So it can be done legally. And don’t be fooled, the American workers are there if the pay is right.
And these owners are extremely pleased with the immigrants' work ethic. They bust their tails and never complain.
Hispanic immigrants, for the most part, place a high value on their families. That's why many of them come here. A high percentage of them are practicing Catholics.
I agree the vast majority are good hard working folks just looking to get ahead for themselves and their families. America will be a better place for having invited many to immigrate.
Still, it must be our decision as to who and how many we allow to immigrate.
It’s also not fair to allow the illegals to enter with a wink and nudge, is there a faster road to poverty than being in the country illegally?
In all of recorded history name any success stories where countries brought in, or allowed themselves to be overrun with guest workers and/or illegal immigrants.
1. Most of the immigrants here are in violation of the law. But like Prohibition in the 1920's, or the 55 mile an hour speed limit, it's a law that can't be effectively enforced.
We share an 1800 mile border with Mexico. What kind of barrier - physical or human - would possibly suffice to seal us off?
Give employers the necessary tools to verify employee’s immigration/citizenship status, then fine employers who hire illegals and mandatory jail time for repeat offenders. Get rid of “anchor baby” laws. Problem solved.
2. It's true that many Hispanics use services they didn't pay for. And I would hold their employers accountable for that. Employers should be the ones to report immigrants, taking out taxes from their payrolls. If not, the government should shut those businesses down, or fine them severely.
Hold employers of illegals responsible to reimburse the taxpayers for all expenses incurred by taxpayers for their illegal employees. Make this incumbent on the company and the owners personally and make such judgments stand even through a bankruptcy.
3. Open borders leave us vulnerable to terrorism. While I agree with this to an extent, I'd be more worried of terrorists crossing our border with Canada...a much longer border than the one with Mexico, by the way.
When our Southern border is under control, it will free up resources to allow us to keep a better watch over our Northern border.
As I see it, there are two ways we can fight terrorists. We can seal off our borders, which is a defensive move. Or we can go on the offensive, as we're doing in Afghanistan and Iraq right now. But we can't do both. Doing both would be cost prohibitive.
I reject your premise, we can do both.
I would suggest the reason we haven't suffered a major terrorists attack in this country in over four years - despite our open borders - is because our strategy of going on the offensive is working.
I agree we have done well by fighting and defeating them on their turf instead of ours, we’ve probably had a bit of good luck as well, but we’re still vulnerable.
4. Many illegal immigrants are violent criminals. I have no doubt this is true, but I'd like to know what the percentage is. As I said before, I believe the vast majority of individuals don't fit this description.
In any case, we must control the flow of immigrants we allow into our country.
Hispanics are already the largest minority in America. Who they vote for in the future will determine which party stays in power.
Exactly, we must not allow illegal immigrants from Mexico to run politics in America!
You bring up some sensible points. I have some respectful responses.
"And don’t be fooled, the American workers are there if the pay is right."
Sure, but are consumers willing to the pay the higher price those Americans will ask for? Because someone will have to. The company won't just eat the extra cost.
"Still, it must be our decision as to who and how many we allow to immigrate."
I agree 100%
"It’s also not fair to allow the illegals to enter with a wink and nudge, is there a faster road to poverty than being in the country illegally?"
I agree with that also, which is why I suggest we change the law to make it work to our benefit. We can't ignore that there is a demand for cheap labor. Nor can you demand that consumers love lower prices - whether they're buying at Wal Mart or buying a new house. You could send every illegal immigrant home and companies will still look for the cheapest labor available. If they don't find it here, they'll look elsewhere.
"Give employers the necessary tools to verify employee’s immigration/citizenship status, then fine employers who hire illegals and mandatory jail time for repeat offenders. Get rid of “anchor baby” laws. Problem solved."
I agree with that.
"When our Southern border is under control, it will free up resources to allow us to keep a better watch over our Northern border."
Yes, but no one's explained to me...how do we control our border effectively? I've actually spoken with a border agent about this once, and he told me it's impossible. The guy has been doing this for 30-something years.
Until we know precisely how to physically control our borders, I don't think we should assume it won't be cost prohibitive.
"Exactly, we must not allow illegal immigrants from Mexico to run politics in America!"
I understand the sentiment behind that, but unfortunately, it's too late. Legal Hispanics already made make up the largest minority - and are sensitive to how illegals are treated.