“Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities.” - Pope Francis
Pope Francis’s words may not be talking about the whole world, but the issues he addresses about immigration are very true. What he describes is particularly relevant in the United States, where illegal immigration rates are notably high. However, these illegal immigrants have little to no legal rights and have a difficult time living in the U.S. However, denying legal rights to these immigrants is not a viable solution. By exploring topics of economic impact, humanitarianism, and constitutional …show more content…
Illegal immigrants still work and buy items, and while they may not be paying taxes, they still contribute to the economy through their jobs and purchases. In fact, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), undocumented immigrants paid about $11.74 billion in taxes through various means, such as sales tax, and paycheck tax. i.e. a.e.p. All in all, immigrants still contribute to the economy, whether directly through taxes or …show more content…
As Pope Francis pointed out, creating unfair economic structures leads to major inequalities, which lead to a lower quality of life for most. Illegal immigrants deserve rights not only because they are constitutionally correct, but because of their economic contributions to their country and the circumstances in which they come to the U.S. By granting them legal rights, we uphold the values that our country was founded on, equality, justice, and compassion. As a nation built upon immigrants, we must lend a hand to those who need it, regardless of their immigration status Works Cited Beyer, Don. Immigrants Are Vital to the U.S. Economy. Joint Economic Committee, 2021 -. Frazee, Gretchen. “What Constitutional Rights Do Undocumented Immigrants Have?” PBS NewsHour, 25 June 2018, www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-constitutional-rights-do-undocumented-immigrants-have. Gaffney, Adrienne. “What It’s Like to Be a Teen Living in an Immigration Detention Center.” Teen Vogue, 16 Feb. 2017, www.teenvogue.com/story/teens-living-in-immigration-detention-center. USAFacts Team. “How Many Immigrants Are in the American Workforce?” USAFacts, 14 Nov. 2023, usafacts.org/articles/how-many-immigrants-are-in-the-american-workforce/. What Legal Rights Do Undocumented Immigrants Have? With a Lesson Plan. What Legal Rights Do Undocumented Immigrants Have? with Lesson Plan.” KQED, 29 Mar. 2017,