Poverty is a social problem among undocumented immigrants in the US. At the same time, economic inequality disproportionately affects the integration of immigrants into American society. Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and income negatively affects immigrants’ ability to afford quality education, improve their living conditions and ensure proper healthcare access. This dimension of economic inequality also influences social indicators among immigrants. To a large extent, the unemployment rate among undocumented immigrants is high. Under the immigration reform and legal act of 1986, it is against the law for employers to offer undocumented immigrants a job. There is also significant paperwork, and law compliance before undocumented immigrants are allowed to work in the US. These hindrances influence high unemployment rates and hence, possibly high crime rates among undocumented immigrants. Due to this, many end up imprisoned and in abject poverty.
The first ethical principle in the NASW code of ethics is that the primary goal of social workers is helping those in need while at the same time, addressing social problems. This relates to the social-economic issues experienced by immigrants in that social workers are tasked with helping undocumented immigrants in different paperwork undertakings and preventing exploitation related to their status. Another principle is that social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. This is a significant tenet because they are entrusted with social issues, for example, dealing with different elements related to poverty among immigrants and their implications. Since they are trustworthy, they can be entrusted in assisting this vulnerable population in attaining particular rights, for example, rights to be employed.
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According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’. Regardless of this stipulation, poverty robs immigrants their dignity as a human being. It strips one of the confidence to take risks and pursue life with optimism. Since immigrants are often subjected to situations that negatively influence their economic well-being, this issue is related to their human rights. They are entitled to treatment with dignity regardless of their social status. Besides this, those imprisoned have a right to be treated with dignity and be accorded the justice they deserve.
