Thread: Illegal and Uncontrolled Immigration

Illegal and uncontrolled immigration is one of the most important issues facing this nation now.
U.S. immigration policy needs to be revised and the necessary tools and resources provided to enable federal agencies to enforce the law, to go after law breaking employers that profit by exploiting those same illegal immigrants, and to secure the borders.
Only then should a “guest worker” program be considered, based on a thorough analysis of what skills are needed and the total number of jobs that are truly required.
As an immigrant myself, I dismiss the notion that because we are a nation of immigrants we do not have the right and responsibility to regain control of our borders or that advocating limiting the number of people migrating to the U.S. somehow equates to racism.
This country is a nation of immigrants. For the last couple of centuries, people from all over the world have come to North America looking for freedom and the desire to share that American dream. New immigrants, armed with unfulfilled aspirations, new ideas and lots of tenacity, have been a major contributor to propelling this country into becoming the leader of the world of nations.
New immigrants will continue to be a key factor in the future of the United States, by contributing new ideals and by reinvigorating our democratic institutions with their appreciation of freedom that so many of us take for granted.
New immigrants will play a major and positive role in the future of America, uncontrolled and illegal immigration will not.
It is not an issue that we can wait to deal with any longer.
The United States is not the same country of the 19th century. There is no longer a moving frontier to absorb large numbers of immigrants. The U.S. is a mature country now, with established institutions, and is unified around common history and ideals. It is a country with roots and with a heritage. Even though the American culture is always changing, it is nonetheless very much unique to the people of this land. And we should all be proud of it.
A steady and continuous flow of immigrants from different cultures will help maintain diversity and dynamism. Large and uncontrolled mass exodus into this country will put a strain on American institutions, local communities and more importantly put at risk those very American ideals and principles which are the very glue holding this nation together. Equally important, by not being able to provide the best assistance to new immigrants, they will be driven and condemned to be part of a growing underclass.
People everywhere have the right to pursue freedom and better economic opportunities by trying to migrate to other countries, if their own does not guarantee these very basic principles. But countries around the world also have the right and the obligation to protect the welfare of their own people, their culture and social stability, by limiting and controlling the influx of immigrants. (Most countries currently do uphold this obligation).
Also to consider; in many instances, as history has shown, by allowing a mass exodus from a particular country, we are also denying the people left behind the opportunity for change. By letting those unhappy with a regime or economic policies migrate, tyrant and/or politically corrupt nations reduce the chances of effective opposition and secure, even stronger, their grip and exploitation of the ones left behind. In some cases the first ones to escape turmoil are the professionals, the nonconformists, the very ones with the capital, skills, and drive to induce reform.
It is sad and shameful, for example, that the main cornerstone of Mexican President Fox’s strategy to fix Mexico’s problems is to export them, because he and the political class in that country lack the fortitude and political will to make the changes required. Mexico is a country rich in natural resources, hard working people, a strong tourist industry and greatly benefiting from NAFTA which has triggered high growth on foreign investment. There is no excuse why Mexico can not take its place among the world’s prosperous nations.
We should not accept the notion that we do not have the right and obligation to regain control of our borders. Nor should we accept the argument that our system needs the exploitation of cheap labor to survive. That argument was not valid in the time of slavery and it is not valid now.
We also cannot agree with the idea that because 11 million illegal immigrants are already here the only thing to be done is to provide amnesty, instead of effectively going after those businesses that profit by breaking the law.
And, no Senator Kennedy, this is not a Civil rights issue. By trying to make it so, it is insulting to the suffering of African Americans that were brought to this continent against their will, in chains as slaves. Illegal immigrants, even if driven by economic hardship, came here, breaking the law, by their own choice.
It should be very disturbing to all, the protests staged by illegal immigrants all across the country in recent weeks, demanding amnesty and a path to citizenship while carrying flags from their countries of origin. Is American citizenship just something of convenience while they passionately and openly profess their loyalty to a foreign nation? Is this the type of nation we want to pass on to our children?
Let’s join illegal immigrants in demanding economic and political reform in those countries that have failed to provide their own people with basic opportunities.
National security (terrorists holding a U.S. passport while also carrying one of their own country of origin) and attaining American citizenship as simply an economic convenience, are two key factors for us to question the wisdom of allowing dual citizenship and giving them the right to vote.
It is time for Americans to demand action in controlling immigration. Let’s not take our frustration on illegal immigrants themselves, but on businesses that profit by breaking the law and on congress that has failed for the last 30 years to protect our borders. Let’s make clear to anyone running for office, regardless of political affiliation, that we will only support at election time, those that have the courage to take the necessary action to defend the sovereignty of this nation.

ALIPAC should make well known to members of congress that a list of everyone supporting amnesty will be made available in the internet and this list will be promoted every two years for those seeking re-election in their home states/districts. The issue will not go away for them if the amnesty bill comes to pass.