Illegal aliens are increasing

Prosecutions deter illegal immigration, avoiding the dangers for families

By Andrew R. Arthur on May 31, 2018

USA Today, Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The government recently said it would prosecute aliens entering illegally, even those traveling with children. This seemingly harsh policy actually protects foreign nationals.

Illegal entry is a crime. Prosecuting illegal entrants deters it. Deterrence avoids the dangers of smuggling, as women and children "often find themselves at risk for assault and abuse such as rape, beatings, kidnapping and robbery" at smugglers' hands, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Illegal entry by families has been increasing. In April 2017, 1,118 family-unit aliens were apprehended entering illegally. One year later, 9,647 were.

The makeup of aliens entering illegally has also changed. Before 2011, more than 90% of arriving aliens were single adult males; today, 40% are families and children.

Why? Aliens believe they won't be detained if they arrive with children.

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