Immigration Madness
It took me 6 years of agonizing research to finally find one thing that I agree with Bush. Immigration reform.
Here is my view (not much different from Bush’s):
- Don’t let anyone in US illegally
- All 11 million illegal immigrants have to go back to their country of origin and re-apply for entrance in US through legal channels (tourist visa, work visa or green card)
- Border patrol needs to be tough and thorough (I don’t think we need “wall of China†but come on! Today’s security is a joke)
This might sound very conservative thinking but let me assure you that it is not. It is just common sense. I think majority of citizens in any country would feel same way if their neighbors were changing demographic picture of their country and not to mention not paying taxes. But I don’t blame immigrants. They are just trying to get better life for their families. People to blame here are employers that hire them and pay them under the table – tax free, and them what happens is that same immigrant will work a job that ordinary American wouldn’t work for less then lets say $12/hour but he/she would work it for $8 since he/she doesn’t have to pay taxes and can be well off in their country of origin for that kind of money. Now imagine 11 millions of illegals and you’ll get the picture.
That is just one reason. Other reasons why we shouldn’t let illegals is for health reasons.
Being former immigrant myself (legal of course) I know what king of grueling health inspection you have to pass before they let you in any country. TBC, AIDS tests, psycho analysis, background check etc. All of these are just common sense nothing more nothing less. And don’t try to pull John Lennon crap on me here. World without borders or religion. Get back to reality.
I have to respectfully disagree with my brother.
First of all, there is no way in hell 11 million people can be taken from their homes (where they have lived for the past 20-30 years and having their children born here) and kicked out of the country. This would be paramount to ethnic cleansing. And it is highly impractical. Not to say immoral. These people have lived in L.A. and other border zone cities and have propelled the US economy. If they were taken out of theri homes, the Latino community could shut down the country’s economy. And they would be justified in doing so. The reality is that most of these illegal immigrants came into the country long time ago, have their families here and their children have been born here. Can you imagine sending these children back to Mexico?
Secondly, there is no “crisis” in demographic changes in the country. Illegal immigration has been going on since the creation of national states. These people come for a better life and they have contributed immensely to this coutnry. They work for minimum wages on plantations and send their money back home.
Third, the reaosn why Mexico and L.America are so poor is because of their position within the neoliberal, capitalist globalization dominated by the US and now increasingly China. Due to the US economic, military and political dominance, Mexico and other countries are left on the periphery and can do very little to enhance their position. Thus, it is only natural that people will rush to places where they are better off. As the world’s superpower the US has the obligation towards these people since it also profits from their labor. And let’s not forget they are an integral part of the US economy and politics.
So, making these illegal immigrants into felons would be an immense tragedy and it would not make illegal immigration go away. This is like say banning prostitution would make prostitiution dissappear. Instead, what this does is push it undgeround and drive women to ruthless pimps and expose customers to diseases. Regulating it not banning it is the answer!
Illegal immigration is a natural process that has helped this country. The politicians are now making it into a crisis to score cheap political points. Getting these people on the path to citizenship and full rights is the right thing to do. And no matter how you improve border security (which we should), there will always be illegal immigrants because this is how the system works itself. And getting these 11 million people on the path to citizenship would ensure that they are thoroughly checked (medically and in terms of their criminal history).
So, if we want to acknowledge reality, we would actually give them citizenship. Any other solution is not only immoral, but impractical.
Well, when you sugercoat it like that I sound like a monster.
I know that we cannot send 11 millions home but that it is my stand on this.
And as i said that i don’t blame immigrants but i blame employers. If employers stopped hiring illegals+better border security then we wouldn’t have this circus.
You are saying that immigration is big part of this country. I agree, but “legal” immigration. illegal immigration was part of this country 200 years ago, and now we have something we call “progress”. If a stranger wants to enter my house, I have every right to tell him not to. Doesn’t matter what his resons are.And after i kick him out he goes to protest.
You think you can go to Germany or France and say “I want to raise my family here” or “I will work same job that average German does for lot less” and everything will be fine? I don’t think so. And then when they say no, you go toBerlin and start waiving “your” flag in a protest. Thats not just ignorant but stupid. You might say that this country is different, but the fact is illegal immigrants broke the law. Hence the name “illegal” Thats the bottom line.
If you brake the law
I guess this is one area where we don’t agree.
Both of you sound like politicians….
But seriously… Both points are completely valid.. though in alot of ways they sound very similar. But honestly we must look at a few points, that we rarely or never hear from any politician, or news media. First look at what a dollar will buy you in Mexico … Hopefully we can agree that the American Dollar has much more spending power in Mexico , than in the USA. With that in mind, imagine if you will the amount of American Dollars sent to Mexico everyday from illegals, to there families in Mexico. In fact some estimates show that these transfers of Dollars into Mexico is the second largest contributor to Mexico’s economy, second only too oil. So it should surprise us that the Mexican governement has actually sponcered books explaining techniques on entering the USA illegaly. This works out great for Mexico – Ok I had alot more — but I dont feel like continuing so — Thats good enough for now.
OK so back too my thoughts – anywho as to how or why it has happened ; point is we have 11 Million phantom Americans in the USA. So what do we do… Well realistically expecting them to return to there native country then go through a formal process is – Well for lack of a better word – Ridiculously impossible… Thats two words. So what then ? At the end of the day the illegals want citizenship, and basically so does the USA – So basically what we should do is have a ” New Born ” policy. Essentially its blanket amnesty – with the only provision being that they register, get a valid SS # all medical requiements , the same basic process that a new born would go through. The problem with this solution is when its announced, or publicized there would be a possible mass exodus from Mexico…. So before any steps are made for Citizenship – We need to “secure the border”
One thing is for sure – I cant blame or even consider one single illegal as any less American than myself. They came for oportunity and have paid there price, as we all have in our fractured pasts – They have worked for less – got little to no health care, harsh conditions, and absolutely no gratitude. They have made scores of Americans very wealthy – and never complained –
So like nearly all migrants of the USA, except the English – They paid there dues – There explotation has come to fruition and it’s time we allow them to assimilate into our cultuer.
very well put xcwillix! i agree with everything you said.
It’s a pipe dream. There is no way in hell the U.S. border will ever be shut down and it shouldn’t be. It’s one big world now. Deal with it or drown in your tears.
I actually disagree with Fedja to an extent. The State, as Soveriegn, has the right at anytime to execute its power over those who break its laws. Deportation may not be a practical decision, but it is not an unjust or unlawful decision.
But Fedja is correct that neo-liberal capitalism is undermining the nation-state, and I find it ironic that the same American Right that wants to crack down on immigration has also supported deregulation and opposed the living wage, which has lead to the need for cheap immigrant labor. You can’t have it both ways.
One has to wonder if the immigration issue will push a portion of the American Right to abandon neo-liberalism in favor of a economic Third Position.
But – what about all those great tacos?
Tacos are great as long as they wash their hands before they serve it.