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To: carlo3b
I enjoyed your well-written, truly lyrical essay, but I've got to say a few practical things. At the policy-making level, immigration has always been about the cost of labor, not about the well-being of the immigrants. Of course the immigrants benefited, but (except for a few special situations during the Cold War) immigrant happiness has never been the reason the nation has always permited them to come. Sounds hard-hearted, but that's the deal. Immigraton has always been beneficial for both sides of the arrangement. And all of us are the result. No complaints.

But two things have changed. First, we now have loads of welfare programs, so impoverished immigrants threaten to be an immediate expense to the nation, as our ancestors never were. And second, large numbers are coming from places other than Europe, which -- in these politically correct, multi-cultural times where everyone is encouraged to keep his ancestral language and customs -- promises to change the character of our country.

Business still needs to keep labor costs under control, but for me, under the present circumstances, I'd rather outsource some jobs than import workers from places that have no common ground with the US, and who -- alas -- probably will never assimilate.

16 posted on 01/11/2004 3:57:54 AM PST by PatrickHenry (Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas.)
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To: PatrickHenry; carlo3b
I'd rather outsource some jobs than import workers from places that have no common ground with the US, and who -- alas -- probably will never assimilate.

I agree. Immigration per se, with respect to those who applied legally, became familiar with American customs and culture, and arrived here with some desire to become a part of the mainstream culture and work toward a personal goal is to respected. What I take issue with are those who come here with outstretched palms expecting every kind of financial aid the goverment gladly doles out and then refuse to learn English or incorporate themselves into American society.

Did you ever stand on line at a local supermarket where virtually everyone pays for their groceries with food stamps and then leave with overloaded shopping carts. Or how about sitting in a doctors' office when everyone presents medicaid cards for payment, but yet they can't speak a word of English? And my biggest gripe....nice college tuition handouts for those students who barely just arrived in this country while other kids, born and raised here must resort to Federal loans. It'a all very unfair.

65 posted on 01/11/2004 7:49:05 AM PST by stanz
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