Illegal immigrant
An illegal immigrant is somebody who illegally enters a country and takes up residence there. The status and rights of illegal immigrants as well as the morality of both illegal immigration and the hiring of illegal immigrants are controversial subjects. Those who are opposed to strict policies on immigration, and who support the rights of immigrants and migrant workers, generally use the term "undocumented worker" or "undocumented immigrant" rather than "illegal immigrant".It is estimated that over 50% of US crop workers are illegal immigrants.
People who are persecuted in their original country and then enter a country seeking safety are often said to be refugees or "seeking asylum". Some of those who are opposed to strict policies on immigration characterize all illegal immigrants as legitimate refugees (economical refugees), not limiting the term to political refugees.
Illegal immigration is largely driven by economic forces, especially unemployment and globalization. Wars, repression and sexism also expel migrants.
In some areas like the Mexican-American border at Rio Grande, the Strait of Gibraltar, Fuerteventura and the Strait of Otranto, people smugglers receive money from migrants to get them into the rich country. Sometimes migrants are abandoned if there are difficulties, often dying in the struggle.
Immigrants try to find a job in the informal economy. They may end in ethnic mafias. A perception exists among some parts of the public in receiving countries linking illegal (or even legal) immigrants to crime increases. This opinion may lead to xenophobia. When the authorities are overwhelmed in their efforts to stop immigration, they may issue periods of regularization for those who can demonstrate their integration into the receiving country.
Since illegal immigrants have no identity cards or other official identification documents, they may have reduced or even no access to public health systems, proper housing, education and banks. The use of forged documents to gain access to these privileges is not uncommon.