Posted on 07/16/2007 8:32:45 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Last week, I wrote about the issue of illegal immigration in response to the death of the federal proposal that was meant (supposedly) to end this threat. Well, I knew it was an issue Missourians were watching and cared about, but I never expected the type of response I got. I realized that this is a major issue people want to know more about. So, for the next several weeks I'm going to explain some of the ways state governments can change the illegal immigration situation.
Illegal immigration is a tricky subject for state governments to deal with. Historically, immigration is a topic that was handled by the federal government. States don't have the authority to determine immigration status or to enact border security plans. States can't negotiate or work with foreign governments to stop the flood of illegal aliens. All of that is handled exclusively by the federal government.
That being said, states can no longer afford to stick their heads in the sand and wait for the federal government to pass new immigration legislation. We have to step up and be leaders today. This is an issue that impacts the communities and families that look to the state government for protection.
Our families are the ones endangered by the presence of criminals who come here without our knowledge. It is our neighbors that are hurt by the loss of jobs and decrease in wages caused by illegal immigration. And, our taxpayers are being bled of vital resources to provide services and benefits to people who disregard our laws and our safety by coming here illegally.
So, given our lack of authority to change national immigration policy, what can we do? Well, we can start by eliminating the incentives that cause illegal immigration. We can stop rewarding those who break the law. In other words, we can sour the milk.
An example of "souring the milk" is HB 269 that the Missouri House of Representatives passed last year. This proposal, crafted by Representative Jerry Nolte, would have prevented illegal immigrants from going to Missouri's public colleges and universities.
It's getting harder and harder to get into quality colleges and universities. Yet, it is more and more important to have a quality post-High School education. It's simply unfair to allow those precious spots in our colleges and universities go to people who aren't here legally.
For every illegal immigrant who makes it to college, another more deserving kid loses their chance to make a real life for themselves and their families.
We should be proud of the quality instructions our higher education institutions provide. And we should be proud that our colleges and universities attract students from across the globe. But, we shouldn't allow illegal aliens to benefit from the education our taxpayers are providing.
If people know they can only access the educational opportunities we provide by going through the legal immigration process they will have less incentive to break our laws. If there is no reward, then going through the trouble and danger of jumping the border doesn't make much sense.
As always, if you have any questions on this or any other issue, I can be reached at 573-751-5912 in my Jefferson City office, or through the mail at: Speaker Rod Jetton, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO, 65102. Also, you can reach me through email at rod.jetton@house.mo.gov.
Congressman Billybob
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Well said...
Ironically, there is no way the feds could enforce the laws on jurisdictions determined to be sanctuaries without becoming a police state. Recognition and compliance have to come from the bottom.
btt
They must wonder what we are smoking in America!!
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"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Finally, a politician who gets it. I have felt, for a long time that we could take actions to rid our country of most illegals, without having to actively deport any illegals, other than ones caught in commission of an non-immigration related crime.
Taking away benefits is a good step. A better one is to start punishing employers and land lords that enable illegals. How long do you think employers and land lords will hire, and house, illegals if they will have to pay hefty fines and/or spend jail time on Julio’s behalf?
Dumping the ridiculously high minimum wage requirements many places have is another good step. Let the market dictate wages, instead of the government. Americans will d the jobs illegals are doing, at the prices they are are doing them at.
IMHO, the Feds are merely “renting out” the American taxpayer..to whomever...can make it “worthwhile”...
“Dumping the ridiculously high minimum wage requirements many places have is another good step. Let the market dictate wages, instead of the government. Americans will d the jobs illegals are doing, at the prices they are are doing them at.”
Ya. know..looking at Ted Kennedy’s lifelong support of the minimum wage..and then observing his role behind trashing border enforcementand legal immigration over the span of his Senate career..the relationship finally make sense to me..thanks
mo
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