Reader Comments on Immigration Issue
TERRY O: For all of the reasons previously stated in this forum, I believe that we as a nation should not act to discourage legal immigration. Nor, however, should we necessarily encourage greater numbers of immigrants. I know of no facts that would justify either course. That having been said, it remains to discuss how we approach a solution to the problem presented by the vast numbers of illegal immigrants present in the United States. For practical and in my view, humanitarian reasons, mass deportation is not a viable option. Besides, illegals are good for the economy, which is precisely why the problem has persisted. They can be and are easily exploited by employers who can make them work for substandard wages. They can be and are easily exploited by landlords who can make them pay high prices for substandard housing. This is possible because the illegals are afraid to make a fuss or insist on good treatment. They believe, rightly or wrongly, that if they do not keep a low profile, they will be caught and returned to wherever they came from. Fear is also the reason why illegals utilize fewer, not more, government sponsored services than their “legal" contemporaries. That, coupled with the fact that they are simply not eligible for many aid programs, makes the burden they impose on society minimal considering their relative income status. Add the fact that they collectively make a significant contribution to the Social Security system because they are working under false social security numbers and will NEVER be able to claim those benefits. Now add the fact that although many illegals send money out of the country to care for families they left behind, they do spend a significant portion of their income right here. On balance, viewing the matter objectively, one is forced to conclude that illegals are far more desirable than are the home grown bums who clutter our street corners, schools and jails, suck up welfare, send the crime statistics soaring, and endanger our fellow citizens with their gang related activities. But I digress. We have a problem. How do we handle it? Just as Mass deportation is a bad idea, so is any form of amnesty. Amnesty was a bad idea when Reagan tried it in 1986 (a point which our so called “conservative" brethren conveniently forget), and it will always be a bad idea. We simply cannot reward individuals for breaking our laws. Every illegal breaks our laws every day he or she wakes up in this country. If we are truly a nation of laws, then we must not take the position that if one gets away with breaking the law long enough, all is forgiven and we will pretend it never happened. To do so is to undermine the very fabric of our society and make a mockery of our legislative and judicial processes. In my view, a workable solution might be to grant green card (legal non-resident worker) status to those illegals that are employed; give them a coded social security card so that their contributions can accrue to their benefit, and let them alone. Of course they should be allowed to choose to return to their country of origin and wait their turn under the quota system if they want to become citizens, but if they elect to stay on green card status, they should never be granted citizenship. An exception might be considered if they serve in the armed forces, but I have no opinion about that one way or the other. Whatever we do with the illegals presently in the country, a necessary predicate to any reform is to establish and maintain control of our boarders. If we have to seal them off, then we should do so. We should utilize every legal, humane means possible to accomplish a complete choking off of illegal immigrant trafficking. If we lack the political courage and national resolve to accomplish that, then there is no solution to the problem. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ JAVIER A: I appreciated your impartial approach to this subject; frankly, it is more truthful and objective than what people like Lou Dobbs report almost on a daily basis. Mr. Dobbs uses information from the Heritage foundation; an organization devoted to portray illegal aliens as a tragedy to this country. Only emphasizing the on the cons and not the pros of illegal immigration. As a country we should have a cost-benefit analysis of the impact of illegal aliens and let the chips fall where they may. Let me explain: Government resources; while it is true that illegal aliens consume these resources is it not also true that these people pay state and local taxes when the buy food, medicine, clothing, fuel…etc. Are they part of this country’s GDP? Are they the reason why a carton of orange juice costs $3 and not $5 or $6? Are low labor costs beneficial to the population at large? I am only using orange juice as an example and symbol there are many more examples like this one. So let’s do the math and come up with the truthful results and not the obscure opinions of some impartial and intellectually dishonest critics. Furthermore; the Heritage foundation insists on calling immigration reform amnesty and that illegal aliens will immediately bring their families here bringing the number of foreign aliens to 30-40 million people. Let me offer some fresh ideas to make this exaggerated view a moot point. Instead of immediate citizenship, what about making illegal aliens temporary residents with a probation period of 3 years, any felonies during this period resulting in deportation and disqualification to the program. The requirements being: * Proof of being in this country for more than 10 years * Background checks to make sure they have not committed any crimes * Fingerprinting all of those coming forward and assigning these people legitimate documentation * Pay the fees (self funded) Since there are clauses for deportation and disqualification it is not amnesty. After this probation period ends they would be allowed to become full time residents; which would not allow these new residents to bring family members from their respective countries of origin. The next level would be temporary citizens; these are the requirements: * Five year probation period with no felonies (as full time residents) * Knowledge of the English language and American history (according to the age of the applicant) * Pay the fees (self funded) In order to qualify for full time citizenship these are the requirements. * Three years as a temporary citizen * Pay the fees (self funded) Those who become full time citizens will have all the rights as any natural citizen (except to become president). As you can see it will take 11 years before anyone can become a full time citizen with high standards (no felonies). Let’s not forget the enforcement part. In my view a virtual fence (cameras, drones etc) would be more effective with helicopters and patrols strategically placed along the borders. Any illegal aliens caught should be booked (fingerprints) and automatic disqualified for any guest worker program or any legal opportunity. Furthermore; any illegal alien costs should be passed along to that country (primarily Mexico). If they refuse to pay then any financial aid can be suspended or deducted to any associated cost with the illegal aliens. Humbly; these are some ideas that can be changed but it is a fresh great start and solution to this problem. These are difficult and critical moments where character it is not build but rather revealed.