Posted on 05/19/2006 3:24:42 PM PDT by strategofr
“It would end the U.S. as we currently know it.”
That’s Robert Rector of The Heritage Foundation, speaking of what would happen if an immigration proposal by Sens. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) becomes law. Their plan would grant amnesty to 9 million to 10 million illegal immigrants and put those immigrants on a path to citizenship.
Moreover, the Martinez-Hagel plan would pave the way for an estimated 103 million persons to legally immigrate to the U.S. over the next 20 years -- fully one-third of the current population of the United States. Current law allows 19 million legal immigrants over the next 20 years. The Martinez-Hagel plan would add an extra 84 million legal immigrants to that number.
“Effectively, within 20 years, a quarter of the U.S. population will be foreign born” under Martinez-Hagel, Rector says. He calls the prospect of such a huge influx “utterly unprecedented.”
If Martinez-Hagel becomes law, Rector says, we can expect “the largest expansion of the welfare state in 35 years.”
Why? Consider a few facts Mr. Rector has exposed:
• Half of all adult illegal immigrants lack a high-school degree. Among Latin American and Mexican immigrants, 60 percent lack a high-school degree and only 7 percent have a college degree. By contrast, among native-born U.S. workers, only 6 percent have failed to complete high school and nearly a third have a college degree.
• Immigrant households are about 50 percent more likely to use welfare than native-born households.
• Immigrants without a high-school degree (both lawful and unlawful) are two-and-a-half times more likely to use welfare than native-born individuals.
Then there’s the problem of out-of-wedlock childbearing, which a) correlates strongly with welfare use and b) is more prevalent among foreign-born Hispanics than among non-Hispanic whites (42.3 percent vs. 23.4 percent). “Children born and raised outside of marriage are seven times more likely to live in poverty than children born and raised by married couples,” Rector writes. “Children born out-of-wedlock are also more likely to be on welfare, to have lower educational achievement, to have emotional problems, to abuse drugs and alcohol, and to become involved in crime.”
Beyond the economic concerns of immigration are security problems. Mixed in with those who simply want to make a better life for their families are some dangerous people. When immigration laws are flouted routinely, terrorists and drug traffickers find it easier to engage in criminal activities. What’s needed, James Carafano suggests in another Heritage paper on immigration, is for policymakers to enforce laws that bar employers from hiring illegal aliens.
“Research by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the SSA Inspector General suggests an alarming degree of collusion between illegal workers and employers who intentionally turn a blind eye to hiring individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States,” Carafano writes. “This collusion helps to fuel a burgeoning population of undocumented workers and encourages unprecedented levels of illegal border crossings.”
To reduce those crossings, we need a smarter way to secure our borders, Carafano says in a separate Heritage paper. We need “enhanced and secured infrastructure, appropriate screening, inspection of high-risk cargo and people, persistent surveillance, actionable intelligence and responsive interdiction,” he writes. “Combining these instruments into effective border security requires not just integrating assets at the border, but also linking them to all activities involved in cross-border travel and transport, from issuing visas, passports, and overseas purchase orders to internal investigations and the detention and removal of unlawful persons.”
Do these concerns mean that Americans should shun immigrants? Certainly not. Ours is a country born of immigrants. But immigration reform is long overdue and must emphasize work incentives, not welfare incentives; keep current US citizens safe from terrorists and thugs who enter under the dark of night; and include measures to make sure those legally entering our country are willing to contribute to society and become U.S. citizens. Patriotic assimilation is crucial, as Matt Spalding explains in a paper for Heritage’s First Principles Series. “The American theory of citizenship necessitates that the words immigration and assimilation be linked in our political lexicon and closely connected in terms of public policy: Where there is one, there must be the other.” Spalding points out that assimilation must include an emphasis on acquiring English, learning about our history, political principles, civic culture and establishing primary allegiance to the United States.
If we do not enact wise reform measures that protect our American way of life, there may one day be no recognizable American way of life left to protect.
Rebecca is the author of Home Invasion: Protecting Your Family in a Culture That's Gone Stark Raving Mad and a vice president at The Heritage Foundation, a Townhall.com Gold Partner.
Copyright © 2006 Rebecca Hagelin
By the way, shameless plug, I read Pookie's Toons during the week and it's many times a good way to see what the current topics are. I search on "today's toons" to find it but you can get on the ping list if you want to.
Yesterday's toons are at
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1634846/posts
"Robert Rector was amazingly effective on Lou Dobbs tonight. He was on in the first 15 minutes. He spoke soberly and credibly. I have no doubts that he is correct. He KNOWS immigration and the SCAMS buried in the immigration bills"
I thought the same about his appearance on Laura Ingram. Actually, I'm a little disappointed in this article I posted, because it doesn't really do his ideas justice. Unfortunately, it was all I could find. For one thing, Rector mentioned that currently, we allow one million legal immigrants the year---but under this bill, we would allow 4 million legal immigrants see year. Why does this bill quadruple the number of legal immigrants allowed?
"And the last I heard the majority of the GOP senators are voting against the bill."
There is no doubt that the majority of Republican senators are voting against the bill. I believe the pro votes are 18 Republicans and 35 Democrats, something like that.
Still, the Republicans are playing a key role in making this majority---and it is a disastrous majority. In addition, they are backed by a Republican President.
Personally, my hope is that the House will kill the legislation altogether. Previous to this, I felt we had a bad problem that needed to be addressed. Now, I feel the solution is much worse than the problem, and I am hoping we can go back to the status quo ante.
"They have made the American taxpayers their serfs and aren't educated enough to realize that that is unacceptable."
Well, if it's acceptable to us, why should they not take the presumption? It's an invasion, in a sense. Even if they ruin the US, it will still be infinitely better than Mexico. They don't care about us, and frankly, I don't see any reason why they should---especially if we don't care about ourselves.
"That is our crisis today, the bleeding of our wealth and our will through exploding welfare in schools for these illegals, emergency hospitals in lieu of medical care... this is reality, not speculation."
Agreed.
However, the majority of Americans are only slowly becoming aware of what is going on. What we need now is time. What we must do right now is defeat this legislation. I'm beginning to be comfortable with no legislation at all---much less dangerous in the short run than any legislation that is likely to pass. Give us time to get the message out to the American people.
Finally found what I wanted:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1635513/posts
To exit from my ping list, just send me one message public or private. If this is the first thing you have received from me, you are not on my ping list, just being pinged because you were part of this discussion.
Thanks for the ping, but I'm going to have to step away from this issue for a few days. I'm exhausted with the damned-if-you-do and damned-if-you-don't here, and actions in the Senate have knocked the wind out of my sails pretty thoroughly. I may venture back into it come Monday, or maybe not. I do agree with your sentiments though, Strategofr.
Could be because many/most of those in Foggy Bottom could literally care less about the country only plausible denial to their constituents.. *re-election..
We have NOW the best federal givernment money can buy..
My hope is that the current gaggle in the House and Senate (( DON'T )) represent the America people at large.. Dear God I hope so.. but suspect they do..
Why? Because the elites want more people here. How does it do it? Quadruple the number of legal immigrants allowed? Certain categories are increased such as green card holders are allowed to bring in more family members and sooner. Dittos for immigrants who have become citizens. Bush's guest workers would be some kind of green card holders. More educated hi-tech guest workers would be allowed in (H1-B).
The bill has dual purpose. Grant 12-20 million guest worker status. Which means green card status which is legal permission to live here. Something people around the world wait 10-15 years to get
#2 To zoom up the legal immigration quotas. To legally allow in more low class guest workers (Mexicans etc) besides the ones here and more relatives/family members of immigrants who live here
Did you read the excerpts of McCain on the senate floor before Senator Sessions jumped in and put him in his place? NO way will that man ever make it to the WH. If he does, we're doomed.
I watched him and I've read the article he wrote on how he came by his numbers. I agree with your assessment of his credibility.
The Democrats support the bill 100%!!! New voters for the Dimorats and their welfare state.
"Thanks for the ping, but I'm going to have to step away from this issue for a few days."
I hear you.
" We have NOW the best federal givernment money can buy..
My hope is that the current gaggle in the House and Senate (( DON'T )) represent the America people at large.. Dear God I hope so.. but suspect they do.."
Well, like all people, the American people are quite imperfect. I do think that Republicans, as a whole, are much better than their current representatives. Unfortunately, the RINOs have penetrated the party to a significant degree. Nor do I believe this is all due to innocent naivetee.
I believe the Left is making a determined effort to penetrate the Republican Party at this time (and has been for a while).
Obviously, if true, this is a somewhat difficult situation. But we still have many millions of superb, clear-minded, freedom-loving people in this country. We still have an excellent chance to win and should keep our spirits high.
After all, we live in the most prosperous country in the history of the world, certainly one of the most free countries ever---may be the most free. Many innovative people continue to work hard and struggle for American freedom. There are our soldiers, the Minutemen, and even us freepers, all doing our part.
Even many Democrats seem to have moments of clarity. For example, there was a moment there when it looked like the Left would stage some kind of Bork-like battle to stop Allioto. But a number of Democratic judges who knew him personally stepped up to make a joint public statement in his favor. That seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the opposition.
In fact, the public in general seems to be---at least in part---grasping the conservative message about strict constructionism of the Constitution for Supreme Court judges. Our message is so obviously right---and the message of the Left so obviously wrong---that many ordinary middle- of-the-roaders, including Democrats, are getting it.
Sometimes I get very discouraged, and I know many other freepers do as well. But consider how hard people in Poland are fighting for freedom, democracy, and free-market prosperity right now. With all their disadvantages, they are grateful to an extent, even to have a chance to fight for freedom after more than 40 years of Communist slavery. They've even send some troops to Iraq.
I would say to people in general, take a rest when you need to, reform your position if you have to, but in the end, you will probably be back in with us in the fight.
Yes in 86, we were told 1 million would become legal citizens, guess what the real number was three times that. Government says 11 million here, real number is closer to 30 million.
Go to the Heritage website and you'll find other articles by Rector. All are good. I WOULD like to learn more about his stats on immigration. He was interviewed on Bill Bennett's program too, and seemed very logical and analytical.
I would like to understand how the country of Mexico can have 1.7 million people but have over 1 million immigrating to the US. No offense, but I'm uncertain how something like 90% of the country is going to leave.
If we believe "trust but verify" for liberals, it makes sense to do the same thing with conservatives. Just a thought.
Amen I believe that too.. How could it be otherwise... BIG givernment republican is so anti everything the party stands for.. that a step backwards to gain two steps forward don't explain the disconnect.. Especially when one step forward(tax cuts) is answered by two steps backward.. as an example.. prescription drug legislation.. and many many more issues..
"Amen I believe that too.. How could it be otherwise... BIG givernment republican is so anti everything the party stands for.. that a step backwards to gain two steps forward don't explain the disconnect.. Especially when one step forward(tax cuts) is answered by two steps backward.. as an example.. prescription drug legislation.. and many many more issues."
True. Also an element of Bush here.
He has done a lot of good and I really do appreciate it. As you mentioned tax cuts, also to the Supreme Court justices, the war on terror, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
But Bush also has a Liberal side, and that is where the prescription drug thing comes in, as well as No Child Left Behind, and of course, illegal immigration.
"I watched him and I've read the article he wrote on how he came by his numbers. I agree with your assessment of his credibility."
Thanks
"Typically when anyone is granted citizenship, then they can apply to bring their brother, their sister, their uncle, an aunt, Mom and Dad...and a cousin. As long as their is GRAVY on the Gravy Train, there won't be a wall big enough or deep enough."
I agree. What the Minutemen are doing on the border serves as a useful political symbol. The solution to the problem is quite easy. We need to provide employers with a relatively simple way to verify citizenship---then impose a hefty fine for each violation. The fine needs to be big enough so that no one could make a profit by hiring illegal aliens. Once we do this, the jobs go away, and so do the illegals.
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