America, the land of the free and the home of the undocumented immigrants? That might just be the case if we factor in the estimated 15 to 20 million illegal aliens currently residing in America.

Approximately 700,000 illegal immigrants enter the United States each year, which costs the United States $113 billion a year. That means that the average American is paying around $1,117 a year to keep undocumented immigrants in the country. More than 54% of illegals reside in these four states: California with 23%, Texas with 13%, New York with 8%, and Florida with 6%.

Think of it like this; If someone snuck into the super bowl, got caught, security asked them to leave, and then they refused, do you think the security should just say “Ok” and let them stay?” No, because they didn’t purchase a ticket like everyone else. Similarly, if someone is in our country and is here illegally, they should return to their country and apply the legal way. Immigration is a good thing when it is done legally.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “Anchor baby.” If not, the simple explanation is this: when an illegal immigrant crosses our border and has their baby on American soil, the newborn child is an American citizen because he/she was born here. Almost every other major country in the world doesn’t allow this, and I think that the US should do the same. Children shouldn’t get U.S. Citizenship just because they were born on U.S. soil.

American safety is hugely important, and a border would help us tremendously. A physical wall between Mexico and the United States would save the country billions in the long run, practically paying for itself. The wall is estimated to cost $12 to $15 billion, and upon completion would have a huge impact on controlling illegal immigration.

The southern border isn’t the only problem. I’m sure you’ve heard of the temporary immigration vetting order on these countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

These six countries were chosen by the Obama administration, not the Trump administration. I’ve heard the term “Muslim Ban,” as the countries banned are predominantly Muslim. It calls for everyone from those 6 countries to be vetted before entering the United States. If it were a “Muslin Ban,” then many more countries would be on the list.

Not all muslims are terrorists, of course. The majority of them come to America to start a new life. But if we allow people to pour into our country without extensive vetting, we could let potential terrorists into our country. It only takes one to kill and injure thousands of U.S. Citizens.

Let me be clear: immigration is important and a foundation of our country’s values, but it must be done legally. Until we know who’s entering our country, we need treat everyone the same. It’s time to put our foot down and protect our country and its citizens. We can’t keep having our jobs stolen and we surely can’t keep putting our country’s citizens at risk.

Below are stories published in the April 7 Issue of The Roaring Gazette.

Meet the Candidates by Cassidy O’Neal

Ring Dance Glamorous and Unforgettable by Kaylyn Neves

Three Lunches Test Cafeteria Capacity by Elena Day

Student Art Wows at the MOCA by Ariana Hernandez

When Senioritis Gets Real by Kayla Smith

Passing Students Just to Pass Them: Why this is Harmful by Dave Nimer

Let’s Face it: Cursive is Dead by Amari McCoy

Schools Should Re-Think Standardized Testing by Tyanna Lamar

Immigration is Great, but the U.S. must Ensure it is Safe, Legal by Dylan Klepk

In a Digital World, Why do Teachers Make us Print? by Marissa Howell

Achieve 3000 Causes Undue Stress by Tyler Dennis

“Kong” an Exciting Set-Up for the Monsterverse by Austin Luciani

Big Sean’s New Album Proves He’s Back by Erin Nathan

Top Ten Wiseguy Films by Charles Romano