Illegal immigration to U.S. grew by nearly 70 per cent in 12 years

The Drudge Report ^ | Jan 26 2004 | Matt Drudge

[I_Publius]

It could work.

I wonder where one can get hard statistics on how many of those crossing the borders are criminals. If it's higher than 50-75% of those coming here, I think I would agree with you. If not, I would want to consider other options.

[WilliamofCarmichael]

In a move acknowledging the illegal worker problem, U.S. President George W. Bush recently proposed granting undocumented workers, most of whom come from Mexico, temporary work permits.

I think it was Salinas president of Mexico twelve years ago that first proposed Mexico as a nation without borders. A Mexican Diaspora. If not him it was Zedillo who followed Salinas in 1994. Nevertheless at about the same time Jagdish Bhagwati's campaign for a World Migration Organization began. Father of the Bhagwati Tax Proposal it sought taxation by source country; i.e., the extension of income tax jurisdiction to nationals abroad.

This is from an article at

http://gurusonline.tv/uk/conteudos/bhagwati.asp

The article states

"Thus, schemes to encourage remittances are implemented. Dual nationality is increasingly granted, to cement the emotional and practical bonds with the home countries. India and Mexico have embarked on a massive effort to integrate their citizens abroad with their home countries. I [Bhagwati] have proposed for some decades now that the Diaspora must be given both more rights (such as dual nationality) and some obligations. The obligations would primarily include taxation by source country" [end excerpt]

Professor Jagdish Bhagwati is at Columbia U.

IMO this is not about tired, hungry people looking for opportunity. In Mexico's case it's about a corrupt, criminal class exploiting its citizens AND, with our own often corrupt sometimes criminal polticians, exploiting American taxpayers.

ILLEGAL immigration ain't just happening. It could be stopped if our ruling class wanted it stopped.

[HoundsTooth_BP]

I don't think hard statistics like that are available. In fact we do not know exactly how many come in, but people who live on the border complain these illegals rob and trash their ranches routinely. That makes them criminals IMO.

[I_Publius]

You're right. If all 9.5 million illegals are crossing the border and trashing people's ranches, I would be mighty perturbed as well. That's a lot of people crossing.

[lainde]

bttt

[Tacis]

Yeah, but most of the Mexicans from 1993 to 2001 were mules carrying Bill Clinton's personal stuff.

[AmusedBystander]

...found that the number of Mexicans who cross the border illegally every year has grown to more than 1 million. Of that number, only about a third achieve their goal of staying in the United States to work.

The government has passed laws to stop illegals. We need to start enforcing the many laws on the books being broken by US citizens. The problem lies with the business people who hire them illegally. Those are the ones who should be prosecuted. Put them in jail for long periods of time and the problem will vanish. Heck, I can't blame some poor Mexican guy who's just trying to make a living. It's the employer who is raking in illegal profits that is the root of the problem .

[I_Publius]

Don't forget the officials on both sides getting their fair share. Also, the banks on boths sides making big money from the millions that are sent over.

Greed is a huge factor in this equatation.

[gubamyster]

ping

[HoundsTooth_BP]

(Heck, I can't blame some poor Mexican guy who's just trying to make a living.)

I blame the Mexican too. Do you not blame a poor robber who's just trying to make a living?

Too often in this country we excuse someone for breaking the law. The "bleeding hearts" complain that it is the SUV that causes the wreck or the bartender who should be blamed for selling alcohol and letting the person drive drunk.

Where is the personal responsibility? I am not letting businesses off the hook, especially the big ones like Tyson and Wal-Mart, but little guys get burned for hiring illegals where the big ones have plenty of money and a tangled corporation to get the blame pushed off.

[AmusedBystander]

I blame the Mexican too. Do you not blame a poor robber who's just trying to make a living? Too often in this country we excuse someone for breaking the law.

I didn't say that I wouldn't prosecute the fellow, I said I don't blame him. There's a big difference between robbing someone and seeking to better oneself through honest work. Most of these illegals would not attempt to come here if they knew they would not find work.

[st_xavier_bomber]

Illegal immigration is a symptom of failed economic and social policies, not in the US as Bush's plan suggests, but in Mexico.

The Mexican government is one of the last communist regimes afloat. It is very jealous of it's energy sector for reasons that escape reasoning. While there resources are off off limits to us, the 10MM plus Mexicans living in the US are free to tap US energy resrouces. We have also begun to export 5% of our natural gas to Mexico in the past 2 years.

41 had it right - work with Mexico on easing it's state domination of its energy infrastructure. This is an issue of critical importance. It is not even close to being controversial because it is about fairness and freedom. It is time we used everymeans available to end communism in Mexico, whether the little commies like it or not.

[HoundsTooth_BP]

IMO the Mexican is a robber because he comes here and steals jobs that would go to legal people if businesses could not hire a cheaper Mexican. He also gets social services that he does not deserve. These services are paid by taypayers. Their kids go to public schools and they use hospitals without paying, etc. IMO the illegal is a thief.

I agree there is plenty of blame to go around, the governments, businesses, and the illegals.

[4CJ]

IIRC, Georgia has the 3rd highest Latino population of the 50 states, the 2nd highest number of illegals. We're being invaded, and taxed to support them. Ask me if I care.

[billbears]

If NC isn't up there I would be extremely suprised. But we've got a way to deal with criminals and locking down the borders because a Republican sits in the White House....

[dalebert]

We are overun and both political parties are helping it happen.

[4CJ]

But we've got a way to deal with criminals and locking down the borders because a Republican sits in the White House....

That took an oath to defend this country ...

[FITZ]

Obviously not many intend to buy their own health insurance ---- that's one of the biggest problems, they are leading us to Socialized medicine fast. For now they are given freebies over Americans --- I'm not sure the reason for that. You see them in the financial aid lines --- not speaking a word of English in many of the colleges and universities. It's a joke around here --- you almost won't see Americans getting financial aid.

[Merdoug]

Nothing to see here,....move along,.....Bush is always right,...

[Ff--150]

Don't forget the officials on both sides getting their fair share. Also, the banks on boths sides making big money from the millions that are sent over.

Good! I had faith in you! Now then follow the money from the banks on both sides to a certain Street that is frozen as we speak, and you are on the trail of who actually runs this nation. YEA!