The issue of immigration in America ranks just behind the Iraq War as one that is having a major impact on both domestic and foreign policy concerns. In relation to the war on terror, many of us are very concerned about the unregulated flow of persons across our southern border; worried that amongst those seeking work are others who are coming to cause death and destruction. Reports of hidden sleeper cells waiting to act out some new horror float above the domestic debate. The illegal immigration tide, an estimated 15 - 20 million people (some estimate up to 38 mil), is also having a strong impact on every facet of our lives; health care, education, the economy, jobs, the criminal justice system, etc.
This illegal population has arrived here in a very short period of time, basically since 1986, the time of the last government sponsored amnesty, and they are not assimilating into our culture as other immigrant groups have done in the past. Almost everyone can relate to the experience of trying to make a phone call to, say a utility company, and getting the message, 'Press 1 for English'. Since English is the language we all speak, it has become more than annoying, it has become an insult. Being bi-lingual is a good thing, but the illegal population is tending to remain with their native tongue.
Illegal immigrants are over-burdening our health care system as well. Since most do not have any insurance, they make frequent use of emergency rooms at local hospitals almost exclusively, and of course they get "free" treatment, which means you and I pay for it. Most of the illegal population is coming from poor countries in Central and South America, and they are now bringing into America diseases that we have not had here for a long time, if ever. Since they are illegal, there is no medical checkup being given and therefore no control over the introduction of these new diseases. As the children of the illegals attend our schools, the spreading of various diseases is made that much easier.
Amidst the many people who have come here just for a job are many criminals. The rise of various Hispanic gangs is becoming a huge problem in the southwest and is spreading to many of our larger cities. Estimates of foreign nationals in our prisons go as high as 25 - 40%. Our courts are over taxed, and our immigration enforcement services are not able to keep up with the flow. "Catch and release" is the usual practice used by the various services, as if the illegals are going to actually show up for a deportation hearing.
The politicians have been telling us that these people have come here to do jobs Americans will not do. How phony this argument is can be shown by a recent immigration raid at a meat packing plant in the south. After arresting over 200 illegal workers, the Swift Co. plant was flooded with hundreds of applications from Americans who wanted those jobs.
Basically, what we have is a government that is totally derelict in its duties. The President and all elected and appointed officials take an oath to defend the country, but they have not been doing so. The reason of course is simple. The politicians want the votes of these people, and if they can pull the wool over our eyes and pass an amnesty to legalize 15 or 20 million people, they hope to harvest those votes to themselves. Since these people will not have any background in understanding how we gained our freedom and the real value of American citizenship, they will be easily manipulated into voting for the party that gives them the most free goodies. As government increases in size, taxes go up and we lose more of our freedoms.
The politicians of both parties keep using the phrase "comprehensive immigration policy", but that is just a code for amnesty. This problem does not need to be as complex as they make it, but then of course, if they presented anything in a straight forward manner, it would be harder to hide their agenda. There actually is a straight forward way to solve this problem, and in can be done in three easy steps.
Let's use the analogy of a leaking water pipe in your home. You hear the sound of running water in the wall and see a huge puddle growing on the floor. I ask you, wouldn't the first thing you would do is go in the basement and turn off the water supply? Then you could call a plumber, figure out what is wrong, and fix it.
Well, fixing illegal immigration is almost that simple, especially concerning the southern border. First, put enough agents, and American soldiers if necessary, on the border to stop the flow ( this will require a change in the law to utilize armed service members to do domestic law enforcement, although this is really becoming an alien invasion). Secondly, enforce the laws already on the books by fining employers who hire illegals, and prosecuting those who have stolen identities and social security numbers. Finally, create a guest worker program with secure means of identifying individuals, and then allow those properly certified to come here for a specific time period to work If this program is done correctly, employers will be safe in hiring such workers and not have to fear fines and other punishments. As for the 15 - 20 million already here, as the jobs dry up, they will be forced to go home. If they try to access welfare systems, they can then be arrested and deported.
Partisan, bickering politicians are not doing the job they are supposed to. Maintaining control of our borders is not inhumane, a policy of allowing undocumented workers to be exploited by employers is. America has always welcomed immigrants and always will, but those that are allowed to settle here should be willing to become Americans, and learn our language, history, and basic culture. This doesn't mean they must forget their own heritage, but it does mean they should be Americans first and foremost. I believe this country is special and we should take great care to preserve our unique history and exceptional contribution to the entire world. Immigration policy should be about preserving America, not how many votes the politicians can get. Since both parties are seeking to gain this new voting block, we must be the ones who stop it from happening. I have been saying this throughout this website, we need a President who is not of the 2 parties, who will be able to stand up for the American people rather than being beholden to party loyalties and corrupt policies. The responsibility is yours and you must not let this election pass without having accepted that responsibility!
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