The Immigration Dilemma

[Minor Axis]

I have always been a supporter of immigration law. Every country does have the right to set under what terms someone can become a citizen. I don't like the idea of immigrants sneaking into this country, working under the radar, and taking advantage of local social services intended for citizens, not aliens. It has always riled me in California, the thought of millions of illegals taping local services, possibly working at less than minimum wage, and not paying taxes. It even riles me more thinking of the businesses that utilize such labor to maximize their profits while disenfranchising citizens of decent wages.

But the current situation in the U.S. is a hopeless mess. First of all, we could not afford to round up every illegal alien and deport them. From what I've read, it would cost billions. Secondly they are filling a nitch of work that most average Americans won't consider, migrant farm labor. Thirdly if you could wave a magic wand and make every illegal alien vanish, our economy would collapse immediately. You've been to a hotel and see who is doing all of the house cleaning, right? (However, I do see citizens, if they got desperate enough would be working on the house cleaning staffs at hotels.)

What's most disturbing is the cynical nature of Republicans, pushing through immigration laws to make their base happy while secretly not wanting to hurt big business. I feel, as with most things they (GOP) do, they are not being honest about their true feelings on the subject. In essence they serve two masters, the voters (the dummies who the GOP has to convince, is on their side) who allow them keep their jobs and big business who wants cheap illegal labor.

If you look at the Georgia Immigration Bill passed in April 2011, it could cost the state $21 Billion in lost economic activity. Can it be argued that the state, illegal immigrant free, would readjust and recover these jobs? Just what is the lesser of evils? I admit to not having the answer.

Also consider that immigrants bring benefits to the Peach State. Immigrants – including unauthorized immigrants – are workers, taxpayers, and consumers, and contribute to the state’s economy. If all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Georgia, the state would lose $21.3 billion in economic activity, $9.5 billion in gross state product, and approximately 132,460 jobs, even accounting for adequate market adjustment time, according to a report by the Perryman Group. For more information about the economic benefits immigrants bring to Georgia see this state fact sheet.

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[BadBoy]

A country has to shut it doors at some point. Deporting all illegals is not an option, as you pointed out. The problem lies in the fact that they aren't stopping the new illegal immigrants. Australia doesn't let anyone become a citizen there. I don't see the problem with shutting our doors either.

 

[Minor Axis]

My impression is that thousands of miles of fences are not going to work. We need to have effective controls on employers. No work, no illegal immigrant problem, and my guess is it would cost lest than all the fence which would require a hugely beefed up border patrol and maintenance/repair costs (but I don't know for sure).

 

[Panacea]

No work, no illegal immigrant problem.

I think this covers it.

 

[Kyle B]

Illegal immigration also isn't fair to those who legally enter the country and follow all the procedures to become a citizen.

 

[brieze]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RomPjp3ydek

 

[Peter Parka]

Australia doesn't let anyone become a citizen there.

Except they do. My mother in law became a citizen last year along with 150 others at the same time.

 

[cam elle toe]

Except they do. My mother in law became a citizen last year along with 150 others at the same time.

Yeah, but you have to have lived here for a loooong time. You cant just waltz in and apply for citizenship.

 

[Zorak]

Gotta' keep out the criminals I guess..


Wait......

 

[cam elle toe]

Gotta' keep out the criminals I guess..


Wait......

Yes. We have enough already. We're full Ya's will all just have to keep them

 

[Johnfromokc]

Gotta' keep out the criminals I guess..


Wait......

:24:

But then again, America got the puritans....Australia got the better deal.

 

[Accountable]

I have always been a supporter of immigration law. Every country does have the right to set under what terms someone can become a citizen. I don't like the idea of immigrants sneaking into this country, working under the radar, and taking advantage of local social services intended for citizens, not aliens. It has always riled me in California, the thought of millions of illegals taping local services, possibly working at less than minimum wage, and not paying taxes. It even riles me more thinking of the businesses that utilize such labor to maximize their profits while disenfranchising citizens of decent wages.

But the current situation in the U.S. is a hopeless mess. First of all, we could not afford to round up every illegal alien and deport them. From what I've read, it would cost billions. Secondly they are filling a nitch of work that most average Americans won't consider, migrant farm labor. Thirdly if you could wave a magic wand and make every illegal alien vanish, our economy would collapse immediately. You've been to a hotel and see who is doing all of the house cleaning, right? (However, I do see citizens, if they got desperate enough would be working on the house cleaning staffs at hotels.)

What's most disturbing is the cynical nature of Republicans, pushing through immigration laws to make their base happy while secretly not wanting to hurt big business. I feel, as with most things they (GOP) do, they are not being honest about their true feelings on the subject. In essence they serve two masters, the voters (the dummies who the GOP has to convince, is on their side) who allow them keep their jobs and big business who wants cheap illegal labor.

If you look at the Georgia Immigration Bill passed in April 2011, it could cost the state $21 Billion in lost economic activity. Can it be argued that the state, illegal immigrant free, would readjust and recover these jobs? Just what is the lesser of evils? I admit to not having the answer.

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Both parties do this in one way or another, but I do agree that every law written is to calm the voters while making as little actual change as possible. It doesn't matter if we have become dependent on illegal labor. It's illegal.

My impression is that thousands of miles of fences are not going to work. We need to have effective controls on employers. No work, no illegal immigrant problem, and my guess is it would cost lest than all the fence which would require a hugely beefed up border patrol and maintenance/repair costs (but I don't know for sure).

Absolutely! :clap If we really need the workers then we need to adjust quotas, write legislation, make treaties, whatever we need to do to make it right. Hell, let them all in if we need to, but do it legally.

 

[Joe the meek]

Except they do. My mother in law became a citizen last year along with 150 others at the same time.

What country is your MIL from?

I'd guess England, thinking that it may lower the "requirements" due to history between the two countries.

I looked at moving to Australia in the late 80's to be with an Australian girl I met up with, but it was next to impossible. Her parents were going to offer me work on their farm, but it seemed like their own government was going to put them through the ringer for doing so.

 

[Tangerine]

Illegal immigration also isn't fair to those who legally enter the country and follow all the procedures to become a citizen.

Wouldn't it be MORE fair if there actually WERE such a way for people to enter the US legally to work in labor-based jobs?

 

[Vengenz]

I'm all for immigration control - in Holland there's a big debate going on how to control the muslim immigration. In reality, the Dutch want to say "kick them all out", but if the politicians say that then they'll all get gunned down - no joke. So instead of getting killed, they all pretend to be neutral... what a joke! Good thing the party leader of a party I support is a harsh critic of the muslim population... exc. he's always under protection. Lameee.

 

[Peter Parka]

What country is your MIL from?

I'd guess England, thinking that it may lower the "requirements" due to history between the two countries.

I looked at moving to Australia in the late 80's to be with an Australian girl I met up with, but it was next to impossible. Her parents were going to offer me work on their farm, but it seemed like their own government was going to put them through the ringer for doing so.

Yes she's from England. Not all the the 150 others were. It still completely rebunks your rediculous false statement that Australia dosen't let ANYONE become a citizen.