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06/21/2006: "Missing the Point on Immigration"

Politically, I consider myself to be a conservative-leaning centrist. I think Democratic policies as a whole are idiotic, but I can easily admit that W screwed the pooch in Iraq. I think that Arnold is right in trying to steer down the middle, and those on either side who think that's wrong are just wrong.

That said, I am perplexed by one aspect of the current immigration rights debate. No question that we as a country are paying the price for ignoring the issue for the last 20 years, and now it's a lot like trying to cut out an inoperative cancer - we might get it all, but we'll cripple the patient. At least now we're going to have to face the issue like something that resembles adults.

Both sides have valid points. The folks who've snuck in have done so for the best of reasons - a desire to improve their lives. And it's true that they play a vital role in our economy, taking the jobs no one else wants (and if you don't believe that, you're simply kidding yourself). But it's equally true - maybe even more so - that they have broken the law by entering the country illegally and the government is absolutely within their rights to simply kick them out, even if it is somewhat akin to cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

What I don't understand is how all the newcomers to the discussion - whether politicians, activists or talking heads - all seem to miss the same point. Either by choice, or by ignorance, they cannot - or will not - differentiate between legal immigrants (otherwise known as “immigrants”) or illegal immigrants (otherwise known as “invaders”)? There is a huge difference between the two, and you cannot simply lump the two together for conveniece. Any discussion that does not take the time at least acknowledge the difference is just a waste of time.

Here's a related question that I can’t help but ask – when the illegal immigrants start chanting for rights while waving the Mexican flag and singing the American National Anthem in Spanish, where is the righteous indignation of the LEGAL immigrants? I know how pissed I get when someone cuts in line in front of me; these guys cut ahead in the ultimate line, and now are claiming the right to stay at the head of the line. Those who went through the admittedly torturous process of legal immigration should be the ones leading the opposition.

We'll have a lot more on this one, I'm sure ...

Replies: 1 Comment

On Wednesday, June 21st, Steve Mras said:

Stan, the illegal immigrants place a huge burden on our health care system, while at the same time offloading cash back to Mexico that would otherwise be recirculating in our economy. Thus the drain on our economy is compounded. They (the illegals) would like to make you think that they really make a valuable contribution. They don't. They're a net drain. What it all boils down to is that due to geographical convenience, the illegal immigrants from Mexico can keep one foot in the U.S. and one in Mexico. Thus they never really assimilate into our system, adopt our values for education, etc.

Now this is a broad generalization, as I can personally point to a good Mexican friend
who's parents came across the border and struggled to put their kids through the best private schools. He's now a lawyer with a burgeoning practice in the area of government contracting.