One Reporter’s Opinion – Attrition Can Replace Amnesty

Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:03 PM

By: George Putnam


It is this reporter's opinion that we are winning a few battles on the immigration front. The public outrage at the prospect of amnesty for illegals led to the defeat of the Senate immigration bill last June and it might be the end of Bush’s dream for comprehensive immigration reform.


Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, is optimistic. He is also a realist and supports tighter controls on immigration. But Krikorian points out that among our victories are the Real ID Act, the Secure Fence Act of 2006, and growing efforts at state and local levels.


More illegals are actually going home leading to improved conditions for American workers and our communities. Krikorian says stepped-up enforcement leads to attrition and that’s the real alternative to amnesty.


It is beginning to work. Arizona reports illegals are actually leaving the state in anticipation of Arizona’s tough new immigration rules.


Something is happening in Massachusetts where Brazilian illegals are quietly packing up and leaving. Then there’s that Pennsylvania town, Hazleton. They are in the forefront of the resistance to illegal immigration. When Hazleton created the nation’s first ordinance aimed at driving away illegals, thousands apparently packed up and left too.


These developments are improving the economic bargaining power of our less skilled American workers. At Greeley, Colo., a whole line of applicants came forth to fill jobs vacated by illegal workers, after raids by federal agents on illegals at the Swift & Company meat processing plant.


In Bedford, Mass., it was “out the doorâ€