Two Steps Toward a Sensible Immigration Policy

The New York Times ^ | August 14, 2005 | DAVID BROOKS

[kellynla]

What do you say to the working-class guy from the south side of San Antonio? He feels his wages are stagnating because he has to compete against illegal immigrants. He watches thousands of people streaming across the border, bankrupting his schools and health care system, while he plays by the rules. What do you say to the working-class guy from the south side of San Antonio? He feels his wages are stagnating because he has to compete against illegal immigrants. He watches thousands of people streaming across the border, bankrupting his schools and health care system, while he plays by the rules.

He's no racist. Many of his favorite neighbors are kind, neat and hard-working Latinos. But his neighborhood now has homes with five cars rotting in the front yard and 12 single men living in one house. Now there are loud parties until 2 a.m. and gang graffiti on the walls. He read in the local paper last week that Anglos are now a minority in Texas and wonders if anybody is in charge of this social experiment.

What do you tell him about the immigration system?

He's no racist. Many of his favorite neighbors are kind, neat and hard-working Latinos. But his neighborhood now has homes with five cars rotting in the front yard and 12 single men living in one house. Now there are loud parties until 2 a.m. and gang graffiti on the walls. He read in the local paper last week that Anglos are now a minority in Texas and wonders if anybody is in charge of this social experiment.

What do you tell him about the immigration system?

[Czar]

"There is only one immigration policy that makes sense."

I concur completely.

Hark! The quislings cometh...

[Czar]

Jack Daniels'?

[hispanarepublicana]

No. I prefer clear liquors. I save the carbs for wine.

[Lobbyist]

Wine, beer, scotch, gin, etc., etc., etc. Is it happy hour yet? LOL

[EveningStar]

Previously posted here.