Since undocumented aliens are subjected to low wages, they often struggle to provide for their family financially. Not only are they underpaid, but they also face exploitation from their employers. Due to their non-legal status, employers mistreat, coerce and even threaten their undocumented employees. Employers will threaten to report undocumented workers to immigration services to intimidate their employees. In fear of being deported, undocumented employees either leave their jobs, or submit to their employers. By using their non-legal status as collateral, employers have the ability to force undocumented employees to do whatever they want. The possibility of deportation is another way that creates vulnerability amongst the undocumented population. To avoid returning home, undocumented residents will submit themselves to unfair and exploitive conditions. A quote that describes an undocumented immigrant’s work exploitation, and vulnerability is Menjivar & Abrego
He was the victim of abuses by a foreman and asked Menijivar for help in writing a letter of complaint to the owner of the company but never sent the letter. A bit surprised, Menjivar asked him why. “Because these days you can’t say anything. [A] couple of years ago, in another time, I would have sent it in. But now I’m afraid, you know, with the times now we all live afraid.” Even though Manuel realizes that it is “not OK” for his employer not to pay him overtime, to give him only one 15-minute break a day, to refer to him using ethnic slurs, and to regularly threaten to call the feared migra (immigration authorities). (Menjivar & Abrego, 2012, p. 1406-1407)
The experience listed illustrates the many challenges, and conditions undocumented residents have to face while trying to provide for their families. Undocumented residents are likely to experience discrimination from their employers. The fear of losing their job, or being deported has caused many immigrants to remain silent when dealing with exploitation from their employers. Since employers know that non-legal workers will be hesitant to report unfair work conditions, they often find numerous ways to exploit their labor without repercussion. While undocumented aliens are likely to face financial hardship, they deal with social issues as well.
As technology advanced so did social, and mainstream media. Illegal immigration has been a controversial topic within America for decades. The issue is highly contested, and has been a major political topic for politicians, and their constituents alike. The Democrats or “Liberal Left”, are more open to immigrants, and have advocated for undocumented aliens to have an easier path to citizenship. Currently, immigration laws, and polices has made it extremely hard for non-legal residents to acquire citizenship. Acquiring a permeant resident card, generally requires the hiring of a lawyer, and immigration fees. Since hiring a lawyer can be costly, undocumented aliens are reluctant, or are unable to cover the costs. It isn’t uncommon to hear about non-legal residents residing within the U.S. for decades without attempting to get permanent residence.
While the Democrats have ideals that are more open to non-legal residents, their political opponents aren’t as reluctant. The Republicans or “Conservative Right”, are fierce opponents of illegal immigration. They generally believe that illegal aliens take jobs away from American citizens, and are a costly economic burden. Conservatives strongly believe that immigrants should go through the proper immigration steps to acquire permanent residence, and citizenship. Republicans generally favor mass-deportation, and the removal of illegal aliens. The political war between Democrats and, Republicans over illegal immigration has spilled into mainstream media. Liberal and conservative media sources alike have spread propaganda through their multiple news outlets to raise awareness, and controversy amongst their loyal supporters. However, while the political war rages on, it only furthers the vulnerability that undocumented aliens face.
Due to preconceived notions about undocumented aliens, they are frequently viewed through a negative lens. This is problematic because it promotes discrimination, and sometimes even violence. A recurring claim about non-legal residents that are spread by conservatives is that undocumented aliens abuse the welfare system, and don’t pay taxes. However, those claims are significantly exaggerated. According to a 2018 report by the Pew Research Center, “A total of 7.8 million unauthorized immigrants ages 18 and older were in the labor force in 2016. The first time since 2006 that the number working or looking for work has declined significantly below 8 million.” Out of the 8 million non-legal residents within the American labor force, CNN states that,
Nearly half, or 3.4 million, of those workers paid Social Security taxes, according to 2014 estimates from the Social Security administration. And while the agency doesn't have a figure for how much this group paid in taxes that year, it said that unauthorized immigrant workers and their employers contributed $13 billion in payroll taxes in 2010, its most current estimate (2017).
Those statistics state that the majority of undocumented aliens work, and even help contribute to the American economy. While these facts are reported, there is still a negative stigma attached to undocumented residents. Negative propaganda has frequently shown undocumented aliens as mere criminals that should be deported back to their home countries. Throughout America, there is a heavy resentment against non-legal residents.
By describing an individual as an “illegal immigrant”, it creates a negative connotation. When that term is frequently used, it can foster different responses. When an individual hears the word illegal, they may deem it as wrong or criminal. When mainstream media frequently uses the term illegal alien, they help to subconsciously promote negative stereotypes about undocumented aliens. Mainstream medias allure surrounding undocumented aliens, has only helped to perpetuate the cycle of vulnerability that non-legal residents face. It’s appeal to public opinion through controversy, only furthers contention between the Democrats and Republicans on an already decisive topic. According to the authors Merolla, Ramakrishnan & Haynes,
By framing the issue as entirely about legality, conservative groups have sought to direct attention primarily to policies of enforcement over more comprehensive solutions that include legalization. The frame of illegality also helps restrictionists defect criticism that their movements have anything to do with racial prejudice or ethnocentrism (2013)
Throughout history, the United States of America has often had societal issues with racism. While America is viewed as the greatest nation on the planet, it’s conflict with racism has left a disdain on its legacy. There have been numerous cases of racial discrimination, and violence against minorities. Not only are undocumented aliens subject to racial abuse but it also creates another issue. Undocumented immigrants migrate to the U.S. from numerous countries. However, a recurring stereotype is that the majority of undocumented aliens come from Mexico. According to the Pew Research Center,
As the number of Mexicans has decreased, the number of unauthorized immigrants from other parts of the world has increased. The estimated number from countries other than Mexico declined from 5.3 million in 2007 to 5 million in 2009, but grew after that, reaching 5.4 million in 2015 and 5.7 million in the preliminary 2016 estimate (
This negative notion, not only perpetuates discrimination against Hispanics, but it also subjects them to violent acts.