Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Do undocumented workers hurt or help the economy?
U.S. Catholic ^ | February 14, 2012 | Father Tom Joyce CMF

Posted on 02/15/2012 2:37:40 PM PST by moonshinner_09

This has always been the chicken-and-egg question over unauthorized immigration. And the answer usually reflects where a person stands on immigration. Opponents are quick to argue that undocumented workers take jobs from the poor, while advocates respond most American workers don’t want those jobs. Opponents come back – suddenly advocates for labor unions and decent wages – that unemployed workers would snap up the jobs if they paid better. The advocates point to the fact that these are often back-breaking, dirty jobs that even desperate unemployed workers would never touch. Opponents reply that some of those jobs aren’t all that bad. Besides, the opponents argue, there the public costs – schools, hospitals, prisons – to which advocates answer that undocumented worker contribute more in taxes than they receive in benefits.

The argument goes on and on that no ones’ satisfaction. Both sides often will wrap their arguments in science, providing evidence that seems to make their points. My bias, of course, is usually on the side of the advocates. Their research is more rigorous and comprehensive, though I admit I've been impressed by some of the evidence opponents point to. The Center for Immigration Studies is often quoted in the press as a foil to more immigrant friendly academia, yet they are tied informally to Numbers USA – an organization that doesn’t even like legal immigrants.

(Excerpt) Read more at uscatholic.org ...


TOPICS: Politics; Religion
KEYWORDS: aliens; catholic; immigration
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-28 last
To: goseminoles

And they are back at five to but Buttweiser.


21 posted on 02/15/2012 4:19:03 PM PST by csmusaret (I have kleptomania, but when it gets too bad I take something.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: csmusaret

True!!! Lol!! But so am I.. ;0)


22 posted on 02/15/2012 4:24:45 PM PST by goseminoles
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: moonshinner_09
This has always been the chicken-and-egg question over unauthorized immigration

Stopped right there.
23 posted on 02/15/2012 4:45:14 PM PST by SJSAMPLE
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: moonshinner_09

This is a lay person’s private perspective on immigration not an examination of Catholic teaching.

Immigration is one of those issues that we are to exercise prudent judgement in forming public policy. That judgement must be consistent with Catholic teaching. We are not obligated to reach the same conclusion on how to have a just immigration policy that preserves human dignity. But we are obligated to remember that even illegal immigrants should be treated humanely. Humane treatment does not exclude civil or criminal penalties proportionate to the offense, including deportation.


24 posted on 02/15/2012 11:25:52 PM PST by lastchance ("Nisi credideritis, non intelligetis" St. Augustine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: moonshinner_09

I should have clarified that by “we” I meant Catholics and not the whole of the US electorate.


25 posted on 02/15/2012 11:26:47 PM PST by lastchance ("Nisi credideritis, non intelligetis" St. Augustine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Sgt_Schultze

If farmers and businesses are unable to find local workers and have to hire illegal immigrants that tells me the problem is with the guest worker program which should be allowing the enough of the needed workers in on a temporary basis. So maybe instead of claiming we need to open up the borders willy nilly we should find out why enough legal workers are not being allowed into the country.


26 posted on 02/15/2012 11:29:58 PM PST by lastchance ("Nisi credideritis, non intelligetis" St. Augustine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: moonshinner_09

Just the fact that illegal aliens two favorite past times are soccer and drunk driving should answer this question.


27 posted on 02/15/2012 11:36:57 PM PST by Eaker (Remember, the enemy tends to wise up at the least convenient moments.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: cripplecreek

Wonderful bit of history.....Patrick Henry still sstirs my soul

“Men cry Peace! Peace! but there is no peace.....”


28 posted on 02/16/2012 6:10:40 AM PST by Nifster
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-28 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson