Victor Davis Hanson : Illiberal aspects of illegal immigration rarely voiced

Jewish World Review ^ | 6-9-05 | Victor Davis Hanson

[SJackson]

A group of citizens calling themselves the Minutemen patrols the border looking to stop illegal immigrants from entering the United States. Mexico's president, Vicente Fox, states that Mexican migrant workers in the U.S. are "are doing jobs that not even blacks want to do."

Meanwhile, many Republicans think President George W. Bush's guest-worker program either mocks the law or is unworkable, while in California a frustrated Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger blurts out, "Close the borders in California and all across Mexico and the United States."

Illegal immigration is again in the headlines, but the debate isn't going anywhere. Instead, all the tired controversies are again being aired.

Some believe illegal immigration is a win-win bargain: An impoverished Mexico obtains critical dollars, while job-hungry America receives industrious unskilled workers.

Critics counter that millions of illegal workers undermine the sanctity of the law, and only abet a corrupt Mexican government that uses remittances to avoid needed reform.

Both sides agree that when newcomers arrive legally from Mexico in the thousands, rather than unchecked in the millions, these immigrants become among our best American citizens.

The politics are by now surreal. Those of the corporate right want cheap labor. So they join the self-interested multicultural left in politics, journalism and academia who don't mind seeing a growing presence of unassimilated and dependent constituents.

[Dane]

I'll give you credit, you show up for every illegal invader debate and get bashed over and over. I disagree with you 110% , but at least give you credit for taking a beating over and over

Just following Winston Churchill's footsteps, when he was bashed over and over, about his saying hitler being a threat in the 30's and no one listened.

[okie01]

But I think that Mr. Hanson's un-documented shot at American corporations is "out of line".

One word: Tyson.

[melancholy]

Please add me to the ping list.

Thanks.

[mthom]

What great "evil" are you fighting against? You claim to be against illegal immigration and for a guest worker program. I dont see the Churchill parallel.

[jeremiah]

One of the best arguments for allowing a guest worker program, is first the job has to be offered to those in the US legally. One inalterable fact against that is, if you offer a job to a legal citizen at $4 an hour, I can pretty much guarantee few will apply.

Close the borders now, tighten the screws on employers and social agencies, and the people will head back home.