Well, one of the biggest issues is that the issue of illegals is a political tool. If there is a amnesty program and several million illegals are legalized, it is thought that this would result in a swing of a few million votes in pretty much one direction. With out presidential elections being decided by differences of about 1-2 million, this is quite significant. I have no problem with allowing those that have made it here and have actual gainful employment and are not on the goverment dollar to stay here. However, we cannot continue to have an open border that doesnt stop the flow. As you said, we do not have enough jobs today for those that are legal. My feeling is about 5-6 pct is what normal is for the US (as the rest either don't want to work or cannot work) as that is about as low as it has gotten historically.
So when do you decide to seal the border...after you announce amnesty for those that make it here or before? The answer is pretty obvious if you want control of the numbers that get amnesty. If you have no desire to control how many enter the US and gain amnesty, then leave the border open as is today. I know...we can set criteria around amnesty for the amount of time you have lived in the US. Fine, but are you going to continue to turn a blind eye to those that are illegal or don't meet the criteria? In that case you have actually done nothing other than granted citizenship for several million new people and keep the same failed system in place that will generate another several million illegals and no different economic situation than today.
I seriously believe that the government should be going after those companies and temp agencies that knowingly go after illegal labor. They are breaking the law and profiting from it. But to look at it from their side, if the border was secure, the labor wouldn't be available. There is no easy answer but the answer of not actually making a decision is costly and continues to be one of the many drains on the economy.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 863 86.3%
ESD1 - I was just reading about the Dream Act recently and I was appalled. It's no wonder many people from other countries want to come here - they are handed so many entitlements on a platter they are nearly immeasurable.
International Level: Ambassador / Political Participation: 595 59.5%
America needs to start being a little selfish and start seeing about her own. Its shameful that an illegal can get more benefits from taxpayers like myself that I can get for my family or myself included!
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 100 10%
So is this the way Obama plans to fight illegal immigration? By trying to give the illusion that fewer illegals are entering the country by not arresting them? I think people are smarter than that.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
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Comments: I'm tired of America wasting time with illegals. We spend too much time and tax money keeping them out and worrying over if we should fund their education. I mean come on really? I have to pay for someone who entered this country illegally? I was born here and no one pays for my education!
Thousands of Kids Taken From Parents In U.S. Deportation System:
Clara's eldest kid was 6 years old and her youngest just a year old when it happened. Josefina's baby was 9 months. All three children were ripped from their mothers and sent to live in foster homes with strangers. Ref. Source 8
Tijuana concerned about flow of deportees
Illegal immigration is a contentious topic in the United States, but it can be a touchy subject in Mexico too. This is especially true in northern border cities such as Tijuana, which receives hundreds of deportees each day. Ref. Source 2