Thread: CA-SOB - Viewpoints: Governor's immigration tune changes

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Viewpoints: Governor's immigration tune changes

By Ruben Navarrette Jr.

Published: Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 - 12:00 am

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is usually a kinder, gentler Republican when it comes to immigrants. So what a shame that Schwarzenegger would, in his recent State of the State address, spread a familiar half-truth about the economics of illegal immigration by stressing the costs while ignoring the benefits.

This isn't the Arnold we knew.

In 2007, Schwarzenegger called President George W. Bush "very courageous" for pursuing immigration reform that included a pathway to earned legalization for the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

In 2008, during a meeting with the editorial board of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Schwarzenegger insisted that the United States has long struggled with the immigration issue in part because "there is always a certain percentage of people who just don't like foreigners."

And in 2009, during another meeting with the Union-Tribune, Schwarzenegger disputed the claim that California was in distress because it provides services to illegal immigrants. He said the undocumented contribute to the state's economy by working in hard-to-staff industries.

Schwarzenegger could have mentioned some of that in his State of the State address. Instead, he started arguing that California has been shortchanged. He claimed that the state gets only 78 cents back from the federal government for every dollar it sends to Washington. One reason the economic picture is grim, he said, is that "Californians carry a special burden since we are a border state."

Uh, oh. Here comes the red meat.

Schwarzenegger said that the federal government – while responsible for controlling the border – is "not even funding a 50-50 split of the costs of undocumented immigrants." Claiming his state is owed billions of dollars for providing social programs, education and health care and other services to illegal immigrants, he vowed to fight for reimbursement.

As part of his proposed budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year, Schwarzenegger is asking for $6.9 billion in federal funds to help close a $20 billion deficit.

In doing this, Schwarzenegger perpetuates the fiction that illegal immigration is something that was done to California when, in reality, it is something that the state did to itself. It's true that California has more illegal immigrants. But that's because it has more than its share of employers who hire illegal immigrants. Those employers make payrolls and support families. And they pay taxes. When their businesses do well, the state does well.

Take agriculture, where much of the labor force is illegal, as farming leaders have acknowledged. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the state's 88,000 farms and ranches make up a nearly $37 billion industry that also generates at least $100 billion in related economic activity.

These are the benefits that Schwarzenegger talked about in last year's meeting with the Union-Tribune. And that's what he forgot to mention in his screed against federal mandates.

Meanwhile, I remember something else the governor mentioned during his visit.

"I think it's very important that we always correct (misinformation) and talk about how the reality works," Schwarzenegger said. "Because when you get asked, 'Isn't it the illegal immigrants who caused this budget problem and this budget mess and why we have a $24 billion budget crisis?' you've got to go and tell people, 'That is not so.' "

Now, Schwarzenegger is singing a different tune and implying that illegal immigrants are a drain on California.

Sorry, governor. That is not so.


http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/story/246 ... ss=Opinion

Oh thank God, Arnold woke up.

Now, Schwarzenegger is singing a different tune and implying that illegal immigrants are a drain on California.

If it weren't true, why is Cali losing so many LEGAL tax paying citizens? If it weren't true, why have all the tourist dollars dried up? I used to love going to the track in Cali, now I won't set foot in the State.

Illegals have sucked up MORE benefits than they could repay ( if they were so inclined, which we know they are not) in several lifetimes. Too bad he didn't see this when he first came into office!

Originally Posted by Richard

Oh thank God, Arnold woke up.

Exactly! Only took 8 years!

It's ABOUT TIME SCHWARZENEGGER OPENED HIS EYES!!! SHEESH!!!

Eventually the illegal aliens in California will be its complete downfall unless they get a Governor there who will put his foot down, and hard. Maybe Arnie is awakening a little.

What has he got to lose? His term is almost over. Too little too late in my opinion. But then, I am a lifelong native and I've become a bit jaded.

Exactly why I left California.........

Now, Schwarzenegger is singing a different tune and implying that illegal immigrants are a drain on California.

Sorry, governor. That is not so.

Saying it ain't so does not make it NOT so. The $100 billion ag industry figure seems to be pulled out of thin air. And this pseudo-pundit has not mentioned actual costs of incarceration, medical care, education, food stamps, etc., that so many illegals require for their upkeep, while they remain "in the shadows" while driving without licenses adding more congestion to the roads, engaging in prostitution and gang activity, distributing drugs and other mayhem.
While all illegals cannot be washed with the same brush, neither can patriotic American citizens be convinced that these folks are only here to work. Do they pay income taxes and contribute, rather than take, from our country? Or do they send remittances home, depriving us of much-needed cash? It seems the only ones getting rich, outside the employers, are the remittance companies.

Schwarzenegger said that the federal government – while responsible for controlling the border – is "not even funding a 50-50 split of the costs of undocumented immigrants." Claiming his state is owed billions of dollars for providing social programs, education and health care and other services to illegal immigrants, he vowed to fight for reimbursement.

It shouldn't even be a 50-50 split! Our federal govermnet should secure the border so we are not paying a single dime for these invaders!

SicNTiredInSoCal wrote:
What has he got to lose? His term is almost over. Too little too late in my opinion. But then, I am a lifelong native and I've become a bit jaded.

Hard not to be a bit jaded when our state has been essentially conquered by illegals and their supporters! Hard not to be discouraged when day after day, I drive by the same barrio, with 20-30(at least) illegal invaders loitering about on the street corner and in front of their ramshackle apartments - selling something I presume!

This despite the fact the city has posted signs that say no solicitiation and a police sub-station not less than 500 yards away, that IGNORES this willful violation of a city ordinance day after day after day!

Yea...I hear you SNT! Hard not to be a bit jaded!