Too Late for Immigration Reform

Human Events ^ | April 6 2006 | William Rusher

[Reagan Man]

Those of us who want real immigration reform had better reconcile ourselves to the fact that it just isn't going to happen. We are at least 20 years too late.

The trouble began, as so many of America's troubles have, with a proposal by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D.-Mass.) -- specifically, his 1965 immigration reform bill. That bill, which duly passed, opened the floodgates for Asian and Latin American immigration, and they have never closed since. But at least the newcomers were legal immigrants. Thereafter, the appetite of American employers for cheap labor, combined with the desire of impoverished Mexicans to provide it, simply overwhelmed the laws and the Mexican border. The Simpson-Mazzoli Act of 1986 tried to stop the flood by granting amnesty to the 5 million or so illegal aliens already in the country, while tightening border controls. But the government, pressured by American business, simply failed to enforce the law. Today, it is estimated that there are at least 11 million illegal aliens (mostly Mexican) working in the United States at low-paying jobs that U.S. citizens are reluctant to do at those wages.

This enables defenders of the status quo to argue (correctly) that the U.S. economy simply couldn't sustain the arrest and repatriation of those illegal aliens, even if they could be identified. Many U.S. businesses, large and small, that are dependent on cheap illegal immigrant labor would simply go under. And the many millions of Americans who are dependent on such workers would discover that there was now no one to tend their gardens, pick their crops and do other menial jobs for anywhere near the same low pay.

Finally, the issue of illegal immigration having at last been forced to the forefront of the public consciousness by a few vocal critics like Rep. Tom Tancredo (R.-Colo.) and become a really hot controversy, American business has bestirred itself and successfully pressured President Bush and the Republican Congress to resist real reform. Appallingly, the Democrats, who are also more vulnerable to business pressures than they like to pretend, have gone along with the charade, calculating that they will get the votes of most of the aliens when they finally become citizens, even though the illegal immigrants are a deadly economic threat to the Democrats' traditional allies in the labor unions and the black community.

The result is that there will be no serious immigration reform. Either the two parties will kick the gong around for a few more months and end up doing nothing, or (more likely) some bill along the lines of the one currently being debated in the Senate will be passed, beefing up the border patrols, but leaving the 11 million illegals still in the country, perhaps subject to some largely unenforceable penalties, but headed for legal residency and, ultimately, citizenship.

Will this matter? What harm, after all (their defenders argue) have the illegals done? It would be wonderful if, in the long run, they and their children were to assimilate to the American culture, as so many other waves of immigrants have done. But, as Victor Davis Hanson has pointed out, Mexican immigrants, unlike those from Europe or Asia, don't come from a distant land: their homeland is just a yard away, across a largely undefended border. They can return to Mexico at will, and many intend to -- though they rarely do. Instead, they become permanent residents of the lowest rung of the American economic ladder, and are acutely bitter over their status. Moreover, there are so many of them that millions cling to their Hispanic language and culture, refusing assimilation and living in politicized ghettoes.

That is the meaning of those Mexican flags waving so prominently in the hands of many of the half million Hispanics who demonstrated in Los Angeles recently against immigration reform. America is not just being invaded by an eager horde of willing workers. It is being taken over, gradually but inexorably, by millions upon millions of Spanish-speakers who, without yet even having the vote, are already a political force the American public cannot generate the will to resist. Our two major parties have already sold out to them; American business is happily profiting by the labor they perform so cheaply; and the 11 million illegals already here will look like a drop in the bucket by 2030.

Mr. Rusher is a Distinguished Fellow of the Claremont Institute for the Study of Statesmanship and Political Philosophy.

[SJackson]

What happens if the US has a deep Recessionary period?

That could be a problem.

But it's not now, since we only have 7 million plus unemployed Americans. And I'm told they don't want the jobs illegals do anyway.

[SJackson]

So What are we supposed to do? Hang up our little American hats and hand our ocuntry over?!

Think they'd settle for California?

I like Arizona and New Mexico, it would be fun to keep them.

[c-b 1]

I like Arizona and New Mexico, it would be fun to keep them.

I understand what you are saying. I don't consider it fun, it is serious as a heart attack, Arizona is my home, I'm very determined to keep them.

[Pro-Bush]

They say we are "mean spirited" by trying to control the flow of immigrants into OUR country!!

Oh yeah, Mexicans don't count, they don't need to go through the normal established, legal processes in place - they are SPECIAL, since they clean toilets and pick produce and fruit. Fine the hell out the employers and stop with the benefits - that will send half of them home to Mexico.

[hosepipe]

[ Too Late for Immigration Reform ]

The horse is our of the barn...
Americas honor has been saddled up ridden out and rustled..
Closing the barn door now... is a bit silly..
Expecting the rustlers to go close the door is obscene...

I want somebody strung up.. NOW...

[DejaJude]

The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits fell for a third straight week,

Is this the number of Americans or the number of people in American applying for unemployment? Do illegals get unemployment benefits?

[azhenfud]

When those in the shadows come out with verifiable proof they've been paid off-the-books without employers reporting them, without Congress applying an amnesty to those employers also, I can see a trainwreck for the both of them on the horizon.

That will come back to bite hard on the asses of those supposed-to-be pro-business GOPpers when their felon employer supporters begin having felony corruption charges thrown their way. Then when they ultimately lose both their big corporate doners and their most conservative base over the mess they cause from rushing into a half-assed "deal", it'll serve them right.

[TigersEye]

A very good article. Mr. Rusher condenses the issues very well.

...at low-paying jobs that U.S. citizens are reluctant to do at those wages.

I'm glad he puts it this way. So few authors and pundits recognize the simple fact that Americans will do most of the jobs illegals are doing if they are paid American wages not "Mexican wages."

This enables defenders of the status quo to argue (correctly) that the U.S. economy simply couldn't sustain the arrest and repatriation of those illegal aliens, even if they could be identified. Many U.S. businesses, large and small, that are dependent on cheap illegal immigrant labor would simply go under. And the many millions of Americans who are dependent on such workers would discover that there was now no one to tend their gardens, pick their crops and do other menial jobs for anywhere near the same low pay.

This is one thing I doubt Mr. Rusher about though. Doesn't he undercut his premise, that our economy will be hurt, by citing gardening and menial jobs? The unfortunate truth is that a lot of more highly skilled jobs are being filled by illegals such as in the construction trades. Again wages are suppressed to a level that an American citizen won't work them. Not because they're beneath them but because they can't. Citizens pay more to live here in taxes, fees, insurance and other expenses expected or required of a citizen. I still don't think our economy will suffer by paying an American wage for construction projects.

Instead, they become permanent residents of the lowest rung of the American economic ladder, and are acutely bitter over their status. ... That is the meaning of those Mexican flags ...

That is not the only meaning of those flags. The organisations behind those marches are Marxist orgs with backing from international communist orgs. There's more afoot here than worker's rights in the fair sense of the term.

Those of us who want real immigration reform had better reconcile ourselves to the fact that it just isn't going to happen. We are at least 20 years too late.

That may be true but it sounds a little defeatist to begin the article with it. Is the author prepared for the realities of a truly Balkanized U.S.A.? Just because the battle is lost in the Capital does not mean it will be over in the streets.

[TigersEye]

Not to worry. The number of illegals coming forward won't be enough to fill an Econoline van.

[SJackson]

I understand what you are saying. I don't consider it fun, it is serious as a heart attack, Arizona is my home, I'm very determined to keep them.

Push comes to shove, I'd keep California too.

[c-b 1]

Push comes to shove, I'd keep California too.

True. We could send all the liberals from our states there.

[DejaJude]

But it's not now, since we only have 7 million plus unemployed Americans. And I'm told they don't want the jobs illegals do anyway.

This BS that Americans won't do these jobs really ticks me off. I have picked cotton with "legal" immigrants to just put food on the table. There are Americans that will do whatever it takes to feed their families. Seems like they want to pretend that there are no "poor legal Americans", and those that are, will not do hard work to take care of their families. I'm sick of it. President Bush and Senator McCain have lost my support.

[azhenfud]

Right, they'll then be amnestied. How many electric bills can be forged in a month? Surely though, those used-to-be illegals wouldn't dare forge something like a utility bill - not for a chance at citizenship. /s

[ARealMothersSonForever]

I am flattered that you ask. Per the US Department of Labor: "Generally in order to receive these benefits, an individual must first be eligible to receive regular unemployment insurance under the State law. Individuals who have been permanently laid off from their previous jobs and are identified (through a States' profiling system) as likely to exhaust regular unemployment benefits are eligible to participate in the program."
http://www.workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/self.asp
You would need to check with your state. Texas provides: "If you are not a citizen of the United States, we verify your Alien Registration number with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). If CIS cannot confirm your registration number, we ask you for copies of your documents and TWC sends them to CIS. If CIS indicates that you do not have permission to work in the United States, we cannot pay you UI benefits."
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/claimant7.html#citizen
Your mileage may vary by state ;)

[CowboyJay]

Defeatism is no substitute for rational thought in a matter this serious, nor should it excuse inaction. Where there's a will...

This fight is far from over.

[CowboyJay]

Once again:

If these criminal invaders are such a 'boon' to our economy, why are their rightful governments not DEMANDING their immediate return?

[TAdams8591]

"America is not just being invaded by an eager horde of willing workers. It is being taken over, gradually but inexorably, by millions upon millions of Spanish-speakers who, without yet even having the vote, are already a political force the American public cannot generate the will to resist. Our two major parties have already sold out to them; American business is happily profiting by the labor they perform so cheaply; and the 11 million illegals already here will look like a drop in the bucket by 2030."

Depressing but probably true. Illegals yield more political influence then we do.

[JustPiper]

Heads Up! It is NOT to late!

All is NOT Lost!

Some Senators Listening to (Hearing) the American Public!

The Senate failed to invoke cloture this morning by a vote of 39-60 on the Specter Amnesty, all but making it go it go away. You are making the difference! Many Senate offices tell us your voices are loud and clear-no amnesty! Since the cloture vote on the Specter Amendment failed, the largest amnesty proposal in American history does not have enough support behind it to pass the Senate. Majority Leader Frist decided to invoke cloture on this new "compromise" -- one that allows illegal aliens who have been here for at least five years (Illegally) to have amnesty. Those who recently entered the country have only to apply for papers and get legal status, and the requirement they depart the country is full of loopholes, starting with the fact this "mandatory" measure can be waived. Thus, the longer you've broken the law the greater your reward. Does anyone believe that this scenario is any better? With the rampant document fraud encountered each day by employers and USCIS will there be anyone with papers showing they've been here less than five years? We doubt it!

An amnesty is an amnesty!

There is no punishment for having broken our laws Illegal aliens can continue to stay/live here Illegal aliens can continue to work here Despite breaking our laws, illegal aliens are given a privileged path to U.S. citizenship In essence, illegal aliens are rewarded for breaking our laws

We have received many reports from you about your calls to the U.S. Senate. We are so appreciative of not only your calls, but for your feedback. Your feedback helps us direct our resources, and yours, in the right direction. Many of you have stated your disappointment with the responsiveness of the Congressional staff answering your calls. Please treat this interaction with these Senate offices as you would with any company. You deserve to be treated respectfully. When you call, get the staffer's name first. If at anytime you feel you are not treated with the appropriate "customer/constituent service," ask to speak to their supervisor or staff director. You may even call back to the DC office or to their district offices to voice your complaint. These elected officials work for you-remember to hold them accountable.

Please call these Senators to respectfully but assertively tell them to vote against the Hagel/Martinez amnesty (vote to take place at 10:30, Friday, April 7), and to vote against the doubling of legal immigration legislation also in the Hagel/Martinez amendment that will be voted on tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. We need to adopt border security and enforcement only provisions like S. 2377 introduced by Senators Nelson, Coburn and Sessions.

Here's a suggestion of what you can say. . .

"Hi, with whom am I speaking? Thank you for taking my call. I want to urge the Senator to vote against both the Hagel/Martinez amnesty and the Frist legislation tomorrow. The only thing acceptable to the American public is true enforcement like S.2377, the Nelson, Coburn, Sessions bill. I will be tracking the Senator's vote."

Please Call these Senators' offices now! They are waffling on this vote between special interests and the public interest. Tell them to vote for the public interest and say no to the Hagel/Martinez and Frist legislation.

Sen. Lott R-MS (202) 224-6253

Sen. Allen R-VA (202) 224-4024

Sen. Allard R-CO (202) 224-5941

Sen. Bond R-MO (202) 224-5721

Sen. Burns R-MT (202) 224-2644

Sen. Chambliss R-GA (202) 224-3521

Sen. Cornyn R-TX (202) 224-2934

Sen. Hatch R-UT (202) 224-5251

Sen. Dorgan D-ND (202) 224-2551

Sen. Kyl R-AZ (202) 224-4521

Sen. Sununu R-NH (202) 224-2841

Sen. Ensign R-NV (202) 224-6244

Sen. Rockefeller D-WV (202) 224-6472

Sen. Stabenow D-MI (202) 224-4822

Sen. Feinstein D-CA (202) 224-3841

Sen. Frist R-TN (202) 224-3344

Sen. Talent R-MO (202) 224-6154

Sen. Thomas R-WY (202) 224-6441

Sen. DeMint R-SC (202) 224-6121

Sen. Burr R-NC (202) 224-3154

Sen. Bennett R-UT (202) 224-5444

Sen. Hutchison R-TX (202) 224-5922

Sen. Snowe R-ME (202) 224-5344

Sen. Enzi R-WY (202) 224-3424

Sen. McConnell R-KY (202) 224-2541

Sen. Murkowski R-AK (202) 224-6665

Sen. Santorum R-PA (202) 224-6324

Sen. Thune R-SD (202) 224-2321

Sen. Bunning R-KY (202) 224-4343 _____________________________________________________

As soon as this is posted and out to my list, I'm pulling out my cell, free nights, and calling and leaving the script FAIR suggests!!!

[JustPiper]

Call those on this list NOW! We can NEVER stop fighting this!

[TAdams8591]

" For too many years, people have trusted Washington (huge mistake) to make judgements that support the will of the people and what is right for America."

I don't think I EVER trusted politicians alone with the above.

"Well, even the most naive are opening their eyes to the FACT that those days are long gone and Washington is running strictly for itself and its empowerment."

But there was a time when it wasn't quite this bad. No longer.

Good comments, btw.