> As far as we’ve been able to tell, and we’ve filed more than 50 state FOIA requests to confirm, Texas is the only state that records and keeps the immigration statuses of those entering the criminal justice system. (…)
> The illegal immigrant criminal conviction rate was 45 percent below that of native-born Americans in Texas.
It may not be prosecuted, but illegal immigration is a crime unto itself. Putting aside other factors, perhaps the public assumes that those willing to violate immigration law would also commit other categories of crime.
The US has a culture of contempt for the law. I get made fun of for suggesting that people obey speed limits. Drug laws are seen with contempt. Fraud is free speech. And one of the candidates for president is a convicted felon. At that point, who cares if the guy who fixes your roof doesn't exactly have the right paperwork?
I could care less as long as they do the work properly.
The thousands of USD in handouts for illegal immigrants while legal immigration for a family member is an expensive, byzantine, 1 year+ long process isn't encouraging. It is easy to see why many have contempt for these institutions. Expat life is more appealing in many ways. Even if you still have to pay income taxes for the clown show, you get a sizable deduction for not being present in the circus.
> The illegal immigrant criminal conviction rate was 45 percent below that of native-born Americans in Texas.