incentive to migrate would decrease, resulting in lower numbers. However, they know they can get away with it, so they come. Ultimately, their desire to be in the U.S. is driven by the prospect of earning more money.
The countries with the highest numbers of migrants arriving at the US Southern border include Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia. In the United States, the federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour, equating to $1,160 for a month based on a 160-hour work schedule. However, several states have set their minimum wage above $15 per hour, resulting in a monthly income of around $2,400. In contrast, Mexico’s minimum wage at the border hovers around $567 per month, and it is approximately $377 elsewhere in the country. Venezuela’s minimum wage is about $100 monthly, while Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia have minimum wages of $400, $670, and $328 per month, respectively.