Youngster dreams of returning to Mexico to enjoy the fruits of his labor

Napa News ^ | Sunday, November 23, 2003

[PARodrig]

I think that the problem with illegal immigration is similar to that of the illegal drug trade. We spend most of our energy focusing on the supply without making any real commitment to curbing the demand. Illegal immigrants accept the risks associated with coming to the US to work because it pays for them to do so. We target most of the punitive laws against them (the supply), but do little to punish the people who hire them (the demand). Same things with drugs, we punish drug dealers, but let drug users slide with rehab, after rehab, after rehab.

These farmers who hire illegal immigrants, not only get cheap labor, but many also benefit from government subsidies for their products. This leads you to wonder about the so-called problems of farmers, but that's another subject for another time. Most large farmer, by and far, are pretty well off under such circumstances. Not to mention, contractors, restaurant owners, landscapers, manufacturers, canneries, etc. If you want to discourage the number of illegal aliens coming across the border, there need to be stiffer penalties for their employers. It would be somewhat disingenous for us to lay the whole blame on people who just want to work. We can't really fault people for exploiting the system to their own advantage. How many of us wouldn't do the same, if we could. It's the essence of human nature.

[PARodrig]

ping

[Missouri]

so once they find out about our welfare system that's where they turn.

Fitz, ever since we've come in contact here on FR immigration threads, I can't think of anything I could disagree with you with. You live close to the border and have first-hand knowledge of this problem. I have a question for you considering that you've been on the FR about two years longer than me. Are there more threads now than two years ago about illegal immigration? I'm wondering if the volumn has increased as more people are being educated on this subject or has it always been like this ?

[FITZ]

I think more because people are starting to see some of the cultural changes showing up near them. Plus Vicente Fox changed things a bit because before then no Mexican president made illegal immigration to the USA his central economic policy for Mexico. Fox comes in here demanding "the Whole Enchildada" demanding this and demanding that (complete access to US jobs, health care, eduation and the rest --- but not US punishment for crimes) so his citizens would be more likely to leave their homeland. I think that bothered some people.

[FITZ]

The other thing ---- Fox demanded "the Whole Enchilada" but then when the USA needed his vote after Sept 11 --- he turned against us and said no support from Mexico ---- they want it all but they don't want to give in return.

[Missouri]

Fox demanded "the Whole Enchilada"

This is the impression I get too. He certainly has alot of nerve.

What bothers me more is that our own politicians might give hime "the Whole Enchilada".

So it is safe to say more people are aware of this problem today than two years ago.

[ambrose]

Call the Border Patrol and help this boy fulfill his dream.

[perfect stranger]

Reagan gave 'em a damn big "Enchilada" 20+ years ago to try to fix the problem in California with illegal immigration.

They just like the food at this restaurant. Every few years they will want another "Whole Enchilada" from the 5-star economic cuisine only offered in the USA.

[Missouri]

5-star economic cuisine only offered in the USA.

If amnesty is granted by todays government, the democrats will soon dominate every election after they get these illegals registered to vote. After that, we will have a 1-star economy.

[elli1]

Were this story about a 14 year old American teenager picking grapes, comments would likely alternate between admiration for his maturity, sense of responsibility, work ethic, fore-sightedness, etc. and outcries for enforcement of child labor laws & lamentations about his not being in public school.

[aruanan]

All that untaxed money going south of the border, while citizens/taxpayers of this country pay for social services, health care, etc. for non-taxpaying illegals.

On the other hand, through the use of fake Social Security cards, there are many, many tens of millions of dollars being deducted and sent to Social Security that will never be returned to the ones who paid in, that money then becoming available for all the white widows who will have exhausted within a few years of retirement everything they and their husbands put in back in the days of minuscule FICA taxes.

[SAMWolf]

The politicians jobs aren't in jeopardy, so they don't care about stopping illegal immigration. They even benefit politically from it.