Meaning: The quote you provided addresses the issue of illegal immigration in the United States, specifically highlighting the significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants between 1990 and 2000. The quote mentions that as of January 2000, there were an estimated 7 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, which marked a doubling of the illegal immigrant population from the previous decade. Additionally, it notes that this population accounted for 2.5 percent of the total U.S. population at the time, which was just over 281 million.

The topic of illegal immigration has been a subject of significant debate and controversy in the United States for many years. It encompasses a complex range of issues, including border security, labor markets, national security, human rights, and the social and economic impact on both immigrants and the host country. The quote by Gary Miller, a politician, likely reflects the concerns and perspectives of many policymakers and citizens during that period regarding the implications of the growing number of illegal immigrants in the country.

During the 1990s, the United States experienced a notable increase in unauthorized immigration, driven by a variety of factors such as economic opportunities, family reunification, and geopolitical developments. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) had granted amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants, but it also sought to deter future illegal immigration through employer sanctions and increased border enforcement. However, the law did not fully address the underlying causes of unauthorized migration, and the number of illegal immigrants continued to rise in the following years.

The surge in illegal immigration during the 1990s was influenced by several factors, including economic conditions in the United States and neighboring countries, as well as changes in U.S. immigration policies. Economic opportunities in the U.S., particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and service industries, attracted many individuals seeking employment and a better standard of living. Additionally, political and social unrest in certain regions, such as Central America, drove people to seek refuge and opportunities in the United States.

Furthermore, the 1990s witnessed significant changes in U.S. immigration policies, including efforts to address legal immigration and unauthorized migration. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into effect in 1994, aimed to promote economic integration and trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. However, some critics argue that NAFTA led to the displacement of small-scale farmers and workers in Mexico, contributing to increased migration to the U.S. in search of employment opportunities.

The quote by Gary Miller sheds light on the scale of the issue at the turn of the century and underscores the demographic impact of illegal immigration on the overall U.S. population. The presence of 7 million illegal immigrants in the country raised concerns about its implications for social services, labor markets, and law enforcement. The quote also reflects the need for comprehensive immigration reform to address the challenges posed by unauthorized migration while recognizing the contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy and society.

In conclusion, the quote you provided captures a snapshot of the significant increase in illegal immigration in the United States between 1990 and 2000. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding this issue, as well as the need for informed and thoughtful approaches to immigration policy and enforcement. Addressing the multifaceted nature of unauthorized migration requires a balanced consideration of economic, social, and humanitarian factors, as well as a commitment to upholding the values of fairness, security, and compassion in shaping immigration policies.