Actually I understand the point but, exactly where does it say they aren't eligible for low income rentals, rent assistance, welfare, medical benefits, etc etc. If such a program is the best answer, where the heck is the protections for the vunlerable US CITIZENS who get displaced for assistance that is there (whether it should be available or not is a completely different agrument) the programs are becoming increasiningly difficult for citizens to qualify for?
why do I need to supplement illegals? (I already supplement leagle immigrants since they live here 7 yrs without paying taxes...heck my kids don't get that type of break and I've paid taxes for years, ugh) I can handle them getting the assistance but not the ones who are here as 'guest' workers.
We're already supplementing illegal aliens. Actually, what we're doing is supplementing the businesses. The wages for illegals may be below what a US worker would make, but they cost significantly less because the employer isn't paying health care, workers comp, vacation or sick leave time, or employer's part of SS or medicare. The illegals are wrecking the health care system by showing up at hospitals, which are legally required to treat them, whenever they need medical care. Also, the illegal, at least in Texas, isn't going to be suing the employer if he or she gets injured on the job. It probably costs over twice as much to hire legal US citizens and pay them the same salary that the illegal receives. I don't know what the actual results of Bush's plan will be, but I do know that part of his strategy is to get this underground economy out in the open. Hiring from outside of the country might not be as tempting if the businesses don't get the perks of treating the employees like slave labor.
I also agree with the point of the article that people are just too mobile now. It's too easy for them to travel. There's over 1500 miles of border between the US and Mexico. The Great Wall really was never a success, except as a tourist attraction, and I don't think one will work any better in the southern US. Most of the hispanics I know are good folks. There are jerks, of course, but having lived in Texas my whole life, I'm pretty comfortable around Mexican culture. There are some problems, of course. The voodoo prevalent in Mexico is frightening, and the corruption of their police officials is legendary. I knew who Bush was when I voted for him, and this move doesn't surprise me at all.