Illegal immigration has long been a critical issue in the United States, with recent decades seeing waves of mass migration that have put unprecedented pressure on U.S. borders and immigration systems. This article explores the reasons behind this migration, the evolving immigration patterns, and the policies that have attempted to address the issue over the last 20 This issue remains at the forefront of political debate, yet key questions persist: Why does the problem remain unsolved, and what can we expect in the near future?
The Dynamics of Immigration
Economic Disparities
One of the foremost drivers of illegal immigration is the economic disparity between the United States and many migrant-origin countries. The U.S. remains a beacon of economic opportunity, while countries like El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala suffer from high levels of poverty and unemployment. According to a 2021 study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 70% of Central American migrants cite the lack of jobs and the inability to support their families as primary reasons for migration. This economic gap encourages many to take the dangerous journey north in hopes of finding a better life.
Political Instability
In countries experiencing political instability, migration is often seen as a survival strategy. Countries like Venezuela, with its collapsing economy under Nicolás Maduro, have produced millions of refugees fleeing hunger and state repression. Central American countries also continue to struggle with high levels of corruption, weak governance, and violent criminal organizations. These issues often force entire families to flee for their safety. Many of these migrants seek asylum in the United States, contributing to the rise in undocumented immigrants.

Climate Change
Environmental factors, including climate change, are increasingly becoming a major driver of migration. The so-called “dry corridor” in Central America, a region highly prone to drought, has left many farmers unable to sustain themselves, leading to mass migration. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires further compound the crisis. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, over 200 million people globally may be displaced due to climate-related events, with many likely seeking refuge in wealthier nations like the U.S.
Social Factors
Beyond economic and political pressures, social factors, such as extreme violence from gangs and drug cartels, play a significant role. Countries like El Salvador and Honduras have some of the highest murder rates in the world, with gang violence affecting daily life and forcing families to flee. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that asylum applications from people fleeing gang violence and crime in these countries have risen significantly in the past decade.

Turkish Migrants and Illegal Crossings
While the focus of illegal immigration often centers on migrants from Latin America, there has been a notable increase in the number of Turkish citizens attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Political instability, particularly following the 2016 coup attempt and subsequent government crackdowns, has driven thousands of Turks to seek refuge outside their country. The Turkish government’s increasing authoritarianism and the persecution of political dissidents, journalists, and academics have fueled this migration.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 55,000 Turkish nationals were apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border between 2021 and 2024, representing a significant rise compared to previous years. Many of these migrants have traveled through Mexico or Latin America before attempting to cross the U.S. border illegally.
These individuals’ stories have been captured in the documentary America: The Illusion of Hope, presented by Five Fools Productions, now available on YouTube. Directed by Ergin Kocyildirim, M.D., and produced by Banu Candemir, the documentary highlights the personal struggles of Turkish and other migrants as they navigate dangerous routes to seek refuge in the U.S. The film provides a sobering look at the promises and pitfalls of the American Dream through the eyes of those who risk everything to reach U.S. soil.
Immigration Patterns and Trends
Demographic Shifts
While historically, most undocumented immigrants have come from Mexico, recent years have seen a shift in this trend. Migrants from the Northern Triangle of Central America—El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras—now make up a larger share of those attempting to cross into the U.S. Increased immigration from countries like Haiti, Cuba, and various parts of Africa, along with the growing numbers from Turkey, have also become more noticeable. These demographic changes reflect broader global patterns of displacement and forced migration.
Migration Routes and Challenges
The journey to the U.S. is fraught with danger. Migrants traveling through Mexico face threats from smugglers, drug cartels, and corrupt officials. Many face exploitation or death along the way. Human trafficking has also become a pressing concern, with organized criminal networks taking advantage of vulnerable migrants. According to the IOM, over 800 migrants died at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022 alone—many due to extreme heat and unsafe travel conditions.
Irregular Migration and Asylum Seeking
The U.S. has seen a growing number of migrants seeking asylum, particularly from countries in crisis. However, delays in processing asylum claims, coupled with the complex legal framework surrounding asylum applications, have left thousands of migrants in legal limbo. Many enter the country without proper documentation, further straining the U.S. immigration system.The Immigration Court backlog passed 3 million pending cases and a new record was reached in September 2024 with 3,716,106 active cases pending before the Immigration Court.
U.S. Immigration Policy Over the Last 20 Years
The Bush Administration (2001–2009): Following the events of September 11, 2001, immigration policy became heavily linked to national security. The Bush administration increased border security funding, constructed more barriers along the southern border, and instituted programs to detain and deport undocumented immigrants.
The Obama Administration (2009–2017): The Obama administration introduced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, which offered temporary relief from deportation for undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children. However, Obama was also criticized for his administration’s record number of deportations, earning him the nickname “Deporter-in-Chief.” Attempts to pass comprehensive immigration reform during his tenure were blocked by a Republican-controlled Congress.
The Trump Administration (2017–2021): Trump’s presidency was marked by an aggressive crackdown on immigration. His administration sought to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, implemented a controversial family separation policy, and severely limited both legal immigration and refugee admissions. Trump also implemented the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which forced asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed in the U.S.
The Biden Administration (2021–Present): Biden has attempted to undo many of Trump’s immigration policies, ending the family separation policy and reinstating DACA protections. However, the surge in migrants at the southern border has tested his administration’s ability to implement a more humane immigration policy. Comprehensive immigration reform remains elusive, with a deeply divided Congress unable to pass significant legislation.
Why the Immigration Problem Remains Unsolved
Political Polarization
One of the primary reasons the immigration issue remains unsolved is the deep political divide between Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats generally support comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and greater protections for asylum seekers, Republicans prioritize border security and strict immigration controls. This polarization has led to repeated legislative deadlock in Congress.
Economic Interests
The U.S. economy, particularly in industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality, relies heavily on immigrant labor, both legal and undocumented. This creates conflicting pressures: while there are economic incentives to allow immigrants to work in these sectors, political pressures push for tighter controls. This tension complicates efforts to address the root causes of immigration.
Security and Humanitarian Concerns
Balancing national security with humanitarian obligations has been a persistent challenge for U.S. immigration policy. The fear of terrorist threats post-9/11, combined with the ongoing opioid crisis, has heightened security concerns about who crosses the border. At the same time, the U.S. is obligated under international law to offer protection to refugees and asylum seekers, creating a complex and often contradictory policy landscape.
Lack of Long-Term Strategy
Ultimately, U.S. immigration policies have been largely reactive, focused on addressing immediate concerns at the border rather than the root causes driving migration. Without addressing the political, economic, and environmental factors pushing migrants to leave their home countries, migration flows are likely to continue.