Illegal immigration is driven by people seeking new opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families. While over 700,000 Mexicans immigrated to the United States in 2008 seeking work, thousands did not achieve the American Dream. Mothers in particular undertake dangerous journeys leaving everything behind with the hope that their children can grow up in a land of freedom. However, increased illegal immigration has led to harsher enforcement policies to control the economy, and immigrants face punishment if caught.