The effects of illegal immigration along Mexico’s border is disturbing, to say the least. Although some may say that it helps local merchants, that in it self is a fallacy. The illegal immigrant may work for cash, pay for essentials with cash but along with that comes what they cost the border town; and the economic impact they place on of the welfare of the community as well neighboring communities.If the illegal immigrants set up a make-shift shanty town along the border, the cost to the State and the U.S. is horrendous.

If the illegal immigrants cross the border near a ranch, where there is a gate available it will sometimes be used, and actually closed. Generally the fence, used to retained cattle, is cut thus allowing livestock a means of escape or the livestock is lost for food to the illegal immigrant, either way it means a loss to the rancher.

Many illegal’s also set up camps on private or government land. These camps are made up of shanties without any running water or sanitation. Untended campfires lead to range fires. Filth defines the landscape. When they vacate the premise the garbage is left to be cleaned up by whatever means is available, local, state or government.

Not only do farmers and ranchers have the cost of fences to mend, trash and human waste to deal with, theft is rampant in these areas. Let’s not forget that this scenario also exists in the State Parks as well. The threat to life and limb is very real to vacationers as well as law enforcement officers in these areas, especially if camps are stumbled upon accidently.

Border town hospitals are in dire need of funds. Those that can pay are making up for those that can not, which is the illegal immigrant. Medical treatment is costly in these areas; some hospitals are even closing their doors because they can not keep up with the cost of helping these people. It is very difficult to find people that are willing to work for less money in an area of high crime rates (rape, theft and assault).

Along with the cheap labor and the problems of border towns whether make-shift or established are the gangs that also come up. With gangs come violence, drugs, prostitution and the de-valuation of property.

Many cross the border with no intention of working. Unemployment in border towns is extremely high. This once again puts a strain on an already overly burdened welfare system, as well as other systems such as education and health care. Many keep unacceptable behavior that is acceptable behavior in their countries such as drinking and driving. While that is acceptable in Mexico, a sign of manhood, it is unacceptable here.

This is the cost of cheap labor. It does not benefit the towns, the community or the country. What is brought to the community, the country, cannot equal what is taken out or the risk factors that are brought in.