one would argue that an immigration system that is actively hostile towards people who follow the rules (downright arcane) results in this issue. even a fairly skilled h1b worker (say a doctor working in rural area) has no real pathway to citizenship, let alone a temporary farm labor... i am not condoning the illegal immigration, just pointing out the root cause. we wouldn't be in this situation if we had a true reformed immigration system.
How many doctors are flowing in on H-1Bs across the Darién gap?
The vast majority of illegal immigrants are overstaying visas.
source?
E.g.: https://www.npr.org/2019/01/16/686056668/for-seventh-consecu...
Historically, visa overstays accounted for about half of illegal immigrants.
good question, certainly less than the number who attempt it.