Out of proportion

Illegal immigration has been incessantly discussed during the US Republican race. However, hardly any of the discourse has focused on the fact that it’s not that big a problem, writes Edward Alden

ILLEGAL immigration and what to do about it has emerged as one of the more controversial issues as the US gears up for an election year.

Republican presidential candidates have vied for the toughest response — from more military troops to electrified fences along the border with Mexico. The Obama administration is busy setting records for deporting illegal immigrants. Yet figures released by the Department of Homeland Security show that illegal immigration may not be such a big problem after all.