[Eric in the Ozarks]

I don't know why Republicans just don't get it. 12 million illegals will create a whole new and probably permanent underclass, forever on welfare, demands on schools, hospitals, etc., that we'll pay for decades.

[Hannibal Hamlin]

This underclass is already here, and we are already paying.

The question is... what to do about it.

Getting rid of people already here is a lot harder than keeping new illegals from entering. That's why I am far more interested in what plans there are to secure the borders going forward.

[surely_you_jest]

I don't know why Republicans just don't get it.

For the same reason the press doesn't get it. The only people they talk to are themselves.

[reagan_fanatic]

I don't know why Republicans just don't get it. 12 million illegals will create a whole new and probably permanent underclass, forever on welfare, demands on schools, hospitals, etc., that we'll pay for decades

It's not just Republicans - it's an entire segment of Americans who either a) don't give a damn (hey - it's not MY problem) or b) believe we can absorb 10-20 million third-worlders without any adverse effects.

Far too many people in this country live in a fantasy world, all nice and comfy in their little cocoons and ignorant of the stark realities just outside their door.

[ASOC]

that we'll pay for decades

We have been, it's just that now there are so many, you cannot ignore the problem. I left AZ in the 70s, in part, because of low wages due to 'guest workers'.

Now everyone awake seems to notice the problem.

Dunno what the actual solution is, but cracking down on EMPLOYERS seems, to me anyway, to be a good start.

I don't fear that much for myself, I am an OF. But my children and grandkids, this situation is a different kettle of fish altogether.

(SIGH) At least we all speak English (for now).

[samm1148]

"I don't know why Republicans just don't get it. 12 million illegals will create a whole new and probably permanent underclass, forever on welfare, demands on schools, hospitals, etc., that we'll pay for decades."

You're right. And those new voters won't be voting republican.