Illegal Aliens in the United States

The United States is famous for its popularity among aliens, both legal and illegal. In fact, according to Pewresearch, the US had almost 11 million undocumented citizens back in 2017. And while that number may be lowering as a result of strict border control, there is still a staggering number of illegal aliens in the United States. Therefore, providing information and advice for them is essential and that’s exactly what we are going to do.

What Should You Know About Being an Illegal Alien?

Being an illegal alien can be extremely confusing and scary, especially if it’s the first time you are here. Nevertheless, you need to have a basic understanding of what being illegal means and how that will affect your daily routine.

Understand Your Rights

If you are an illegal alien, the first thing you should know is that you have rights. Not only that, but you have almost the same rights as any regular citizen. For example, you have the right to receive payment for the job you do, no matter if you are illegal or not. Additionally, you can refuse a police search without a warrant. Those rights can help you protect yourself against discrimination and power abuse.

Finding Work Is Hard

Since you are illegal, chances are that you don’t have a working permit. As a result, you will have a much harder time getting a job. And while you could work small errands or part-time jobs, you may find yourself lacking a stable income. That’s why getting a working permit is essential for all illegal aliens in the United States that plan to stay.

Getting the Right Documentation

As previously mentioned, getting a working permit is important. However, you should also consider applying for a green card. That way, you will be able to work legally and also get all the rights that any US citizen has. Just remember that the process can take a few months, depending on how many people are currently applying.

Where to Find Help

You need to understand that asking for help will not get you deported, at least not without a trial. As such, you should get in touch with any support group or non-governmental organization, especially if you don’t know your way around. They will be able to not only advise you but also offer you a place to stay or even a job. Additionally, you can also find a plethora of online resources and help, such as ABC’s for Immigrants.

Conclusion

All things considered, it’s obvious that being one of the illegal aliens in the United States is not easy. With little to no knowledge, it will be hard for you to live normally and to understand the US way of life. Our recommendation is to research all your rights and then to apply for a work permit. Even if that may take a while, you will at least be able to find a stable job afterward. And just remember that you can always look for help if you feel overwhelmed.