larly in "gateway" states such as California, Texas, and Florida. Estimates of the number of illegal immigrants who enter U.S. borders vary, but in 1994 the Border Patrol reported apprehending 1.1 million illegals aliens (Borjas, 1995, p. 44). A projected 3 million illegals will have entered the country in the 1990s (Borjas, 1995, p. 44).
Immigration did not become a serious area of public controversy until after World War II when the United States was hit by two major waves of Third World migration. The first postwar wave occurred between 1942 and 1964. It involved Mexican agricultural workers responding to the demands of American growers for cheap labor sources. The United States government responded by tightening restrictions on immigration from the Western Hemisphere. The second migration wave consisted not only of Mexicans, but also illegal aliens from the Middle East and the Caribbean.
Although members of Congress debated on ways to address the illegal immigrant problem, no consensus was reached on effective remedies during the period of the postwar immigration waves. Also, Congress failed to acknowledge the extent of the problem by refusing to allocate additional funds to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Short of staff and overworked, the INS soon found it impossible to keep track of undocumented aliens.
Political lobbying also played an important role in the postwar increase in illegal immigration. Activist groups supporting immigrants rights made their influence felt in Washington. These groups sought to ease restrictions and prevent discrimination against immigrants. Adding to this political climate was the growing racial tolerance in the United States. Minority groups started to question what they considered inequitable restrictions on Third World immigration. The public's mood dictated a more inclusionary approach, and Congress responded to their will. Patriotic, right wing, and v...