A Writer's Thoughts on Illegal Immigration

Quite often I browse Associated Content to read what is being said by different writers. I find not only food for thought, but things of interest to comment on, and articles I feel need more clarification. Today, I read with great interest Paul Barron's dissertation on illegal immigration. Although I agree with much of what Paul has to say, I also believe that more information is needed, and there should be rebuttal on some of his points.

Paul's article was well written, and I have no issues with his commentary. He points out the strain on our social and welfare system, particularly in California. He points to the shortfalls in California, and the problems caused by illegal immigrants who are sucking up the welfare dollars of that state in Medicare, social services, and the cost of feeding and housing this population. Indeed, it is a strain on any state's budget. Even here in Michigan, we see evidence of this in greater proportions each year. We have to ask ourselves why this happens.

Every year, illegal immigrants enter the country to work. Many stay here illegally. When I lived in California in the 60's, it was an issue even then. Many young Mexican women came over the border just to have their babies in bus stations and shopping malls in San Diego, allowing their baby to be born an American citizen. That was 45 years ago, and I am sure the problem has gotten worse since then. Why do these people cross? The answer to that can be found in the orchards, fruit and vegetable fields, and even in the homes of the wealthy. It is a sad fact that many people refuse to do the jobs that these illegal immigrants will gladly do, for less than favorable wages. The opportunities are not in their homelands, they are here. Social reform must include the many legal citizens that are on welfare and not working.

Mr. Barron also suggests that we only allow people into the country with higher education, to fill the needs of high tech job opportunities. This is all well and good, but you can bet your bottom dollar that we would most certainly hear the ACLU screaming all the way to Washington. Let one in, let them all. The US Constitution declares that no one can enter the country illegally, but once here, they are given full protection under the law. Screening immigrants would be like trying to stop the border crossings each day - a near impossible job.

Several of Mr. Barron's comments I sincerely believe in. I do not think an illegal immigrant should receive full benefit of our country's resources, and put a huge strain on our government's ability to care for our own. They are here, after all, illegally. There is a process to follow, and if a citizen of another nation wishes to take advantage of this, then I am in full support. To think that we can, as a nation, safeguard all of our borders, is ludicrous to the extreme. It cannot be done, nor will it ever be accomplished. Paul shows concern about security, and I am in his corner here. We need to protect our own citizenry before we show concern for others. One only needs to think back on 9/11, and know how much our country is at risk. I wrote on my blog today about the fact that 25 percent of US Muslims feel that suicide bombing is justified, and this fact shakes me to the core.

For our country to be truly great, we must decide once and for all, with no concessions to either side, what we will do regarding illegal immigration. Certainly, as Mr. Barron states, it is a huge problem. It won't go away by turning our heads when in many of our homes, the nanny, grounds keeper, or cook is an illegal immigrant that works for a pittance. We must take full responsibility for our own labor force, and see to it that those who are here are in the country legally, follow our laws, and work to become American citizens. We can feel no pity for the huge truck farmers who need this help, and are unwilling to pay a decent wage so that American citizens can work. There can be no recessions for religion, language, or cultural differences. America should come first.