The United States began life as a wild and untouched land; thanks to the strong work ethic and perseverance of immigrants it became the country we see today. But in this vast span of time between 21st century immigrants and those of the past, what has changed the effects people see in immigrants? Native Americans in the 1800s viewed the people immigrating to their lands as useless parasites and not as people who would one day help the country grow and prosper. Just as many Americans today view illegal immigrants, people who enter a country illegally without proper documentation, as a burden to the country, not realizing that every negative they offer also has a positive side. Furthermore, many do not realize that no Americans other than Native Americans have ancestors who were not once illegal and unwanted immigrants to this land. Illegal immigrants not only burden, but help the United States take the jobs Americans deem privileged to work; they help increase the gross domestic product of the United States and immigrants are willing to work for very little; on the other hand, illegal immigrants cost the United States money in terms of welfare, health care, and their children's education. Citizens of the United States have become accustomed to certain luxuries and living privileged lives unlike people in other countries. Many Americans feel above doing certain jobs such as picking fruit in the fields, washing dishes in restaurants, and other low-paying, unskilled jobs. “Of the approximately one million farm workers in the United States, most are immigrants, and an estimated one-quarter to half of them are illegal” (Baragona, “US Farmers Depend on Illegal Immigrants”). Some argue that Americans want these jobs like farming with…half the paper…consumers. January 9, 2009. Web. November 28, 2011. Martin, Jack, and Eric A. Ruark. The fiscal burden of illegal immigration on US taxpayers. July 2010. Web. November 20, 2011. “Migrant Farm Workers in the United States.” Boces Geneseo Migrant Center: 1-4. Network. November 26, 2011. .Porter, Eduardo. “The New York Times Business Illegal Immigrants Are Bolstering Social Security with Billions.” The New York Times - Breaking news, world news and multimedia. 05 April 2005. Web. 28 November 2011. "What is GDP and why is it so important?" Investopedia.com - Your source for investment education. Network. November 28. 2011. .