[FITZ]

One thing people forget --- in the 1800's during the massive immigration waves, many of those ships heading back to Europe weren't heading back empty. Many immigrants ---- about a third of all ---- returned back home within a short time because they couldn't make it here or for other reasons decided to go back. Welfare programs keep many of those who can't make it here from ever going back.

Just like many of those Chinese sponsoring their elderly and bringing them to the USA --- they wouldn't bring them at all if it weren't for SSI and Medicaid and food stamps. If they really had to pay their health care and other costs, they'd leave them back home where it's all much cheaper.

[libertylass]

I agree. A good example movie for your first paragraph is "Angela's Ashes." Very poor Irish that had to return to Ireland to survive. Which they didn't do very well even then.

[dagnabbit]

Just like many of those Chinese sponsoring their elderly and bringing them to the USA --- they wouldn't bring them at all if it weren't for SSI and Medicaid and food stamps. If they really had to pay their health care and other costs, they'd leave them back home where it's all much cheaper.

It's worth noting that some of the immigrant welfare you mention was cut off under Clinton - only to be restored by Bush.