Debating The Effects Of A Massive Population Surge

According to opponents of the U.S. immigration policy, the nation's population could surge anywhere from 100 to 200 million people by 2050. The U.S. Census also indicates immigration is the number one factor driving U.S. population growth, along with fertility (births). Under current policy, legal immigrants are allowed to sponsor relatives for admission, who in turn can sponsor their relatives in what has been termed "chain migration." Many opponents of the current policies believe Congress has not thoroughly studied the implications of massive population growth on this scale.

For example, labor experts believe the economic impact of a population boom on this scale would hit the lower income, working class the hardest by resulting in an over supply of low wage, low skilled workers. This could potentially drive down US working class wages and sometimes even displace US workers.
Many critics of current U.S. policy fear the greatest strain could be on the healthcare system. The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates that half of all immigrants either don't have insurance or receive coverage at taxpayers' expense. And the Heritage Foundation estimates that the retirement costs of granting legal status to illegal immigrants would be $2.4 trillion dollars a year or more.
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