Dear Editor,

Response to: “Illegal Immigration Harms Citizens and Immigrants Alike.” I appreciate the Catalyst letting students express their views and I truly recognize that the article highlights real frustrations with our country’s current immigration system. At the same time, I believe a fuller picture of immigration deserves representation. 

The article cites a $150.7 billion cost from undocumented immigration, while other research highlights significant contributions. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) reported in 2024 that undocumented households paid nearly $100 billion in taxes nationwide. Contributing substantially at both the state and federal level. 

Additionally, the article emphasizes crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, yet studies from the Migration Policy Institute and the Cato Institute have consistently shown that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. Northwestern University researchers even found that this pattern has held true for over 150 years. 

Finally, the article contains contradictions, it acknowledges the legal immigration process is “lengthy and painful,” but then criticizes those who cannot wait years to complete it. If the process is broken, it seems important to ask why people feel forced into desperate measures, rather than assuming they are “disrespecting” the law. Phrases like “make a mockery” and “cut the line” risk moving away from policy analysis into dehumanizing language.

I believe future articles could clarify data sources, include multiple perspectives, and frame arguments more around policies. That way, we can maintain open dialogue while upholding the respect and inclusion that define the NDB community! 

Sincerely,

Claire Nguyen ’26