Illegal Immigrant vs. Legal Immigrant

Attribute	Illegal Immigrant	Legal Immigrant
Legal Status	Not authorized to be in the country	Authorized to be in the country
Entry	Entered the country without permission	Entered the country with proper documentation
Employment	May work illegally	May work legally
Access to Services	Limited access to government services	Eligible for government services
Risk of Deportation	At risk of deportation	Less risk of deportation

Legal Status

One of the most obvious differences between illegal immigrants and legal immigrants is their legal status in the country. Legal immigrants have gone through the proper channels and obtained the necessary visas or green cards to reside in the country legally. On the other hand, illegal immigrants have entered the country without authorization or have overstayed their visas, making their presence in the country illegal.

Employment Opportunities

Legal immigrants have the right to work in the country and can pursue employment opportunities without fear of deportation. They can apply for jobs, start businesses, and contribute to the economy legally. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, often face limited job opportunities due to their legal status. They may be forced to work under the table or in industries that exploit their vulnerable position.

Access to Benefits

Legal immigrants are eligible for certain benefits and services provided by the government, such as healthcare, education, and social security. They pay taxes and contribute to these programs, so they are entitled to access them. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, are not eligible for most government benefits and may struggle to access essential services due to their legal status.

Pathway to Citizenship

Legal immigrants have the opportunity to pursue a pathway to citizenship through naturalization. They can apply for citizenship after meeting certain requirements, such as residency and language proficiency. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, face significant barriers to obtaining legal status and may be at risk of deportation at any time.

Community Integration

Legal immigrants have the opportunity to integrate into their communities, build relationships, and participate in civic life. They can join community organizations, volunteer, and engage with their neighbors. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, may live in fear of being discovered and deported, which can isolate them from their communities and prevent them from fully participating in society.

Legal Protections

Legal immigrants are entitled to certain legal protections under the law, such as the right to due process and access to the justice system. They can seek legal recourse if their rights are violated and have the support of the legal system. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, may be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse due to their lack of legal status, making them reluctant to seek help or report crimes.

Contributions to Society

Legal immigrants make valuable contributions to society through their work, culture, and diversity. They enrich communities, stimulate the economy, and bring new perspectives to the country. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, also contribute to society in various ways, such as through their labor and entrepreneurship, but their contributions may go unrecognized or undervalued due to their legal status.

Family Unity

Legal immigrants have the opportunity to reunite with their families and build a life together in the country. They can sponsor family members for visas and work towards creating a stable and secure future for their loved ones. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, may face separation from their families due to deportation or fear of being discovered, which can have devastating consequences for their relationships and well-being.

Public Perception

Legal immigrants are often viewed more favorably by the public and may receive more support and acceptance from their communities. They are seen as contributing members of society who have followed the rules and earned their place in the country. Illegal immigrants, on the other hand, may face stigma, discrimination, and hostility due to their legal status, which can create barriers to integration and acceptance.