Posted on 02/24/2013 8:22:30 PM PST by neverdem
In the controversy over illegal immigration that has roiled our politics for decades, the image of "living in the shadows" has been invoked by all sides. For immigrant advocates, "the shadows" are where the undocumented are harassed by overzealous law-enforcement officers and exploited by unscrupulous landlords and employers. For many other Americans, "living in the shadows" conjures vaguely sinister intruders using public services to which they are not entitled and preying on law-abiding Americans through illicit activities and crime.
Yet regardless of one's views on the issue, this imagery is profoundly misleading. It helps to perpetuate the myths and exaggerations that have made our immigration debate so fruitless. Undocumented immigrants are hardly mere victims of economic or political forces beyond their control. But neither are they dangerous criminals or public charges lurking on the fringes of our society. Rather, they are responsible agents who have made difficult choices in a complicated and risky environment — an environment for which all Americans bear some blame.
These choices produce both beneficial and negative consequences for the nation and for the immigrants themselves. And our policies must contend with both sets of effects. If we are to find our way to a solution, we must examine the genuine predicament of the millions of illegal immigrants in our midst without ignoring the legitimate concerns millions of Americans have about their presence.
If we succeeded in removing the hyperbole and stereotypes from the immigration debate, our politics might open itself to a balanced approach to the problem: legalization for as many undocumented immigrants as possible, but citizenship for none of them. Under this proposal, illegal immigrants who so desired could become "permanent non-citizen residents" with no option of ever naturalizing...
(Excerpt) Read more at nationalaffairs.com ...
I’ve got a better idea. They can stay but we get to hunt them like the vermin they are. If they manage to survive for 15 years then they can go to the end of the list to be naturalized. If they further survive until they get sworn in then they are citizens. (of course once they go on the list their names, addresses and photos get published as well as their illegal status)
Some talking points (to form the basis of a rational discussion - recognizing that may be an oxymoron in the leftist vocabulary):
- Close the borders (that way criminals will not emigrate here, deported criminals will stay deported, and illegal immigration will be minimized - without this, no other immigration reform makes any sense, but this is already the law, so it’s should only be a matter of enforcing it)
- Eliminate the provision of anchor babies automatically becoming citizens (they get in line with all others seeking to emigrate)
- Deport illegal criminals
- Don’t allow non-citizens to vote (this should go without saying, and it is not the law in several states, but, without voter ID, it cannot be enforced - the argument that it is difficult for some to obtain an ID is an excuse)
- Don’t allow non-citizens to obtain free social programs (this would eliminate people staying here or coming here who are only looking for a handout)
It equates to reality. They’re never going to be mass deported. They are too integrated into our economy. So the next best politically feasible outcome may be a permanent residency without any citizenship, but with fines and limitations, etc.
We’ve got a current welfare burden that needs to be managed. You won’t get deportation. Now what?
When laws are enforced the illegals self deport. How do you think they got here? You are playing into the statist gloBULList hands. Are you employing illegals right now? What are your motives for that ludicrous statement?
They can leave and can’t become citizens.
It's called political reality. Ping me when you've passed your solution to illegal immigration. I want to head downtown to watch the deportation of all the illegals in Chicago.
Conservatves need to figure out how to maintain their standards while achieving politically realistic goals. This is how we lose power. It's short-sighted and immature - despite your age.
enforce laws = illegals self deport. It is that simple.
You are wrong and I see no reason why you cant find a home at the DU. I noticed you didn’t answer my question do you employ illegals or otherwise make money off illegals? Well do you?
OK, get your law passed and enforced. It’s that simple.
You think I am wrong? Your next sentence is too long and should read, “I can see no reason”. Have you ever been to DU?
They hate ideas, thinking and free speech. If you don’t agree with them they say inane things like “Are you a FReeper?” or “Why don’t you go post at FR!” and I left out all the swearing and vulagarity.
Did you notice I didn’t answer your question, again? Conspiracy? I think not!
I am assuming that you have economic reasons to support the illegals staying in the USA. Therefore you are corrupt and support a corrupt system. I deserve better countrymen that the likes of you.
You're right. Where will you go?
Your solution to corruption is more corruption. You sound like a democrat to me.
The small d is appropriate. ;-]
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