I agree absolutely about our many levels of government that are actually expanding the “immigration” problem with their handouts. As Ronaldus Magnus said - Government IS the problem (for so many things!)
And I agree with Michelle Malkin who says the idea of “deporation” is a red herring. This accusation is just to make conservatives look mean.
If our border is tight, if jobs are given only to American citizens (or valid guest workers), no banking or drivers’ licenses without proof of citizenship, and all welfare is halted (medical, education, ssi, food stamps, housing assistance) vitually all illegal residents would drift back home (where most of them DID have jobs by the way...but at less per hour.)
I have to admit that when I watch the hostile, racist, ungrateful behavior of masses of protesting “hispanics” in my American streets, I feel I really don’t want any more immigration in my country at all. But meeting people one on one, I have sadness that their country, primarily Mexico, is so corrupt. However they are responsible for making it better. Everyone in the world cannot come live here because of problems, and Americans are not “bad” for pointing this out.
When I think of Mexico, I see thousands of miles of beautiful beaches just perfect for tourism, a warm climate for crops, there are good natural resources and products - these people have no reason for such poverty - it’s just their horrible governemnt. Who can save them? ONLY they, themselves. We know how hard it is - look at how out of control OUR government is!
No, Mexcio, Cenral America, South America - I think they have the possibility of wonderful economies - but it will take work. Unfortunately many have leaders who tell them to come here, that WE owe THEM.
And one further point - I believe that the only people who should be determining the level of immigration into a country are her citizens. They can have much, some, or none. And it is their decision only. I am sick and tired of hearing foreigners telling us how much immigration we “must” have. Or that we have had too little. Nonsense. Button up and go tend to your own affairs.
I agree, these places in Latin America could be wonderful. Calderon is working hard on Mexico but it’s going to take a long time because the situation there has been allowed to be so bad for so long. Fox was awful, and it was depressing to think that he was the first “conservative” party president elected in 70 years.
I think these countries, particularly Mexico, which is NOT a poor country, should take more responsibility for their emigrants. If there were some cost to them to having their entire working-age population flee, they might sit up and take notice. But the economies in these places do not, in most cases, function on the basis of productivity, but on the distribution of benefits from state-owned properties (such as oil franchises, copper, natural gas, etc.). Naturally, most of the benefits go to the members of the government and the already wealthy handful who own the land, the oil refinery, or whatever. It’s not a lot different from the Middle East in some places. And while the wealthy invest the money, they usually do so in international businesses or something that is also not that productive for their own country. The people are not starving, since they seem to be given just enough to stay alive, but on the other hand, there is no economic progress for them and no chance of doing much more than surviving.
I do think somebody has got to put pressure on these countries, particularly Mexico: for example, bill them for the health care received by their citizens in this country, or even for the education or other benefits. That would certainly stimulate them to get a grip on the situation!