One of the main dangers of mass immigration to the United States is the potentially negative economic effects. A sizable addition of migrants, particularly in a time of economic recession, can exacerbate the problem of unemployment and further serve to do drive down wages as immigrants from exceptionally poor countries are prepared to work for minimal pay.
Social cohesion and national unity can be disrupted by mass immigration. Large influxes of new immigrants into an area can cause problems with the established population resenting the presence and numbers of the newcomers. On a national level, people may perceive a large number of immigrants as undermining national unity, especially as the newcomers often have strong ties and allegiances to old nations, cultures and religions. Overt cultural differences such as language and customs also can contribute to present citizens feeling isolated and under threat in their own country.
Mass immigration creates dangers for new immigrants themselves, who may be open to high levels of exploitation from unscrupulous employers or criminal gangs.
Many immigrants are unskilled and poorly prepared to cope in a new, foreign, modern society. They may suffer high levels of discrimination and find it hard to gain employment or opportunities. They may drift into crime or gangs for protection and survival, or they may be prepared to work in unsatisfactory or dangerous conditions for minimal reward.
In the present climate of fear and concern for terrorist or militant attacks on U.S. soil, many people feel that mass immigration is a security risk. Larger influxes of immigrants means security measures may be less stringently applied, and it makes it harder to stop potential threats at U.S. borders. It stands to reason there is a higher chance that some newcomers who are granted entry may not have the country's best interest at heart and may seek to do harm.
