Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants, legal and illegal, from around the world, come into the United States. These immigrants have many different motivations; some enter the U.S. hoping to get a chance at a chance at a better life; others are refugees, escaping persecution and civil wars in their home country. Many of these people believe the United States is the best place to go. There is more freedom, protection, and benefits, which are important issues with to immigrants. However, the large number of immigrants is affecting the native-born citizens of the United States. Taxpayers are forced to pay for the welfare and schooling for many of these immigrants, some of who are illegal aliens. Some citizens believe that immigration can be hazardous to the environment, by putting a strain on already diminishing natural resources. Others blame crime, poverty, and overpopulation on immigration. About sixty-eight million immigrants have been added to the United States since 1970, and it is estimated that 130 million people will be added over the next fifty years. The government has tried to somewhat restrict immigration but, many believe, the laws are still too lenient. Nearly every other advanced country in the world is moving quickly towards a stabilized population or has already achieved it. The United States is moving towards this very slowly. This country would have to reduce immigration to 255,000 a year to accomplish this task (Beck 1). If nothing is done to stabilize the immigration to in the U.S., many believe the population will continue to grow even faster – not due to births, but to massive the immigration to the country. Immigration could become an even more serious problem in the U.S. if the government does not produce stricter laws. The government must restrict immigration laws in order to prevent the overpopulation of the United States.