A Word on the Immigration ThingEveryone has an opinion on this, it seems. You didn't ask for mine, but this is my site so I am going to give it to you anyway.
First, we can't deny that there are millions of undocumented people living here that over the years have found a way to enter the country illegally. We MUST find a way to deal with this issue. Simply calling them felons and either jailing them or sending them back to their own countries are not the answers. First, because we simply don't have the means to find everyone, and punishing a few thousand a year just for form seems a bit ridiculous. Second, because we don't have the jail space to house the new felons that would be created by such a law. True, fully 20% of the people caught committing crimes and currently in our prison system are illegal aliens and there is no doubt that there are crimes committed by this "unseen" population, making every illegal alien a felon is not the answer.
Even though...they DID commit a crime and I believe they should be penalized for it.
Okay, so we all know there are issues and now you know I think that making them felons is not the answer. The resource drain that would result would deplete much needed manpower and funds from National Security.
So here's what I think, in a list (I like lists):
1. If illegal aliens honestly are here just to work, let's let them. Work, that is, not continue to come here illegally. However, let's require that they register and get a card saying they're allowed to work here legally. Then, if they can show they are working toward citizenship, learning how to speak, read and write English, are paying their taxes and keeping out of trouble, let's continue to let them work.
Note: Here's why I don't think this will happen even though it should. Business leaders don't want this to happen because they are currently getting hard work out of these people, paying them a very low wage, and they don't have to pay medical or workers comp for this unseen workforce. Shame, really. Because not only would we increase tax revenue from those that make enough to pay them, we would also defray health costs for illegal aliens currently taking advantage of free health care.
2. As these people entered the country illegally, they should be penalized for that. How about making them wait a certain number of years extra to gain their citizenship so they have to get in line behind those who enter the country legally and play by the rules? Seems fair to me. A good middle ground. We don't ruin people's lives by jailing them or deporting them, but we do ensure they are not put before law-abiding green card-carrying citizens.
3. Kids should not be penalized for the decisions made by their parents. I say it's OK to give kids that entered the country illegally with their parents a free education, free school meals, and free medical care. However...this should be given with getting something back....like getting their parents registered, making sure they pay taxes if they can afford them, and ensure they are working toward their citizenship. Also, all non-English speaking kids should be REQUIRED to learn how to read, write and speak the language so we can redirect resources currently being used for bilingual education elsewhere. We are setting these kids up for failure if we don't force the issue and ensure they know the language when they the enter society as an adult.
4. People with expired visas? They need to be found and deported. End of story. If they were legitimate they would have done the proper paperwork to get their visas extended so they could continue their education or work or whatever it is they're doing here. I really don't understand why we don't keep better track of visa-holders. We don't know where many of these people are living or what they're doing, even when the visas are current. Something should really be done about that.
5. A big fence? When has this EVER worked, anywhere? People always find a way around them. A bigger challenge, for sure. But desperate people somehow always find a way overcome these types of challenges if they really want to. Besides, even if we build the fence we can't monitor it. So why waste the money and manpower to build it? Other than for politicians to show they're "doing" something?
So there's my take on what we should do with the illegal aliens, their kids, and people with expired visas who really shouldn't be here.
But this is a highly politicized issue. It is certain that whatever solution they come up with it will not please anybody 100%. However, it's my hope that the solution at least addresses some of the issues and moves us a step further toward a more secure country.
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Comments
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If I moved to Italy (or any other country) I would fully expect to contribute to that country financially and learn the language.
It's one thing to hold traditions and ethnic values dear to your heart and pass them down to future generations. Keep your language, but learn the language of the country and USE IT. It should be a requirement.
This country was born from a blend of different cultures, races, ethnicities, languages, etc. But they blended into one general language with a few nuances (north, south, dialect, etc). No reason that shouldn't continue.
But I'm preachin' to the choir here! LOL!
Posted by: Kris on April 4, 2006 08:59 AM
Hard to find anything to disagree with here! Very sensible list. I especially agree with helping the kids and making them learn English.
Posted by: Paul on April 3, 2006 08:32 AM
Get outa my brain girl. I was just talking about all of this w/ Liz the other night. Did you tap my phone??
Posted by: buffi on April 2, 2006 11:50 PM
I agree with most of your list, Peaches - especially about not penalizing the children of illegal immigrants.
Illegal immigrants aren't the only folks not being paid enough to really support themselves and their families, get medical coverage, etc... but it's much easier for employers to take advantage of undocumented workers.
I'm here from Michele's.
Posted by: Kimberly on April 2, 2006 02:22 PM
