Thread: Why we need to guard the borders

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Why we need to guard the borders


Common Sense
By NICK SLOAN
Special to the Kansan

When the Bush Administration announced its new policy on illegal aliens and trying to reduce the number of them, I had two thoughts myself. The first thought was about time. Moments later, I thought if this was really the right strategy.

It seems that the new plan only deals with existing illegal aliens, not potential new ones. Both the Mexican and Canadian policies have long been a disgrace. It didn't start with this administration to be fair. It's an ongoing problem that needs to be fixed.

The fact is that both parties have put politics above the border issue and national security. Members of the Republican party and the Democratic party jump at the source for cheap labor and to increase their voting base.

However, this is an issue that I believe could turn into a wedge issue that both parties could benefit from. The GOP promotes themselves as the party of national security and defense. To make the promotion true, the leadership of the GOP should start cracking down on illegal immigration. If airport security no-fly lists can have children on them, you would think there could be a more intense effort on the border. It's a national issue of security, which Republicans effectively used in the 2002 and 2004 elections, and nothing's been done.

The Democrats like to promote themselves as the party for the "little guy." The Left could keep that promise and protect labor in America and prevent businesses from using cheap labor.

A recent story caught my eye about cheap labor and immigration. There are reports that illegal aliens are working in the rebuilding process of New Orleans. Now, I know some jobs will only be done by illegal immigrants. However, I believe that those jobs should go to the victims of the Hurricane.

If they are willing to work, why not?

It would be a start to rebuilding their lives as well.

Shouldn't Democrats be jumping all over this?

Both parties have not responded and they are looking like hypocrites in what they promote.

In regards to effecting the minority voting base, I found a poll that would shock a lot of politicians. A Zogby poll taken in the summer of 2005, revealed that 81 percent of this country believes we should enforce security more at the borders. According to the poll, the greatest opponents of illegal immigration are not whites. The greatest opponents are blacks, women and those with household incomes below $75,000.

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, 10.4 million illegal aliens currently live in the United States. The same source also indicates that there will be 500,000 additional illegal aliens entering the United States this year.

Now, I am not against those who enter that nation illegally.

Who can blame anyone that enters the country, looking for work and supporting their families?

The country of Mexico has failed to do that for them.

Who can blame anyone for wanting the "American Dream?"

The economy is affected by illegal immigration as well. According to the Federation of American Immigration Reform, it costs nearly $9 billion each year due to California's three million illegal immigrants. Those are just statistics on California's illegal alien situation. It doesn't include other southern states such as New Mexico, Arizona or Texas.

That is not the only billion dollar effect on the federal government's budget. The Center of Immigration Studies has reported that illegal aliens cost the federal government $10 billion more every year than they pay in taxes. That is $19 billion that we could spend on a worthless bridge in Alaska.

Oh wait, let me get back on topic.

When you stick the word "illegal" next to another word that alone implies that something is wrong.

Maybe I'm wrong but we try to cut down on stuff illegal in this country, shouldn't we do the same with the borders?

Once again, let me imply something that's very important. I am pro-immigration. My family came from Germany and Luxemburg. I know several people whose families came from countries such as Italy, Iran and Mexico. Immigration is what helped build this country in its history.

If you want to come to America in order to find the American Dream, come on over. However, the American government should make sure that the process is legally done. Whether we need to expand the National Guard in guarding the border or if we should expand the local law enforcement's role, it needs to be done.

Both Democrats and Republicans have reasons to help reinforce the borders. However, neither side has taken an effective lead on the process.

Nick Sloan is a reporter for The Kansan. He can be reached at nicks@kansascitykansan.com

Nick--you write for the Kansan. I assume you are from Kansas. You don't even have enough water in Kansas for the population you've got now. That's right. I'm originally from Missouri with all the water. You're trying to get ours because you've used all yours up. Now you want to say "Come on Over, but Do It Legally". Okay, we'll send them all to Kansas. Now...where are you going to get water for your exploding population? Give them yours? You don't have any to give. Now what?

Give it up on this "I was an immigrant and now everyone should be able to come to the USA". You don't owe anyone anything just because you were an immigrant.

I'm so sick of this "We're a Land of Immigrants" I could PUKE.

WE were a land of settlers. That's when we progressed, advanced, became the greatest nation on earth.

Now, we're a land of immigrants on the water slide to the mud and mess of a merger with the Third World thanks to this "We're a Land of Immigrants" GUILT MYTH.

Give it up or SHUT UP!!