Rev. Dr. Beth Kelsey, Bottineau

As we debate the future of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. several facts must be remembered.

Compared to native-born US citizens, undocumented immigrants are less than half as likely to be arrested for violent and drug crimes. They are arrested at one-fourth the rate of native-born U.S. citizens for property crimes. (National Institute of Justice, September 12, 2024)

Undocumented immigrants know that if they commit a crime and are arrested most likely they will be deported to their home country. Therefore, they are careful to obey the law.

The Cato Institute reported that between 2019 and 2024, more than 80% of the people caught with fentanyl at ports of entry (through which most fentanyl enters the country) were U.S. citizens. (Heather Cox Richardson “Letter from an American” November 26, 2024) High immigrant population is not associated with higher crime rates. (American Immigration Council, October 17, 2024).

Undocumented immigrants do not take jobs away from U.S. workers. They take jobs that no American worker wants. Undocumented workers do not have the luxury of choosing their work; they take what employment they can find. Undocumented workers are a vital part of the American labor force. Without them, our labor shortage would be much greater than the current rate. Agricultural and farm organizations and construction companies have declared their dependence on undocumented workers. Without these undocumented workers, our food prices will substantially increase.

Undocumented workers contribute almost $1 billion dollars in various taxes paid to national, state and local governments. They receive few, if any, benefits from those taxes because they are not eligible for social security benefits, medicare, unemployment benefits, etc. Their removal out of the U.S. would add significantly to the national debt.

For the welfare of the United States, we must not be in a hurry to deport undocumented immigrants.