Thread: BARR: Border first

BARR: Border first

Regain control of immigration
Bob Barr
Saturday, September 6, 2008


AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES Libertarian party presidential hopeful Bob Barr should be included in the presidential debates scheduled for Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain, according to a majority of respondents in a nationwide survey.

America is a nation of immigrants, but the process of assimilation has broken down. Although immigration provides economic benefits, it also affects America´s cultural and national identity. Immigration reform must begin with securing the border. Our primary obligation is to protect American citizens.

The United States has been enriched by immigrants from around the world. Free immigration remains an attractive ideal, but is impossible with the expensive and expansive nanny state that we´ve created.

What long made immigration work so well was America´s famed melting pot—and the absence of any welfare state. People who came to America wanted to become Americans. They came for economic opportunities, not government benefits. The result was a stronger America.

Today, however, the U.S. government has lost control of its borders. While too many people come illegally, we accept too few legal immigrants. Rather than consciously decide who should be welcomed as new citizens, citizenship is bestowed on anyone who happens to be born in the U.S. Current policy is a mess.

The federal government first must regain control over the nation´s border. Only then will the U.S. be able to deal with threats of terrorism and infectious diseases, as well as implement a consistent immigration policy. Effective enforcement is more important than a physical fence.

Next, we must eliminate government benefits for immigrants. As economist Milton Friedman observed, “It´s just obvious that you can´t have free immigration and a welfare state.â€

While sharply reducing the number of people who enter the U.S. illegally, we should expand legal immigration

IMO, Barr misses the mark by a country mile on this one. We already take in more legal immigrants than any other country in the world. Personally, I think we need to reduce legal immigration. Heck, we already take in more than 1 million legal immigrants a year, isn't that enough?

Finally, there should be no amnesty. While there should be no intrusive round-up of illegal immigrants, anyone hoping to get a green card or citizenship should have to register and get in line with everyone else. To provide for citizenship without consequence for past law-breaking would encourage continued illegal immigration, in the hopes of winning a similar, future amnesty.

I honestly believe Mr. Barr's definition of amnesty is different that ours. He believes that we can't round up all the illegals so the only option is to provide them with a path to citizenship. I heard him say this during an interview with Boortz on the radio. His strong on most issues but he would support allowing the illegals currently residing in the United States a path to citizenship. However, like many others we hear from, he doesn't like to call it amnesty.

If Barr were to correct the two problems I identified above, he would be a great candidate. However, that wouldn't change the fact that his chance of become President of the United States this year is zippo.

Oops, almost forgot:

Effective enforcement is more important than a physical fence.

Maybe but a fence is also very important (Duncan Hunter's double-layered version). Is Barr saying he doesn't support a fence?

Additonally, what exactly is Barr's definition of enforcement? He's already said he doesn't support illegal immigrant raids.

The man is certainly well versed in political speak.

I agree, I kinda think Mr. Barr is tapdancing around here. He falls short of speaking the harsh truths that need to be spoken.

We are not a nation of immigrants - I'm tired of that. When I see that spoken, I realize that the person is trying to have it both ways - trying to placate the illegals and their lobbyists and get the vote of the American people.

I don't think we need to issue any more HB visas. My goodness, are Americans just helpless, ignorant dolts - incapable of being educated to do these jobs?

Ever wonder if the reason our kids are not being property educated is because they don't want an educated America - they want to import foreign labor - legally and illegally. Before this country can be 'globalized', the citizens must be brought to their knees. I think that is what is happening.

How long does it take to educate someone for these tech jobs? Why doesn't our government rather than aid and abet the importation of foreign workers, identify the needs in these industries and help colleges create programs to educate our own people.

No, I don't think we need to increase legal immigration. I think we need to revamp the system.

I remember during the Clinton administration, they discussed paying medical schools to NOT graduate doctors. It seemed they thought we had too many doctors in America. Now we hear that we must import doctors.
Insanity!!!!

I'm not a fan of the fence - because I don't think it will ever be built. Certainly, I don't think one will be built that will work. That's not the goal of the government - never has been and as long as we keep voting the same people back in office, it never will be.

But if a fence would help - build it. The real thing we need to do, however, is enforce our laws. All of them. These made-for-tv raids are not getting us anywhere.

If the government began prosecuting the employers in a way that really hurts, if freebies were cut off, if tax laws, insurance laws, DL laws, etc., were enforced - the illegals would go home on their own. If they had to begin paying taxes, if they didn't get the freebies, if those pickups and SUV's got impounded - this country would not be quite as attractive to them.

Although, I have always like to hear Mr. Barr say, 'That's just silly!'

Finally, there should be no amnesty. While there should be no intrusive round-up of illegal immigrants, anyone hoping to get a green card or citizenship should have to register and get in line with everyone else.

Uhh wrong, we DEMAND that all illegal aliens be rounded-up and deported! He's no different than the other two. "Everyone else" are waiting in line in their OWN countries, NOT here!